Brian confronted Sofia with an intimidating gaze, feeling disrespected by her threat. He wouldn't let that slide, as he had never been threatened like this before and felt the need to teach her a lesson. Of course he had to do something after she had disrespected him, or else everyone might start disrespecting him, thinking he won't do anything about it. “I will let you off the hook if you apologize right now.” Brian demanded. Sofia however, met his gaze steadily and replied coldly. “Apologize to you? Are you out of your mind?” She asked, she then continued, “You know what? How about you apologize to Josh, and I'll change my mind, and not have your eyes gauged out.” She asked, her tone dead serious.Gasps of shock erupted from everyone's mouths after hearing her threaten Brian once again. They had thought after the first one she would have quickly realized that she had made a mistake, but no, she was continuing to disrespect and threaten him. Why on earth would someone want to offen
"My goodness, Brian, you can't just order the security guards to do that," Sofia interjected with a tone of disbelief and mockery as Brian attempted to assert his authority on the security guards. He took Sofia threatening him In Front of all these people as her humiliating him and he wasn't going to let that slide. In order to show everyone what the consequences of crossing him were, Brian had called the banquet hall security personnel, and ordered them to escort Josh and Sofia out of the hall. However the security guards, didn't seem to be listening to him, they were reluctant to heed his orders.Brian shot daggers at Sofia, annoyance evident in his eyes. No one had ever annoyed him like it was right now and he was doing his best to contain his anger. He glared at Josh, his gaze looking deep into Josh's eyes. ‘This is all this bastard's fault, I can't believe I'm getting disrespected because of this loser.” He thought to himself, still glaring at Josh who glared back at him. Shifti
The air in the banquet hall buzzed with an unusual hum. It was filled with gossip and speculation. They still didn't understand how Sofia had managed to embarrass Brian the way she had did. No one had ever stood up to him ever, because they were always afraid of him and his family's influence. But not only did she stand up to him, she kicked him out of the banquet hall! How daring was that? Indeed it was daring, but also impressive at the same time because not a lot of people in the banquet hall would have the courage to stand up to him.Even Josh was thankful of her help. Honestly he didn't know what he would have done had she not intervened. He feared he would have been forced to fight Brian, but he wasn't a fighter so that would have ended very badly for him.Sofia stood next to Josh as they had a conversation. She sipped her champagne, eyes narrowed as she glanced at Josh, a slight frown appearing across her face as he asked. “So, I don't get a thank you for my intervention, and
Lucas's hands, once casually tucked in his pockets, clenched into fists, and his jaw clenched so tight. He looked into Sofia's eyes, his eyes dark and cold. The sight of her hand intertwined with another man's hand made him feel jealousy. He couldn't believe that, it had only been a week. Actually, not even a week, and he had already been replaced by this… guy!Lucas felt betrayed, like she'd cheated on him, even though they weren't dating anymore, and she had made it clear that there was nothing going on between them. Well, in his heart, they were still dating and she was not allowed to with be anyone else, it didn't matter that she didn't want him.Sofia could see the anger in Lucas' eyes, but she couldn't care less. She would have cared if it was in the past, but after everything he had put her through, she honestly didn't care for him anymore. Memories of his past infidelities, and the hurt he had put her through, through their two years relationship lingered in her mind, fueling h
Lucas couldn't accept the fact that Sofia had moved on, that too with someone who looked inferior to him. He could just tell by Josh's humble demeanor that he was nowhere near his own level.Brian, was determined to keep Josh away from Sofia, hoping to convince her to reconcile with her. Despite Sofia's consistent rejections since their breakup, Lucas, in his misguided perspective, believed she still harbored feelings for him, which she chose not to acknowledge.He saw Josh as someone who stood in his way. Well, not for long, as he had a plan to make sure Josh doesn't stand in his way anymore.Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Josh that he had made some new enemies, he was carefree and engaged in a conversation with Andrea while sipping on a cocktail. Andrea took a sip of her drink, her eyes curiously landing on Josh. "So, how's college life treating you?"Josh opened his mouth, and he was about to reply to Andreas' answer, however before he could, someone abruptly bumped into him. The bump s
Luca's sudden attack on him in the restroom flabbergasted Josh. He stumbled back, his mind reeling as he tried to process what was happening. He did not expect that at all. The cold look in Lucas's eyes was unmistakable, and Josh's initial confusion turned into a surge of anger. He couldn't believe that Lucas would just intrude his privacy and punch him! How dare he do that? Josh was fighting the urge to retaliate, but he stopped himself, knowing that if he did that, he might escalate things. Josh didn't want that because it wouldn't be in his best interest if things escalated.Their eyes met, the atmosphere in the restroom tensing with each passing second. The anger in Josh's gaze was unmistakable, and it looked as though he just might retaliate. In fact, the thought of hitting Lucas back crossed his mind.Josh had grown tired of being mistreated. When would it finally stop? When were people finally going to start giving him the respect he deserved? Those were the questions going on
