"I'm actually embarrassed for you. I overestimated your cleverness, only to find you're as headstrong as they come."Hendrix had expected her to come prepared, to see through the simplest of tricks. However, Yaslyn had taken the bait of a secret passage, charging in solo without a second thought.Disappointment flashed in Hendrix's eyes, but it vanished as quickly as it came."Have you poisoned this room?"Yaslyn could barely muster the strength to move, her arms like lead, yet her mind was razor-sharp."You're really on edge, not even picking up on the drug-laced air here."Yaslyn had no choice but to hurl insults. "You're despicable."Hendrix's laughter was unrestrained. "Ever wonder why I went to such lengths to lure you here? Your mother was a treasure trove of remedies, and you're no different."With a casual gesture, Hendrix summoned two men from the shadows. "Take the woman on the floor back to her place and tie this one up in the back room."A chill flashed in Yaslyn's
"What's the deal with this place?" Yaslyn asked as she scanned the room, sensing that there was more than met the eye."Mr. Hendrix Jurado's got cameras everywhere here. He's obsessed with keeping tabs on everyone, making sure no one slips away," she was informed."Is that all?""There's also a signal blocker. Good luck getting any messages out."Yaslyn frowned in frustration. "That explains it. He didn't even bother to pat me down."Rosemary's heart ached at the thought. "No need. Trapped here, drugged… You're as good as powerless. How did you end up here?"Yaslyn bitterly replied, "He labeled me some sort of 'special commodity' because of my unique condition. Plus, I've got history with him."Rosemary became more familiar with Yaslyn and gradually became more talkative. "It's surprising you'd have a grudge against a hermit like him."What kind of hermit is he? He's just someone who'll stop at nothing for his granddaughter."They talked for hours."I've been studying here, a
Gaston's face twisted with discomfort. "But…""Why can't I enter? I need to go in now. If you don't open up, the Jurado family is going to be in big trouble tomorrow."Quigley's words always carried a chilling edge, and Gaston, realizing the situation was irredeemable, reluctantly took the keys and unlocked the door.The moment Quigley crossed the threshold, he spotted Hendrix, sitting with an air of tranquility by the stone table near the entrance."What's all the commotion? Why has Mr. Quigley Jentsch showed up?"Hendrix held a cup of tea, savoring each sip without a hint of irritation at the unexpected visitor. He gestured to the stool beside him."How about joining me for a cup of tea, Mr. Quigley Jentsch?"Quigley let out a dismissive huff. "I'm not here to waste time sipping tea. Out with it! Where have you stashed Kadesha and the rest?""Them?"Hendrix placed his teacup down, his eyes wide with feigned shock. "Now, Mr. Quigley Jentsch, you can't go around making baseles
Both of them turned to the door at the same moment, and the pill Hendrix was fumbling with tumbled out of his grasp, clattering to the floor.Yaslyn smiled, pleasantly surprised by Wade's timely arrival.Wade, seeing that things were under control, stepped aside.Xoan entered slowly, taking in the scene before locking eyes with Yaslyn. His gaze was intense, his eyes narrowing as he studied her, his expression growing dark and menacing."I never would've pegged you for this kind of man, Mr. Hendrix Jurado."Hendrix was not the least bit concerned. It was his turf, and he had his own security forces on standby."Mr. Hendrix Jurado, are you waiting for those couple of nobodies you had outside?"Hendrix's face froze at the question. "What did you do to them?""Like I said, nobody. They've been dealt with."Hendrix's complexion turned an ugly shade of red, but he remained unfazed. "You storm into my place, uninvited, and you're not worried I might harm her?"As he spoke, Hendrix g
Yaslyn had no time for small talk. She mischievously walked up to Gaston and looked at him knowingly."You've heard about the little drama that just unfolded, haven't you, Mr. Gaston Jurado?""I have nothing to do with that, I swear. I don't know a thing."Gaston could see he was on the losing end of the standoff. He hated to admit it, especially with his daughter's future at stake. He could not risk the Jurado family's name.Yaslyn's gaze was playful yet piercing. "Not a clue? Are you sure about that?"Cornered, Gaston looked away and gave a helpless nod. "I'm clueless about the whole affair. Don't believe me? Go ask my butler. I've never been close with Mr. Hendrix Jurado."The butler, overhearing the conversation, chimed in with a nod. "Absolutely. Mr. Gaston Jurado and Mr. Hendrix Jurado have no connection whatsoever!"Yaslyn was not buying it, but she knew she would need a different tactic to pry the truth out of him.With a sly glint in her eye, she came up with a plan.
