Chapter 2

"So pretty as ever, Maddy. Told you, the nude shade lippy suits you," Lily said, lounging on the couch in her sleek black bodycon dress. Lilith's a gothic type of a woman. She loves everything dark and black.

I smiled, glancing down at my reflection as I adjusted my white silk dress, which hugged my curves perfectly. The fabric draped elegantly over my body, exposing the patchwork of tattoos all over my arms. We were all dressed up for the occasion, heading to a party thrown by the owner of the painting we had retrieved just the night before.

He wants to celebrate the succesful mission we did for his painting to come back on its right place.

"You look so stunning, Maddy." I heard Miles from behind. I turned around and saw him on an oversized beige button up shirt, paired with a white trousers and a black loafers.

I giggled and pinched both of his cheeks. "Ang pogi pogi talaga ng Miles namin. Bagay sa'yo yan ah," this is actually the first time I saw him in casual look. He rarely goes to parties with us at palaging nasa headquarters, palaging naka face to face sa mga computers. Saka lang lumalabas kapag binigyan ng mission ni commander, gaya kagabi.

"Thanks, I bought this last week." Sagot niya sabay tingin sa suot niya.

"Your fit matches mine. You wanna escort me to the party?" I asked.

He stopped for a sec. "Do you want me to get in trouble? Kagabi mo pa ako gustong ipabugbog kay Yeraz."

"Sino ba sya? He's not my boyfriend." I rolled my eyes and just heard Miles and Lilith laughed.

Lumabas naman ang love birds na si Ravika at Peter, hindi ko alam kung may label na ba ang dalawang 'to. Pilyo kasi si Peter at hindi mo pa makausap ng maayos. Puro biro, e. Well, as long as Ravika's safe with him.

"Edi kayo na may ka-match outfit!" Sabi ni Lilith.

Natawa ako. "Ayain mo kasi si Wilson," biro ko sakanya.

"Over my dead body." Mataray niyang sagot at pinagkrus ang dalawang binti.

Sumunod namang lumabas si Yeraz, Wilson at Wallace. I admit that our boys here are the manliest men I've ever met. Hindi ko na tinapunan ng tingin si Yeraz kahit ramdam ko ang titig nito sa'kin.

"Looking good boys ah, makakabingwit na naman kayo ng chix n'yan mamaya." I joked.

"I just want a drink. I haven't taste some hard liqour for awhile now, puro wine ang nasa cabinet ni Commander." Tugon ni Wallace habang inaayos ang manggas ng longsleeve niya.

Wilson gently tapped Wallace's shoulder. "I'm with you, dude. Let's go for a ride after."

"No drunk race, assholes." Yeraz glared at them, "I'm driving the Phantom. Sinong sasama sa'kin?"

He's driving the Rolls-Royce?! Damn it. I was hoping for it to be my ride today! Ayoko namang sya ang magdadrive no. I don't want to see his face any longer right now.

"I'll hop in," Lily raised her hand. "I'll snatch your Rolls-Royce later."

"Not gonna happen, anyone else?"

"Sama na kami ni Ravi, pre. Katamad mag drive ngayon, e." Sabi naman ni Peter.

Tumango tango naman si Ravika, "he's injured." They both laughed.

Tinignan ko si Wilson na abala sa pag aayos ng buhok niya. "What car are you using today, Wils?"

He looked at me, "my car." I think he's talking about his McLaren P1. He has 4 supercars, gamit niya pa noong nagkakarera pa sya.

"I'll go with you." I said.

Tinignan niya ako ulit at naglipat lipat ang tingin saming dalawa ni Yeraz, "no one's gonna hurt my car, right?"

"I'll kill whoever messes up with your P1, don't worry." I winked at him, assuring him that no one's gonna be an asshole today.

I appreciate Yeraz for being protective. But I don't need him anymore at all, lalo na't ginagawa niya lang yan dahil kapatid ang tingin niya sa'kin. That's ridiculous. I've been looking like a fool thinking that he sees me way differently tapos ganun pala? I just can't bear with it.

"Sama rin ako." Sabi ni Miles.

"Good cause I'll be drunk driving tonight," ani Wallace at kaswal na naglakad palabas ng mansyon.

"Come on. Let's race!" Sumunod naman sakanya si Wilson.

"Anong race? Gago! Ipagdadrive mo pa kami!" Sumunod naman si Miles saka tumakbo.

"Where's commander, by the way? Will he be on his own?" Tanong ko kina Lilith.

She shook her head, "nauna na sya sa hotel." Tumayo naman ito at kinuha ang susi mula sa kamay ni Yeraz. "I'll start the car ha?" She smiled and walked away. Sumama na rin si Ravika at Peter sakanila.

Tumingin muna ako sa repleksyon ko sa malaking TV dito sa sala. Tama nga si Lilith, bagay nga sa'kin ang bigay niyang matte lipstick.

"You look beautiful," he noted.

I turned around. "Of course. I'm your sister, right? Mana mana lang yan." I responded with sarcasm, surging my voice.