Josh slowly woke up, his surroundings a bit blurry. As he opened his eyes, he found himself on an unfamiliar bed. Confused, he quickly sat up, realizing this wasn't his room. He glanced around, the room, looking for a clue of where he was, but he couldn't find any. Memories of the previous night came back. He remembered the events of the previous night, the sudden attack in the restroom, and the sudden appearance of the man who had been trying to kidnap hi for sometime. Josh pieced together that it was during their conversation that he had been knocked out, realizing that the man was responsible for his current situation.Fear gripped his heart as he comprehended the seriousness of the situation. He had been kidnapped! Again! The first time he had been kidnapped he had managed to escape, by jumping out the of the car, but this time it, looked like he had no way out. Josh wondered what they wanted with him? Why would they kidnap him.Josh's heart beat violently in his chest as he sca
Even after being told that he was not in danger, Josh was still skeptical to trust the man. And why would he trust someone who had kidnapped him? He was still very much wary and confused.The old man gestured for Josh saying, “I assume, you'd like to get back home as soon as possible.” He pointed to a seat beside him, “So, I think we should do this quickly.” The old man's demeanor seemed genuine, he didn't look like someone who would hurt Josh, or at least that's what he portrayed, wanting Josh to believe he was a good person, so that he could lower his guard.Josh was relieved slightly to hear the man talking about him going home, it seemed like he intended to let him go. The thought of home brought concern for his grandfather, Giovanni, and his brother, Antonio. Josh couldn't shake the worry that they might be concerned, especially since he hadn't returned home the previous night, and his phone remained off.Slightly at ease, Josh walked over towards the seat and sat down on a sof
What was even more worrying was that he didn't know what she wanted, or was trying to accomplish by agreeing to this relationship.Coming back to his thoughts, Josh looked towards Antonio, realizing that he was still deep in conversation with Rafael. “Did Giovanni see him?” Rafael asked.“No he didn't, luckily I was there, so I made sure they didn't see each other.” Antonio replied, referring to a few days, when Vincenzo showed up at the event, despite knowing that Giovanni would be there.Rafael gritted his teeth, “Then what the hell was he doing there? Doesn't he know the risks.”Antonio’s expression darkened. “He said he was there for business, but I think he was trying to send a message to Giovanni, that he won't be intimidated by him.”Rafael scoffed. “If Giovanni had seen him, things could have gotten very bad.”Josh couldn't help but listen closely as he heard Rafael and Antonio’s words. They were talking about Vincenzo as if he was some outsider, who was Giovanni's enemy. But
Josh didn't want to take Lilith’s story at face value. That could be a risky move, because she could be lying and twisting the truth to her advantage. He eyed her suspiciously as he asked, “How do you know all this?”Lilith explained. “It’s not a secret. Everyone in the underground world knows. “She revealed, " Don't believe me? Ask anyone, even Sofia.”Josh tightened his grip on the armrest slightly, his eyes filled with irritation. Everyone knows about this? And he had never thought to ask Sofia or Antonio about it.He felt annoyance flare in his chest. It was understandable that he would be annoyed at himself now, because he had just made a deal with Lilith for information he could have gotten on his own.Lilith watched him closely. Although she didn't show it on her face, she was clearly enjoying the realization dawning on his face. She thought of how easy it was. She made an offer, and he agreed without hesitation.Whatever. She was just glad he did. Now, she didn’t have to wor
She did not expect him to ask her such a direct question. But she was ready to answer him. Lilith tilted her head to look at him with a playful look. “Maybe I changed my mind.”“Why did you change your mind?” Josh pressed on.Lilith rolled her eyes before she finally answered him. ”Maybe I realized that fighting this marriage is pointless. Our families will make sure this happens no matter what. And honestly it's not the worst thing that could happen.”Josh studied her, his expression lacking any emotion, unreadable. Unlike her, there was no warmth in his gaze. “That’s not a convincing answer, Lilith.” His voice was dry, but firm. Then, with quiet certainty, he accused, “I know you’re up to something. What is it?”“Hmmm?” Lilith hadn’t expected that. She thought he was clueless, easy to manipulate. But, the fact that he already realized that she was up to something, proved to her, that he was smarter than she gave him credit for.Her smirk returned, lazy and amused. “You’re not an ea