"Come on, let's head back." Xoan gave her shoulder a reassuring pat, his face easing into a gentler expression.Yaslyn shook her head. "We can't go back just yet. I still have something to take care of.""What's that?""Mr. Hendrix Jurado slipped Rosemary a peculiar drug. It's made of some rare ingredients, and I need to swing by his medicine stash to leave a few things behind, just in case.""I'm coming with you." Xoan was genuinely concerned she might get hurt or run into trouble, and he insisted on joining her."There's no need. I've been here before and know my way around the medicine stash. I'll be back soon."With the Jurado family mostly out of the picture, even the smallest risks seemed manageable.Reluctantly, Xoan let her go.However, Xoan's anxiety swelled as time passed and Yaslyn did not return. He had no choice but to follow the trail she had taken, guided by the faint scent of medicinal herbs, until he stumbled upon the medicine stash."Yaslyn..." He called out
"Gary!" Silvestra gasped, darting to his side.Her fingers trembled as she felt the dampness at the back of his head, and panic seized her. She called his name repeatedly, but he did not stir."I..." Silvestra's mind raced as she spun in place, then a weak grip on her hand and a faint voice broke through. "Call 911, quick."She smacked her forehead. Of course, they were already at the hospital. No need for 911.Scanning the area, she spotted a doctor with a clipboard and tugged at his sleeve desperately, "Doctor, someone's hurt over there. Please, you've got to help him!"The doctor, taken aback by her urgency, followed her gaze to Gary slumped against the tree. Realizing the gravity of the situation, he immediately called for backup, and they rushed Gary to the emergency room.While Gary was patching up his wound, Silvestra hovered nearby, her face etched with remorse."Sorry, I didn't mean to push you earlier.""It's fine, I know." Gary's voice was even, his face giving nothi
Yaslyn barely got a word out when Quigley's roar cut through from behind."What the hell have you done, you good-for-nothing?!"Yaslyn spun, but before she could even grasp the situation, a slap cracked across Gary's cheek, leaving it fiery red."Had I not grilled those Jurado folks, I'd still be in the dark about my son's gutsy stunt to frame someone!"Gary dabbed at the blood trickling from his lip and laughed wryly. "You're steamed because the one getting framed is your sweetheart, aren't you?"Back when he was overseas, Quigley had gotten into a fight that left the other guy nearly beaten to a pulp. He shelled out a fortune in damages without batting an eye.This time was different; he had hurt someone he actually gave a damn about."You! You never learn, do you?" Quigley was about to deliver another blow when Yaslyn intervened."Look, Gary crossed a line this time, but he's owned up to it and made things right."Quigley let out a weary sigh. "You're too soft on him. If it
Whitey glanced back and forth between them, shaking her head. "You two are a mystery."Suddenly, Doniel stood and waved Whitey over. "Hey, Whitey. Come here for a second."Confused but compliant, Whitey walked over.In a swift move, Doniel took her hand. With a smug look at Matheo, he announced, "I'm taking Whitey off your hands for a bit."Matheo's expression turned steely. "What's your game?""Don't sweat it, she'll be back soon."With that, Doniel led Whitey out.They reached a more secluded spot before Doniel finally released her hand. "Whitey, you're not hurt, right?"Whitey shook her head, twirling in front of him to prove her point. "See? I'm totally fine."Doniel reached out and gently tapped her forehead. "Someone hit you, didn't they? Your face is still swollen, and here you are, telling me it's nothing."Whitey playfully stuck out her tongue. "I just didn't want you to worry. Besides, I'm not the one who got seriously hurt. It was Matheo.""I know. Matheo really d
"Don't make that call!" Whitey screamed in a panic.A harsh slap struck her face as the ringleader yelled, "Shut it, woman! Who said you could talk?"The man, not satisfied after hitting her, gave in to his fury and kicked her. However, before he knew it, Matheo, who was standing nearby, had silently moved behind him. Suddenly, a sharp crack echoed as Matheo snapped the man's fingers with raw force.Matheo wrapped his arms around Whitey and quickly retreated."I can't take it! I'm done. I don't want anything else. Just do it!"The ringleader was seething with rage, the throbbing in his fingers ruining his will to fight Matheo.A few thugs had been itching for a reason to go after Matheo, and they wasted no time grabbing their weapons and launching an assault.Matheo fought back while dragging Whitey out of harm's way, but as the fight dragged on, he started losing ground.A vicious knife cut to Matheo's leg sent him tumbling down with a grunt."Matheo!"Whitey crouched beside
Whitey shook her head. She did not have a clue, and even if she could guess, she did not know what to do about it."I was actually about to..."Before Matheo could finish, a deafening crash rang out.Startled, Whitey clapped her hands over her ears. Matheo wrapped her in his arms and glanced at the rear window.A random stone had shattered the car's back glass, leaving a gaping hole.The chaos erupted out of nowhere, catching both of them off guard. They had been deep in conversation when suddenly, a line of cars barricaded the road, trapping them.Matheo gently patted her head, a silent plea for calm.Whitey, frantic, nodded and fumbled for her phone, only to find it had mysteriously powered down."Stay put in the car and don't worry," Matheo said, handing her his phone."If things go south, call the cops, call anyone."He was ready to step out and face the unknown threat head-on.Whitey protested. "Matheo, we don't know what we're dealing with. Don't just rush out there."
