"What are you saying, Damien? Tell me now; I want the truth. Tell me the real name of the person behind all this. Don't think you can play games with me. So, you expect me to believe that this is all my brother's doing? Really?" I spat.Does he see me as a fool, believing what just came out of his mouth? That my brother was behind all this? I mean, why would he kidnap his own wife?"I am telling you the truth, Dominic... and I can also prove it," Damien uttered.But was he really telling the truth? Adrian? That can't be right."Alright, I will give you the chance, but know if you are wrong, the bullets will do the talking next," I said, retreating my gun from his head as I watched his panting state. He hastily grabbed his phone out.My gaze rose to meet Adrian's wife, whom I found still unconscious—or was she just sleeping? Seeing her in such a state. Damien body not lying down, already lifeless, It must be some kind of weird luck for him.The call ringing drew my attention back to Da
[Sierra's POV]A sharp beam caused my eyes to spring open as I jolted up, finding myself in what seemed to be a hospital.My last thought rang of the incident with Damien walking in suddenly. I tried saying whatever threats I could, hoping one would convince him and make him leave a mistake, but that wasn't working out. Until...I could remember him injecting me with a substance, one I had no idea of. But now, here I was in this hospital. What happened after that, I had no idea."Oh, you're awake," I heard a soft voice say. A woman, who seemed like a nurse based on her attire, walked into the room."Please, what—" I began, only to watch her leave the room in haste, leaving my words hanging.Not long after, I heard another creak from the door. This time, a man who appeared to be a doctor came in with the woman."She is awake, Doctor Jade," the woman uttered, addressing me as I watched the doctor's presence draw closer. He took out some instruments, one of which he used to check my hear
[Sierra's POV]The doctor had discharged me, and without wasting a single second, I found myself being taken to the car by some men. Already awaiting me inside was Dominic, who I still found staring at me with that weird glance—those eyes that seemed to demand answers, an explanation to the whole situation occurring right before him.He had driven me back, and now here I was, already at the mansion doorstep with that old man awaiting my return."Who did this, Dominic? I want answers now," Marc confronted."It was an enemy, uncle Marc. But don't worry, I have already shown them what we do to people who mess with the De Santos," Dominic replied, leaving a half-bow after.So, he was never going to let his brother off the hook just like that. But speaking of Adrian, I can't deny the fact that I haven't seen him yet for quite a while. Where could he possibly be? I need an explanation of how I ended up in the hospital with Dominic awaiting my awakening.I am sure I will be able to get these
[Dominic's POV]"Who were they, Dominic? I know you mentioned taking care of things, but I need the names. We can't say, they may have a boss out there who you might be unaware of. And the De Santos are always known for not leaving the job unfinished," Uncle Marc said.I knew he might grow slightly curious and might want the names. I tried getting answers from Sierra about what Adrian was up to, but that was useless in the end. I know there's something those two aren't letting me in on—something that could lead to both of their deaths.At least I know one fact: Adrian's wife wasn't an enemy, at least that's what I could tell from things, but the words don't change that she still proves to be a danger to Adrian. And for that, she is still a threat."I'm sure you trust my abilities, Uncle Marc. So you should know that I will never do anything that would harm our name and legacy," I replied.I watched him leave a nod. I felt at ease knowing that he bought my lies and left no further ques
[Adrain POV]“How did this happen, Damien? Just how…” I questioned. How was this possible?Dominic had just walked out with Sierra in his arms. Thankfully, I was able to get him not to let out any words to Uncle Marc, but what will I do when he does? That would mean my death for sure.“I have no idea how Adrian. All I heard was a gunshot only to find Dominic entering with a gun pointed at my head…” Damien replied.But how was that possible? Yet it was of no use knowing anymore. When Dominic had already figured out I was behind the kidnapping. A slight ease was left knowing he didn't know about the marriage agreement between Sierra and me yet. And I doubt he will be getting those words from Sierra herself, though I can’t risk it.“I need to return to the mansion now, Damien. Take care of things over here…” I said, turning as I paced to leave.“But is that a good idea?” Damien's words caused a pause.“Going back to the mansion after today’s incident, what if he tells Marc? Just what if