At a police station, inside the chief's office.Three people were in the office, the chief of police and two officers, engaged in discussion.The chief of police sat back in his chair, while Detective Reynolds and Martinez stood across from him.“These are all the findings we have on Giovanni De La Cruz so far,” Detective Reynolds said, sliding a thick file across the table to the chief. The contents on the file were evidence the two detectives had found on Giovanni. According to them, it was enough evidence to cause Giovanni problems.Martinez added. “Sir, we think with this, we can at least get a search warrant against Giovanni.”The chief of police reached for the file, pulling it toward him before flipping it open. His eyes scanned the documents, photos, and reports inside. He picked up one of the photos, a grainy image of Antonio De La Cruz carrying a briefcase while Mario and Josh followed behind him and entered a hotel. Even at a glance, it was clear they were involved in som
Mr Ramirez turned to Mr Delgado saying, “A word with you Mr Delgado?” Mr Delgado gave a nod before walking away with Mr Ramirez, leaving Josh alone. Josh was too preoccupied with his thoughts to fully pay attention to them as they walked away.He moved towards the grand windows, gazing out at the estate. The villa was beautiful, but that wasn’t what occupied his mind. It was what this place meant to him: A piece of his past, one he could barely remember, but was now in his hands.His fingers lightly brushed the nearby table as he walked, trying to find some sort of connection to this place. He closed his eyes, trying to remember some memory that would surface. But there was nothing. Just emptiness.He was too young to remember ever living here, so he couldn't remember everything. But, how could he expect to recall a place he left when he was just a toddler?The sound of footsteps pulled him from his thoughts. He turned to see his grandfather walking back inside with Mr. Delgado.“Ar
Josh pushed the thought aside. He wasn’t ready to deal with that yet. Besides, this was his grandfather he was talking about, so why would Giovanni discard him aside?Mr Ramirez studied him for a second. “I'm sorry for how everyone else treats you. I'm sure they'll come around eventually.” He assured. Josh could only hope that will be the case soon. He let out a short laugh. “Are you sure about that? Catalina looks at me like I don’t belong. Marco and Isabella don’t even bother hiding it. Matteo’s the only one who treats me like an actual person.” It was not his intention to let everything out, however the words slipped out before he could stop them.His grandfather was quiet for a long moment. Then he said, “Catalina loved your mother.”Josh’s expression shifted. Really? He didn't want to believe that. If Catalina and his mother were indeed close, she wouldn't look at her sister’s son like he was the problem.Mr. Ramirez continued, “She loved her deeply. Losing her… broke something
“And when you find him? What happens then?” He asked.Josh watched his grandfather closely, waiting for his answer. Whatever Mr. Ramirez chose to do with Reaper would say a lot about the kind of man he truly was.It was safe to say Josh didn’t know his grandfather that well. He had power, control, and influence, but what kind of person was he underneath it all?“He’ll face justice. What do you think?” Mr Ramirez said. “We’ll hand him over to the authorities.”Josh hadn’t expected to hear that.If this had been Giovanni, Reaper wouldn’t have made it past sunrise. No trial. No mercy. Josh still remembered how effortlessly his other grandfather had executed those two men for betraying him, no hesitation in his actions.This was the difference between Mr. Ramirez and Giovanni. One believed in fairness, the other in ruthless control.Josh was happy to see that his grandfather from his mom's side was a different person from Giovanni.Just then, Catalina walked in, her sharp gaze immediately
Josh ignored Catalina. But he also didn’t bother trying to go with them to see Matteo. Mr. Ramirez shot Catalina a cold look in disapproval. “If it weren’t for Josh, Matteo wouldn’t have made it here in time.” He scolded.Catalina said nothing, but she had a slight look of realization across her face. No matter how she felt about Josh, it was thanks to him and the other two people that Matteo was here at the hospital in time.She, Dean, Marco, and Isabella went inside the ICU where Matteo was.Josh stayed back, leaning against the wall. He didn’t show it, but the rejection bothered him.When Marco and Isabella made it clear they didn’t accept him, it bothered him, but not that much. Catalina, though… She was his deceased mother’s sister. He expected her to treat him with at least some kindness. Guess he was wrong for thinking that.Josh exhaled slowly, pushing the thought aside. He wasn’t about to beg for acceptance. If they didn’t want him around, fine.Without another word, he turn
Mr. Ramirez’s gaze remained cold as he looked at Dante. “Where is this… Reaper?” he asked Dante hesitated, shaking his head in denial. “I… I don’t know, sir.”Mr. Ramirez studied him for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Before he could say anything else, the waiting room doors burst open.Mateo’s parents, Catalina and Dean, rushed inside, their faces filled with worry. Marco followed closely behind them, equally as worried.“Dad, how is my son? Where is Mateo?” Catalina asked, her voice shaking.Josh tensed as he watched them. It was the first time he had ever seen Mateo’s parents in person. Since Matteo was his cousin, then the woman must be his mom's sister, his aunt. Josh also noticed a resemblance between her and him, it was subtle but still noticeable. Mr. Ramirez turned to them. “I have spoken to the doctor. He is stable… we’ll be able to see him soon.”A shaky breath of relief escaped Dean's mouth. “Thank God.”Catalina clutched her husband’s arm, but the worry in