Courtney's convoy, two sleek and black cars with tinted windows, awaited them outside the restaurant. The bodyguards followed immediately.One of them opened the door for Antonio with a bow, but Antonio asked Courtney to climb in first."A true gentleman, huh?"She teased him."Not now please".Antonio replied, already done with hyperactive Courtney.She laughed as she climbed in, then Antonio followed. The door shut behind them with a solid thud.The bodyguards were in the other car, while Antonio and Courtney were in the one In Front.As the car engine hummed to life, Antonio leaned back in his seat, his jaw clenched, staring out the window, his phone vibrating in his hand, deep in thought.Courtney, seated beside him, stole a glance at him then down to his phone, he was dialing Hinata's number.He must be worried for her sake.She pulled out her phone and began making arrangements for their departure."We'll go straight to the airport. My jet's on standby," she informed Antonio.
"We're fine, Antonio. But... Why do you ask? You sound worried. What's going on, son?"Lucas asked curiously.Antonio hesitated for a moment, trying to push down the fear gnawing at him. He couldn't tell them the truth, no need to. He couldn't drag them into the chaos of his past life. He will explain later, not now.So, he swallowed hard and forced himself to lie. "It's nothing, really. I just... I had a nightmare. A bad one. I was worried about you both. I apologize for calling because of something as silly as this."Lucas chuckled softly, clearly reassured. "Ah, a nightmare, huh? Don't worry about us, Antonio. We're doing great. Gabi's cooking up a storm like always, and we were just talking about how much we miss you. When I saw your call, I thought my son would visit soon, but it gladdens my heart that you care about us this deeply, too".Antonio smiled despite the tension in his chest. "I miss you both, too. I just wanted to hear your voices. It... it makes me feel better."
“I tried to stop him, Angela, I really did. But he’s made up his mind.”Angela's voice trembled.“No, no… Courtney, why are you letting him do this? Why are you letting him risk his life? How did Damon know about Hinata…this could be a set-up…he is not going to win a fight against Damon…please, you need to stop him."Courtney glanced at Antonio, who remained stoic.“Angela, believe me. I told him all these, I tried to warn him," she said softly, “but you know how stubborn he can be. He’s determined, and I can’t force him to stay.”Angela let out a shaky breath, trying to hold back her tears. “Please, Courtney… please do everything possible to keep him safe. No matter what happens, promise me he will be fine, I can't live anymore… If anything happens to him.”“You really care about him so much, Angela, I wish he could see that. Even after everything… even after he broke your heart… You still care about him. You can’t stand the thought of him getting hurt”.Courtney said intentionally
Although Courtney wanted to keep Antonio a secret, the issue with Hinata had already exposed his existence.The airport was buzzing with crowds, most of them the media, swarming in hopes of catching a glimpse of the famous Montero heir rumored to be returning after years of being presumed dead.Fan girls were there to welcome him, crying in excitement and holding up a cardboard paper with their notes written on it.However, the security around Antonio and Courtney was airtight. He moved through the crowd in a facemask and hoodie, concealing his identity as per Courtney's plan.A convoy of black cars waited outside, each guarded by loyal guards of the Montero family who had stayed faithful to their legacy.These men, now serving under Courtney, as their heiress, have been devoted and protective over the years since Antonio's disappearance.And refuse to submit to Damon.They made sure his departure from the airport to Courtney's family estate was safe.The drive to Courtney's family e
She asked gently, her eyes searching his face intently, hoping for a positive answer.Antonio blinked and wiped away the tears quickly, shaking his head. "No," he replied, his voice hoarse. "I don't know why I'm crying... It just... happened."He said embarrassed.Courtney watched him closely, a flicker of suspicion crossing her mind, but she didn't question him furtherShe wasn't sure if he was suppressing his memories or if something deep within him was stirring, but either way, she knew she had to give him space."Let's go to your old room," she suggested, offering him a comforting smile. "It's been preserved just for you. When you are you, you always visit with your parents so that room was the room my mother, your aunt kept for you. Maybe being there will help."Antonio nodded, still feeling embarrassed by her seeing him in tears.Antonio simply followed Courtney's lead as she guided him to his room.It has your stuffed animals and favorite action figures.Antonio muttered thank
"I know your pain, Courtney. I'm.... I'm also scared. I don't know what I'll do if something happens to him. Let's be positive. Please keep an eye on him. Don't let him fall into Damon's hands. ""I won't let that happen, Angela," Courtney reassured her, her voice now steady. "I've already got extra security in place, and a good plan. I'll stay with him as much as I can. He's not going to face that devil alone."Angela paused, her voice cracking from sobbing. "Courtney, do you think...? Do you think he'll ever remember us? Remember me?"Courtney's heart ached, hearing the pain in Angela's voice. She glanced at the door of her room, imagining Antonio just down the hall. "I don't know, Angela. But don't give up, please for Junior's sake. Never take his rejection seriously until he remembers us."Angela took a deep breath. "Okay... Just... promise me you'll call if anything changes. And tell him... tell him I'm thinking of him.""I will," Courtney promised. "Stay safe, Angela. I'll
"Angela, it's me, Doris".A familiar voice answered. It was indeed Doris's voice.*Doris?*Angela and Kerry exchanged surprise glances."How can that be possible?"Angela whispered."Doris, came to Japan?"Kerry whispered in shock.*Doris would have called or texted before visiting, could it be an emergency?*Angela thought."Please open the door for me".Doris's voice came again in an urgent tone and had some sadness in it, and weakness too.Angela tried to calm herself, breathing deeply, unsure if it's worth the risk. Her best friend.If it's really Doris, then she must be in trouble, and she needed to help her.Angela walked slowly toward the door, each step feeling like a lifetime. "Doris? Is that really you?" she called out, her voice shaky. No response. Just more knocking.Her fingers trembled as she reached for the handle, but something in her gut made her hesitate. Kerry had moved closer, her face pale with fear.Angela's hand hovered over the lock, her heart pounding. "I
Antonio hesitated, his eyes softening for just a second before he shook his head. "No. I just know I can't let you get hurt."But Courtney wasn't sure she believed him anymore.She tried to argue again, but the guards had already stepped in, gently but firmly taking her to another room and securing it.She pounded on the door, feeling a mixture of frustration and worry.After a moment, Antonio appeared in front of her again. "Once the fight is over, you'll be free," he said. "You're really going through with this!" Courtney asked from inside the room.Antonio glanced at the door briefly, nodding. "I have to."Courtney sighed closer, her voice softening. "Just... be careful, okay? And make sure you follow the plan. Damon isn't someone to take lightly."Antonio's gaze softened for a moment, sensing her concern. "I will," he assured her, his tone steady but with an edge of sincerity.Courtney hesitated, then spoke again, this time amidst tears. "Promise me, Antonio. Don't do anythi