Chapter 4

The man's words left Josh surprised. He couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions, he was confused, doubtful, and a bit hopeful all at once. It was hard to believe that this stranger claimed to work for Josh's grandfather, someone Josh didn't even know existed until now.

At first, Josh didn't want to trust the man's story, thinking that the man had the wrong person. But when he showed Josh some scientific proof with DNA results, Josh began to wonder if it might be true.

The man looked at Josh, seeing the skepticism in his eyes and he felt like he had to convince him even more. Going back to his master without Josh was not an option, so he had to do anything to convince him.

"Your mother's name was Lyra, right?" He asked, then continued by saying her last name, "And her last name was Smith."

Josh was surprised that the man knew his mom's name, it only showed that the man might be telling him the truth. "Yes, how do you know that?" He asked curiously.

"As I said, I work for your grandfather. He had been searching for you ever since your mom ran away with you." The man informed him.

As soon as the words left the man's mouth, Josh couldn't help but be even more convinced. The memories of his early childhood flashed in Josh's head, and he remembered how his mom would always talk about escaping from the family business for his safety. She used to talk about how dangerous it was for the both of them.

Back then he could never understand what she really meant by that, but now that this man had said it, Josh understood that his mom might have been implying that she had run away from her family, with him for his safety.

So did that mean that the man was telling the truth about him being the grandson of some powerful old man? Josh's skepticism began to fade. The possibility of finally having some answers about his family and past was both enticing and intimidating.

The man seated across from him asked, "If you're ready, we can leave, Josh."

Josh nodded. "Okay, let's go."

Even though he had agreed to go with the man, Josh remained a little bit skeptical, concerned that the man might be deceiving him, perhaps trying to manipulate or harm him in some way. Yet, even in the face of these doubts, Josh couldn't help but think that he had very little to lose. His life had already been marked by hardship and misery, and in some strange way, this man's claims, even if untrue, might be a welcome change.

The fancy car began to move away from the restaurant.

It was very quiet Inside the limousine with one speaking to the other. As he looked out the window, watching as everything passed by in a blur, Josh's thoughts were busy with everything that had just happened. He couldn't stop thinking about whether everything the man had told him was real or not.

After driving for a while, the man finally spoke up, breaking the silence that had filled the limousine. "I'm Rafael Ortiz by the way." He introduced himself.

Josh shifted his attention from the window to Rafael and responded, "Nice to meet you," he offered a polite but forced smile.

After the brief exchange, the silence enveloped the car once again. Josh looked out the window, trying to see where they were going, but the darkness only revealed the streetlights.

A few hours passed, and at last, the car came to a halt.

"We've arrived," Rafael informed Josh.

Josh's heart picked up pace, knowing that this was it, the moment of truth had arrived. Once he steps foot outside the limousine, he would finally find out if the man was telling the truth about his grandfather or if he had been tricked.

Reaching for the door handle, Josh was about to open the car door and walk out, but before he could, the door was opened by someone outside.

As the door swung open, Josh's eyes met two men dressed in black who were standing right outside. The two men stepped aside, giving Josh space to step out of the limousine.

Josh, with a mix of curiosity and caution, stepped outside the car. His eyes widened in shock as he gazed at the grandeur before him. In the darkness, the headlights of the limousine illuminated an enormous mansion that seemed to stretch into the night. The mansion was a breathtaking sight, with towering columns and luxurious architecture.

Rafael exited the car behind Josh and gestured toward the mansion. "Welcome to your new home, Josh. This is the de la Cruz family estate."

Josh nodded, then he looked around the place, and he was left speechless, taking in the sheer magnificence of the mansion that now stood before him.

The mansion stood like a magnificent castle surrounded by luxuriant, green gardens that stretched as far as the eye could see. A path led up to the grand entrance, lined with beautiful flowers.

A shining fountain played a soothing symphony in the center of the garden.

Josh couldn't contain his wonder as he gazed at his surroundings. Coming from a humble background, he had never set foot in a place of such grandeur and opulence before. It was a world that had always felt out of reach for him.

As Josh was captivated by the stunning view, a gentle tap on his shoulder pulled him back to the present moment. He turned to see Rafael, who was the source of the tap.

"Josh, shall we go inside?" Rafael extended an inviting hand. "Your grandfather will be here to meet you soon."

Josh nodded and began to walk through the opulent hallway, following Rafael's lead as they entered the grand mansion. As they walked inside Josh was wondering how his grandfather looked like.

Rafael led Josh inside the mansion, and Josh couldn't help but be even more impressed. Had believed that nothing would ever compare to how beautiful the outside of the house was, but he was completely wrong. The inside was a marvel of elegance and luxury that left him completely stunned.

The living room was very fancy and beautiful. The walls had pretty paintings and shiny mirrors with gold frames. The big, soft couches and chairs were covered in rich, red fabric that looked like a king's room.

There was a big, fancy fireplace in the middle. A colorful rug on the floor felt nice to walk on. And it had big windows with heavy curtains that offered a stunning view of the garden outside. A big piano sat in one corner. It was all very impressive to Josh, who had never stepped foot in such a place.