"What—"

"Tara na. Baka si Lilith pa makabunggo ng phantom mo." I shot back, walking ahead of him, leaving his words hanging in the air.

As I stepped outside, the morning sun bathed my skin the second I was exposed into it. I find way to the parking space and slid into Wilson's McLaren P1 as I caught him and Miles talking in the front seat.

Tinignan nila akong dalawa sa rear mirror. "So? Did you tell Yeraz to stay away from me?" Bungad na tanong sa'kin ni Wilson.

"And me." Says Miles too.

"Ang OA niyo talaga. Kagabi pa kayo."

They just laughed at me. The engine purred to life, a powerful growl that echoed my anticipation for the day ahead. I'm trying to not give a shit about him.

My heart raced at the thought of the upcoming celebration for the painting's return, the vibrant energy of the morning only amplifying my excitement.

I took a deep breath, feeling the thrill of the moment, and shifted the gear.

---

"I'm glad y'all made it on time," Commander welcomed us loudly with a champagne flute in his hand, "cause you are usually late." He leaned in, lowering his voice as he said the last part, a playful grin spreading across his face.

I exchanged a quick glance with the others, smirking at the inside joke. Commander always had a knack for poking fun at our punctuality-or lack thereof. May gana pa talaga syang mag joke.

The venue was buzzing with energy, guests mingling and laughter filling the air as we all gathered around a high-top table, the kind that stood just above waist level. We decided to grab drinks from a passing waiter and clink each other's glasses.

"No whiskey?" Wallace muttered.

"There will be, I'm pretty sure." Wilson whispered back.

Minutes later, the owner of the painting arrived, Mr. Pantaleon Juarez with a wide smile lighting up his face. He exuded an infectious energy, his joy radiating as he approached us. "So these are your people, Zeus, hmm? Ang gaganda't ang gugwapo!"

"Syempre!" Sang-ayon naman ni Commander.

"Sino ba sakanila yung nagbalik ng painting? Cause they should be given a reward."

Old man pointed at me with a playful grin. "Maddy here was the one who got her ass inside the dungeon last night."

Mr. Napoleon's gaze shifted to me, curiosity sparkling in his eyes. "Is that so? Well, Maddy, you have my deepest gratitude! What would you like as a reward?"

I paused, taken aback by the attention, but a smile crept across my face. "Oh, you don't have to, sir. Just seeing it back where it belongs is enough for me."

"That's admirable!" he said, nodding appreciatively. "But you can't just leave it at that. I want to acknowledge your whole team."

As he spoke, I gestured the boys come closer. "This is Wilson," I said, pointing to the tall, white man leaning against the table, "he's the one who drove us out of some tight spots."

Wilson offered a friendly nod, a subtle smirk playing on his lips.

"And this," I continued, motioning to the guy standing beside me, "is Miles. He's the genius hacker who got us in and out without a hitch."

Miles smiled. "Just doing my part," he replied, shrugging as if hacking the security system was the easiest job in the world.

The owner's smile widened as he looked at the three of us. "Well, I'm glad to meet the brains and the brawn behind this operation. Let's make sure to celebrate your teamwork today!"

"Thank you, sir. By the way, were you able to put the culprits behind bars?" I asked, my curiosity piqued my mind.

Mr. Napoleon's mood shifted slightly. "We're working on it," he assured. I flashed a smile in relief. "The police are currently investigating the owner of the said museum." At least, there's a progress.

"Zeus, thank you for your work," Mr. Napoleon continued, turning to Commander. "I would like to propose a toast for all of you, if you won't mind."

I felt a flicker of anxiety; hindi kami pwedeng mapakilala sa maraming tao. We are only doing this secretly. Yes, we have been on the headlines from tabloids to news on television but it was shown anonymously.

Commander nodded, sensing the unspoken tension. "Of course, we appreciate it, but this is already enough-to be acknowledged by you just between us. Just a small celebration among friends," he suggested, a knowing look passing between us.

Mr. Napoleon hesitated for a moment, then smiled, picking up on our cue. "Oh, yes. I almost forgot. Of course, let's keep it discreet." He raised his glass slightly, ensuring it was subtle enough for those around us not to take notice. "To your teamwork!"

We echoed his sentiment quietly, glasses clinking together in a small, private moment that felt monumental, even if no one else could see it. Sapat na iyon para mapasalamatan kami. Hindi na nga namin kailangan pumunta rito, e. Pero kaibigan ni Commander ang may-ari nung painting kaya wala kaming choice kundi umattend.

Nagpaalam sa'min si Commander at Mr. Napoleon na makipaghalubilo muna sa ibang bisita. May ipapakita rin daw kasi yung pintor sa Commander namin. I wonder what it is. Huwag lang babae dahil allergic ito sa iba. Loyal yon sa namayapa niyang asawa.

Very opposite from the actual Zeus in greek mythology who has countless of affairs. Our old man is one heck of a faithful husband to his late wife, Yna. Yeah, Yeraz's mom.

"I'm not wasting my time. I'm gonna search for some whiskey," Wallace said as he wiped the side of his lips with the tip of his finger.