Whitey was back to her usual routine—classes by day, radio station by night. However, she had a luxury she did not have previously. A private car service, ensuring her safety was never in question.Doniel's lips were sealed, not breathing a word of her injury to anyone. Except for Matheo, who had somehow stumbled upon the secret.That night, after her radio gig, Whitey stepped out expecting to see the familiar pink sports car tucked away in its usual spot. However, it was nowhere in sight.Moreover, he had not even bothered to call her. A knot of worry formed in her stomach. Did something happen to him?Whitey had called his number three, maybe four times, but got nothing.As she was wrestling with her thoughts, a familiar yet unsettling figure approached her.Matheo.Why was he there?Nobody knew about Whitey's job at the radio station except Doniel."Doniel's tied up today, so I'm your ride," Matheo said.Alarm bells rang in Whitey's head. How did Matheo know about Doniel
The nurse nodded, gesturing for Doniel to give them some space.Once the bandaging was complete, Doniel returned with a treat—Whitey's beloved chocolate cupcakes."For you. Why didn't you say it hurt? He was so rough, and yet you asked me not to hold it against him."Whitey, her mouth full of frosting, mumbled a reply. "It's not that bad. Besides, you two are usually on good terms. Why fight over pointless things because of me?"Doniel tapped her head gently. "You're such a goof. What are you even talking about? Meaningless things?""I just thought that you two grew up together, so it'd be a shame to fall out over something so small, right?"Doniel huffed, "I never really cared for him, you know.""Okay, let's figure out a plan B. This mess means I might be stuck in the hospital longer, so I'm counting on you to smooth things over back home."Doniel looked at her with a teasing grin. "Relax, I've got this."Somehow, Whitey could always pick up a strange vibe from his smile, an
Whitey was injured, and Doniel rushed her to the hospital that very night. It was just a slash on her arm, but Doniel was beside himself with worry.Watching Whitey grit her teeth through the stitching, Doniel's face turned a shade of stormy gray. "I'll track down that driver's family if it's the last thing I do!"Whitey winced in pain, but seeing Doniel's fury, she tried to soothe him. "Really, it's not so bad."Doniel looked at her bandaged arm. "Thirteen stitches, Whitey. If you're not in pain, I'm in pain for both of us."Whitey was always the center of attention—a princess who was doted on from the day she was born. She had never experienced an injury as severe as that. As Doniel reached for his phone to call Whitey's parents, she quickly stopped him with a hand gesture, wincing as she accidentally grazed her wound, "Please don't call them. They'll just scold me again if they find out.""I told you to let me drive you home. Now, look at what happened because you didn't li
Whitey gripped the edge of her skirt, a new kind of worry blooming in her chest.'What if Matheo was…'She shuddered at the thought, her mind a garden where fears grew into giant oaks, so tall and dark that they scared her.Looking up again, Whitey's eyes widened as she noticed the taxi had taken a wrong turn, heading into unfamiliar territory.In the rearview mirror, she caught a glimpse of the driver's unsettling smirk.Taking a cab late at night was proving to be a bad idea, her heart racing with fear. If only she had accepted a ride from Doniel, none of that would happen. Regret washed over her as she scrambled for her phone, desperate to call for help.Sensing her panic, the driver floored it to a secluded spot and then abruptly stopped the car.Whitey's head snapped forward, hitting the seat, and as the world spun, her phone slipped from her grasp. Then, the driver was toying with her phone, his grin wide and wicked."Planning to call the cops or a friend, sweetheart?""
As time swiftly marched on, three years went by.Whitey nailed her entrance exam into the top university in Jefferson City—Jefferson City University.As for the others, Caleb turned 30, tied the knot, had kids, and took control of Sheldon's international ventures. He and his family packed up and moved overseas, while the rest stayed back."Thanks for tuning into 'Moonlit Wishes,' your go-to spot for all things heartfelt. I'm your host, Macie."At the stroke of ten, Macie's soothing voice filled the evening airwaves."Let's hear from our first caller tonight. Hey there, sir, what's on your mind?"Macie's voice was soothing, soft yet strong enough to coax secrets from the most guarded of hearts."Here's the thing, Macie. I've been head over heels for this girl, but she's always kept me at arm's length, saying I haven't done enough. However, today, I caught her in another guy's arms. What gives?"The man's voice quivered with barely concealed tears, slurred slightly by alcohol.M
"So, just because you're into him, you decide to set me up? How does that make any sense?"Whitey could not help but find her logic almost laughable."Because I noticed he always had a soft spot for you, jealousy clouded my judgment, and that's why I..."Jade inhaled deeply, as if bracing herself for what was to come. "Well, you've uncovered the truth, so there's no point in hiding anything. Punish me however you see fit."What was the point in pleading guilty then?Jade stood there, a mix of defiance and dignity, stubborn even in the face of her mistake.Whitey was not looking to lay blame. "I'm not going to take this to the principal, and I won't breathe a word of it to anyone else. However, as of today, our friendship is done. I'll find a new place to sit when we get back."Whitey let out a tired sigh. "There's something else you should know. He's got a girlfriend now."Jade's eyes widened in disbelief. "Wait, are you two an item now?""No, I'm not the one he's dating."Wi