[Dominic POV]I watched as Elena let out a breath. Her words still seemed unable to find their way out. She placed the cup glass on the floor, her gaze rising to meet mine.“I know you may not believe me, but I hope you’ll still find my words true,” I heard her begin.“Just tell me what you have for me, and I will be the one to decide whether it’s worth believing or not,” I replied.Something told me that this must be about Adrian's secret doings. I mean, what else could it be? They were close friends, after all. Her being here all of a sudden, claiming to have something to tell me about him and Sierra, led me to believe it was some kind of secret Adrian chose to hide from me—possibly another one that could land him in trouble.“Before I speak, I'm quite sure you must have noticed it yourself... maybe signs or so,” she said.But why was she beating around the bush and refusing to get straight to the point? I had many things on my path, but I chose to be here, hoping her words would be
[Sierra POV]Finishing my bath, I stepped out of the room. I needed to freshen up for a moment and find some calm. A knock at my door caught my attention. "Come in," I said as I saw a group of ladies enter. They carried makeup instruments, and I could tell they were makeup artists. "But what were they doing here?" I wondered.They placed their makeup gadgets on the floor, and one approached me, giving a half-bow. "Good day, ma'am. We were hired to prepare you for the ceremony," she explained. But what ceremony?"What do you mean, and what ceremony?" I asked."It was an order from Marcellous, sir. That we get you ready for the Sohoe ceremony..." another explained.So, that explained their presence. The old man had chosen to carry out the ceremony today, the same day I had returned to the mansion without a second thought. The ceremony was what he wanted to happen next."Please, ma'am, can we proceed?" her words snapped me from my thoughts.As they opened the makeup gadgets, I witnessed
One side standing was Dominic, and the other was Adrian. Both eyes fixed on me."So wait, you're telling me that Uncle Marc decided to go on with the ceremony without even leaving a word? And now I'm finding out that my wife is the Sohoe of the De Santos now?" Adrian asked, breaking the silence that echoed."I don't think I need to remind you that I don't need your permission to act in my mansion," Marc snapped as all eyes turned to gaze upon him, making his way back. I had no idea where he had suddenly gone off to in the middle of the whole event."Uncle Marc, why would you..." Adrian wanted to say but paused at his words."Why would I what?" Marc cut in. This time, he had already arrived at my side. The old man who had carried out the ceremony, saying some weird words, walked up to Marc."It is completed. I have done my part. I shall take my leave now," he said, as Marc gave a greeting. "Thanks for your time, wise one." The old man gave a nod, leaving the mansion.The crowd present
[Sierra's POV]After some days staying in the hospital, I was discharged. I made my way out of the hospital supported by some men hired for my security, as I entered the back seat of the car with the driver starting the car engine. My gaze glanced through the dark street; it was late at night.It felt as though everything was complete—Uncle was in jail, and Nate was dead. Yet, why did I feel like I had nothing else to look up to?The people I most cherished were gone. The only one I saw next to me was Aunt Malisa. "I have to keep going for her sake..." I thought.The driver arrived at the mansion, and I stepped out, managing some footings. I made my way into the mansion but paused, noting the dark presence the mansion left."What happened to the lights..." I wondered. I wasn't able to tell anything—my heart raced as I took little steps. Was I maybe wrong to think everything was over?In a blink, the light came, causing me to shut my eyes suddenly from the reaction. "Welcome back, mam.
[Adrian's POV]"Uncle Gavin! I did it, Uncle Gavin!" Why was I seeing this memory now? I guess it's because of what occurred so far. The same man I saw as a father figure, the one I trusted so much, turned out to be the enemy.He trained me to be who I am today, but in the end... "Why, Uncle Gavin? Just why did you have to be the enemy?"I woke up, feeling the intense pain in my head. I tried sitting up, only to find Dominic sitting next to my side."You're awake, Adrian..." he said. Yet, I found only my gaze downcast."What happened? So it's over..." I questioned as Dominic replied, "Yes.""He died?" Should I be happy, knowing he was gone, or sad? A side of me claimed this was a victory, knowing all he had done, the fact that he was behind Mom's death from the very start. But why does my heart say something different? Those little tears that never ceased from falling down splattered on my hand."I know this is all hard to take in, Adrian. I also can't seem to understand everything th
All this while, I had thought it was Dominic. I wanted to make him pay so much, but, in the end, I teamed up with my mother's true murderer."Okay, that's enough now, Nate. Let her take it all in slowly. What more of a death would be greater than having them regret the whole life they have lived?" Damien said."Mom... I'm sorry, mom..." I whispered, those tears not ceasing. I felt something on my head. It was Nate aiming a pistol at my head. "Now, why don't I do you a favor and take you to that old hag?" he said, and my eyes shut in those moments as I heard a loud gunshot, causing my eyes to open back up."Do you think you can take down the De Santos that easily?" I heard Dominic, with a smirk playing on his lips. "I knew you would make a move, so I had a tracker inserted in my skin, and now you took the bait, dear Uncle Gavin," he said as more guns echoed through the area. They were coming from outside the room."We have to kill them fast, Father. We need to leave now," Damien said.
