Chapter 30

The Secret of the Mother

As James's revelation weighed heavily on Xander, he remained silent. His father had taken his mother away from him, and he believed she was long dead, although she was still alive. A mixture of emotions, including shock, rage, and an odd feeling of optimism, pounded in his heart.

Isabella sat next to him and touched his arm tenderly. "If she's alive, Xander," she muttered, "this is a game-changer."

Slowly, with his thoughts still processing, Xander nodded. He finally stated, "We need to find her," in a steady yet resolute tone. "If she's been hiding, waiting to strike against my father, then she could be the key to ending all of this."

James reclined in his chair, doubt casting a shadow across his features. It isn't that easy. Your dad is always watching. We cannot take the chance of guiding him directly to her, even if we locate her. We must exercise caution.

Xander got up and resumed his pacing. "Where is she? Are you aware?

After hesitating, James responded. Someone I've been in contact with knows how to get in touch with her. But it's dangerous. She is well hidden, and if she makes a mistake, your father might find out."

Isabella glanced back and forth between the two men. "We must make an effort. It might be our greatest chance if she knows anything about the syndicate.

A Coded Message

A week went by, with anxious planning and sleepless nights. Behind the scenes, James worked covertly to figure out how to get in touch with Xander's mother without alerting Alexander or the syndicate. The stakes had never been higher, and the tension between them all was evident.

A mysterious note came in one morning. It was brief and written in a code that only James and Xander's mother could decipher. As he held the little scrap of paper in his palm, Xander experienced a wave of emotion.

The words "She's ready," murmured James softly. "We can meet her, but it will take place anywhere she wants. Xander, we have no control over this. She has spent years in hiding and won't come out until she is certain it is safe to do so.

Xander nodded, his features tightening with determination. "We'll do whatever it takes."

An Anticipated Reunion

Finally, the day of the meeting came. To avoid being discovered, they used several different routes while travelling covertly. The meeting was held at a quiet villa located on the edge of a small beach town.

As they got closer to the villa, Xander felt his heart begin to race. The air smelt of ocean and the setting was unnaturally quiet. Isabella gave him a comforting grip on the hand, but she was aware that this reunion would be among the most trying times in Xander's life.

Footsteps sounded softly from the far end of the room as they entered the villa. As a figure emerged from the darkness, Xander's breath seized in his throat.

She was the one. His mum.

Her eyes, the same eyes he had inherited, burned with a ferocious purpose, but she was older than he remembered, and her hair was streaked with silver. They just looked at one another for a long time without saying anything.

At last, she whispered, "Xander," in a quiet but passionate voice. "I’ve waited so long for this moment."

Xander swallowed forcefully, battling the emotional outburst. His voice broke as he questioned, "Why did you stay away?" "Why didn’t you come for me?"

She stepped forward with tears in her eyes. In a whisper, she said, "I never stopped watching over you," However, if your father had believed that I was still involved, he would have destroyed you. For your sake, I had to give him the impression that I had gone.

The Real Story Revealed

Sophia, Xander's mother, revealed the whole truth about her disappearance over the course of the following several hours. She disclosed that Alexander had been a member of the syndicate for years and had consolidated control and manipulated everyone in his vicinity by exploiting his connections. She had attempted to stop him when she realised how crooked he was, but Alexander was merciless.

Sophia replied, "He threatened your life, Xander," in a painful voice. "I had to keep him from hurting you. I thus vanished. Since then, I've been lurking, obtaining intelligence, and anticipating the day when we may finally defeat him."

Xander's world changed with each word as he listened in startled stillness. His mother was their only chance to take down the syndicate because she had given up everything to keep him safe.

A Risky Scheme

Now that Sophia had joined them, they started to devise a risky scheme. Sophia was aware of the inner workings of the syndicate, and the two of them could reveal Alexander's wrongdoings and bring down his network.

It wouldn't be simple, though. The syndicate had a strong hold on all spheres of authority, including politics and law enforcement. It would take supporters who are prepared to oppose Alexander's influence in addition to proof to expose them.

James remarked, "We need to gather proof," "Something that directly links Alexander to the activities of the syndicate. We can make it public and pressure the government to take action if we can obtain that.

Sophia gave a nod. "One of Alexander's closest associates in the past is this individual. Like me, he fled into hiding after turning against him years ago. He might have the proof we require if we can track him down."

Xander's mouth clenched. "Then we locate him. whatever it takes.

Emerging Dangers

New dangers started to surface as they got ready for the next stage of their strategy. Alexander was beginning to suspect that something was going on behind the scenes. He had a long range, and soon they were being pursued once more.

Following a string of near misses, the syndicate's agents began to close in on their target. But because of Sophia's meticulous preparation and James's extensive network of contacts, they were always able to stay one step ahead.

The stakes had never been higher. In addition to their deaths, all they had battled for would be destroyed if they were unsuccessful. However, they were stronger as a team, and for the first time, Xander had optimism that he would eventually overcome the guy who had harmed him so deeply.