"Count me in, dude." Tumapik naman sa balikat ni Wallace si Wilson at nagsabay silang umalis sa kinatatayuan namin.

My eyes shifted to Miles. "Hindi ka sasama sa kanila?" I asked, noticing how he stared blankly ahead while holding his wine glass.

"You know that I'm anxious with many people," he sighed.

I touched his cheek in awe, remembering the story he once shared. During one of his most dangerous hacking jobs, a target he was investigating discovered his identity. Instead of keeping it private, the target exposed him, and soon, Miles was in a huge trouble-he was forced to hide in a crowded area, blending in with the people while trying to avoid capture. And that's how he met Commander Zeus.

"We'll be home soon." I assured him with a smile.

He smiled back, "if death glares can literally kill, you'll be attending my funeral tomorrow." He said, gesturing his head to look behind me.

It's Yeraz, staring at us with his left hand on his pocket while the other one's holding his glass.

"What are you looking at?" I asked with my eyebrows raised.

"Did you two developed a special bond while being together last night?" Yeraz asked casually, though I can obviously hear a hint of curiosity.

I glanced at Miles, who met my eyes at the same moment. We both chuckled because of Yeraz's ridiculousness. "So what?" Sagot ko naman sakanya habang nakataas ang isa kong kilay.

He just shrugged and look away.

"I saw a cute guy," Lilith took a sip of her champagne. "I'll be back, guys." She waved her hand a bit with a smile. Napailing nalang kaming dalawa ni Ravika sakanya.

"Saan na kaya yung mga kumag na yun?" Palingon-lingon na tanong ni Peter. "Tara na boys, sundan natin sila."

"Kayo nalang," Yeraz replied.

"Come on, Raz. 'Di mo na yan mapapaamo si Maddy kaya tara na." Umakbay si Peter kay Yeraz. "Miles, move your ass here! Let's have fun."

"Tsk." Binitiwan naman ni Miles ang hawak niyang glass na nakapatong sa mesa.

"We'll be back, ladies." Peter winked at us, Ravika just rolled her eyes as her respond.

"Men," Ravika muttered as she elegantly drinked her champagne.

"We gotta deal with them forever." I chuckled. Then I suddenly felt the need to use the bathroom. "Oh, Rav, bathroom lang ako ha? I'll be back." Nakangiti kong wika sakanya.

"Be quick." I said, slipping away from the group, my heels clicking softly against the floor.

Kakaiba ang atmosphere na nararamdaman ko habang naglalakad sa isang hallway, tumigil ako nang makita ang sign ng comfort room. I pushed the door to the bathroom, expecting a moment to myself, but as soon I opened it, a muffled voice caught my attention. I paused, with my eyes widened.

There, near the sink, I noticed a girl with her back against the wall, her body tense. A man leaned too close, his hand resting on the wall beside her, his words low and insistent. The look on her face-a mixture of fear and discomfort-made my stomach sick.

I clenched my fists. Oh, I hate this kind of men. I hope they rot in hell.

I watched for a moment longer, carefully observing the situation. The man, with his sharp features and unmistakably sleek suit, was definitely Japanese-one of the types who thought they could intimidate anyone.

I stepped forward, keeping my cool down. "Back off. Now."

He turned slowly, his dark eyes narrowing as he looked me over, the faint accent in his voice confirming my suspicion. "Tanin no shigoto ja nai" (It's none of your business), he said, wika nito na mas lalong hinigpitan ang pagkakahawak sa braso ng babae, may nakakakaasar pa itong ngisi sa mukha.

I raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Let her go," I repeated, stepping closer. My posture remained loose, but inside, I was already primed to act.

When he didn't move, I acted. In one swift motion, I grabbed his wrist, twisting it sharply. His arrogant smirk disappeared when I caught him off guard, he grunted. With a quick turn, I forced his arm behind his back, making him release the girl. Before he could react, I kicked the back of his knee, sending him to the floor with a thud.

"Kore wa owarida" (This isn't over), I muttered, my voice low but commanding. He spat something in Japanese under his breath, but I didn't catch it. Halata sa mga mata nito ang inis at galit.

I turned to the girl, who was still trembling, her face pale. "Are you okay?" I asked, softly.

She nodded, her voice shaky. "T-Thank you... and I'm sorry."

I gave her a reassuring smile. "You're safe now."

The girl just ran and left. Naiwan ako kasama ang hapong nanggagalaiti pa rin sa galit.

"S-Sumimasen.... I almost had her but-"

I squinted, realizing he was talking to someone-could it be from his tiny earpiece? "Who are you talking to?!" I snapped, stepping closer. But before I could react, he twisted sharply, yanking himself free from my grip.

Mabilis siyang umatras, his breathing ragged, clearly furious. I had underestimated him for a moment, and now, he was sizing me up with a newfound intensity. "We'll get back at you," he hissed at me, "ima iku" (I'm on my way) still speaking into his earpiece as he took a few cautious steps back.

He just ran off, leaving me with full of questions. Parang may iba pa itong mga kasama. Kung ganun, sino sila? What's their deal with that woman? And why here?