[Sierra's POV]"Sierra, wake up, Sierra!" I heard a voice as my eyes sprung open. I found myself tied to a chair, as Adrian and Dominic were also tied to chairs beside me."What are you doing here, Sierra?" Adrian asked, but shouldn't I be asking the same question? I had heard that he and Dominic went to attend the burial of one of the De Santos, but now I found the two of them here."That bastard; he must have spiked the wine," Dominic's voice cut in. He was also awake.But wait, does this mean they were both kidnapped and brought here from the burial? Who honestly was this enemy?I noticed another man tied to a chair, but his face was blindfolded with a sack mask, so I wasn't able to tell who he was.Just as I hoped to let a word out to Adrian, the door creaked, and I watched some men make their way inside."Who the hell do you think you all are to have Adrian De Santos here?" Adrian questioned, but was he expecting his name to help out here? I mean, these were people who had been h
[Adrian's POV]It had already been four months, and yet I found myself still unable to figure out who this enemy was. My mind still echoed the words I heard from Raglan after I paid him a visit. He mentioned that there was a third man; he was the one who seemed like the boss. But none of them had ever seen his face anywhere.After hearing that, I tried looking for any information, something that could tell me more about this third man, even visiting the experiment building again, yet I found nothing.The only thought I found myself guessing was that this third man was possibly the enemy, or he was working with the enemy, and the experiment seemed to be carried on.I had hired more men to help me figure out and fix this puzzle, conducting research and gathering information they could find."We have to go now, Adrian..." Dominic said. But why should we go? I wasn't even in full support of his death in the first place. One of the De Santos members had been killed again, and he wants us t
(Four Months Later)"Aunt Sierra! Aunt Sierra!" Zara's voice echoed in my mind. The last moment I heard her voice.I woke up as it was already morning, stepping down from the bed. I made my way to the bathroom and washed up.It had been four months already, and the bloodshed never seemed to have ceased. Many of the De Santos members were already gone, each dying in a cruel way.I wore my cloth, intending to step outside my room, only to find Aunt Marisa waiting."You should rest; you're not yet feeling well, Sierra." she said.I had a high fever last night, so it was expected of her to be this worried. After we met back at the party, I allowed her to live with us in the mansion."I have some things to attend to, Aunt Marisa. I will rest once I am back..." I said."Don't tell me you're going out to find the enemy, Sierra. I know it's not about work." she said. But I should expect her figuring things out. I had my father's company closed temporarily a month ago due to everything that oc
[Sierra's POV]I made my way up the stairs, entering my room, as I sat down on the bed, processing what had occurred today. "So he had killed another De Santos..." I thought.I never expected the plan to fail, and I was almost killed. If I hadn't reacted by pulling the gun trigger at that moment."Mam, are you there..." I heard Colt's voice, followed by a knock on the door. "Come in," I replied. Colt made an entry as he approached my side."Mam, I don't think it's safe for you to step out again. I'm sure you saw what had happened and how you were almost killed that day..." Colt said, but I understood he was making sure I was safe at all costs, but hiding, I doubt, would be of any good."I can't stay in hiding, Colt. That's what this enemy would want..." I explained."But Mam..." he wanted to say."I have a plan, Colt. I want to learn how to protect myself better..." I cut in, standing up from the bed. "I will have things taken care of again so that at least Zara will be able to go to
I sat down in my office, checking my phone as I read what was portrayed by the news regarding Laxton's death, and it seemed like another twisted story turned to see us as the main issue at hand."I must say, nice game, whoever you are..." I said, taking a glass of wine as I heaved a sigh.I received a call from one of the men I had hired to investigate this case regarding the experiment. It took a lot, deciding to hire one, knowing I couldn't trust any of them, but instead, I only requested him to obtain some information regarding the experiment. Could there have been a successful experiment that brought the outcome father wanted so much?I picked up the call, placing it against my ear."Speak," I said."Boss, I have just finished doing my research on all that you told me about..." he started."So, what's the update?""Among the prisoners, there seemed to be one man; he was the only one I could tell who managed to flee from the building. It was hard getting the footage and records bac
The incident back at the conference meeting with Sierra didn't seem like it was going to die down anytime soon.As the news just seemed to be spurring the little fire that the coward had lit up."You asked to see me, Adrian..." Dominic said, standing before me. I wondered if I was making the right choice by telling him all this. I mean, why should I even bother telling him?But if there was a chance that maybe this was connected in some way, I needed more answers."Are you there, Adrian?" Dominic's voice snapped me out of my thoughts, and I responded, "Yes."I scanned the area before my gaze returned to Dominic. "I'm sure you don't mind doing a little walk to my office, dear brother..." I said as I noticed those eyes seeking the reason behind my words and behavior.We both walked through the hall as we arrived at a corner, and my legs paused for a moment. I checked our backs."What's going on, Adrian? Why did you call me?" Dominic questioned, seemingly eager, more than expected."Why