Darting his gaze towards Rafael, Josh asked politely, "So, where is he… my grandfather?"

Rafael offered a polite smile as he replied, "He'll be here very soon?"

Just as Rafael finished answering Josh's question, the sound of footsteps attracted their attention. Turning to look in the direction, Josh saw a man walking inside the Mansion.

The man who had entered the mansion appeared to be in his fifties or sixties with a face that was starting to get wrinkles. His piercing, hazel eyes held an unspoken command. He wore a costly tailored, red suit, and his hair was blonde with a bit of silver at the sides.

Two imposing figures flanked him, each armed with weapons. Josh didn't need to ask, to know that the man was his grandfather as he could see the resemblance between them, they both had a distinct chin and the same blonde hair.

"Boss, I've brought him here, just like you had asked." Rafael said to his boss.

As Rafael spoke to his boss, the old man didn't reply, his gaze was fixed on Josh. The room seemed to fall silent as he approached, and a heavy air of anticipation surrounded them.

Josh heart was beating faster than usual, and he couldn't help but feel a bit nervous as the old man approached him, he didn't know how to react or what to say. "Hey, I'm- I'm Josh," He managed to utter.

The old man let out a very faint smile that was barely visible, and finally spoke in a measured tone, "Josh, you've grown into a fine young man." The last time the old man had seen his grandson, he was just a toddler, so one could imagine the joy he had after seeing his grandson again after all these years.

Josh nodded, still feeling a bit out of his element, and replied, "It's good to finally meet you, Grandfather."

Reaching out with his arm, Josh's grandfather gently touched Josh's face, his expression darkening as he felt the wounds on his grandson's bruised and battered skin. The sight filled him with a deep sense of concern and anger, and he asked, "Who did this?"

Josh was too embarrassed to say that he had gotten beaten up by his ex's boyfriend so he tried to lie. "I, uhm… fell." He replied nervously, hoping that his grandfather believed his story.

While Josh's grandfather couldn't believe that the injuries were the result of a simple fall, he chose not to press the issue further. There was a certain understanding in his eyes, as if he recognized that Josh might have his reasons for not revealing the true cause of his wounds. "Very well then." He said, and then he darted his gaze towards Rafael and gave an order, "Rafael, call our doctor to treat his sounds."

Rafael nodded, and without any delay he went to do as he was told

Josh's grandfather directed his gaze towards him and said, "Josh, in the meantime come with me."

Josh willingly complied. They walked down the grand hallway of the mansion until they entered a majestic study. The office was decorated with rich mahogany bookshelves lined with impressive leather bound books.

Josh couldn't help but feel slightly overwhelmed by its grandeur.

Once they were in this room, Josh's grandfather couldn't contain or hide his emotions any longer. He approached Josh, and in a moment of overwhelming emotion, he embraced his long-lost grandson. "I'm so glad, I found you my grandson."

Josh reciprocated, and the hug lasted for a brief, heartfelt moment before they pulled away.

After that, Josh's grandfather walked over to his seat behind the massive, expensive desk and took a moment to compose himself. He settled into the luxurious leather chair. Clearing his throat, he asked, "Josh, how have you been holding up? I'm sorry I couldn't find you sooner." There was a sincere tone in his voice, suggesting that he was truly regretful for not finding his grandson sooner.

Walking over to the desk, Josh sat down on the opulent chair opposite his grandfather, offering a small but genuine smile. "You don't need to apologize, grandfather," he replied softly, "It wasn't anyone's fault. But I've been okay, just going through life as it comes."

Just then, the sound of the study room opening attracted both their attention, and they both turned around to see Rafael walking inside the office. He bowed slightly and said, "Boss, the doctor is on her way."

"Very well. Please, see that everything is prepared for the doctor's arrival. And ensure no interruptions during our conversation." Josh's grandfather said in an instructing tone.

Rafael acknowledged the instruction with a nod and then exited the room to make the necessary arrangements.

Returning his attention to Josh, the old man spoke and his tone was filled with agency, "Josh, there are many things we need to discuss. It's crucial for you to understand your background."

Josh nodded in agreement. He also wanted to understand his own background and the situation he had found himself in. He was also curious to learn more about his mom, and why she had run away with him. As for his father, he had never met the man and was curious about his identity and history. The fact that his grandfather was a prominent figure in the criminal underworld added an air of tension and intrigue.

"I want to ask something," Josh began, hesitating for a moment, "I've always wondered why Mom ran away with me. Do you know the reason?"

His grandfather sighed deeply as he replied, "Now is not the best time for that conversation Josh, we have more important things to discuss." He said. But honestly, Unspoken animosity toward Liam's mother still ate at the old man, even in her absence. But why?

Josh could feel the hesitation in the old man's tone, but he chose to respect his wishes, so he didn't press the issue further.

Josh's grandfather, who was known as Giovanni de la Cruz in the criminal world, cleared his throat as he said, "Anyways, as I was saying, our family, while possessing power and influence, is entangled in a world of danger."