Weeks later, the court date arrived.
Osmond and his family were still clueless as to who this Philip Anderson is. They would never expect to relate him to the Best Surgeon of the country who was married to Rosemary Griffin from the Great 7.
Diana arrived and sat away from the Winchester Family. Osmond and the rest didn't acknowledge Diana as well, still remembering her words back then. They could only murmur words about her. However, their subject of their conversation only looked straight to the front with cold indifference.
Lucas was still taking a phone call outside.
Just a few minutes before the start of the trial, Philip entered with Rosemary beside him who was wearing sunglasses, making it hard for them to determine her identity.
"Is that him? The one claiming to be Diana's real dad?" Chantal asked Vanessa.
Vanessa followed Philip's movement
Atty. Hector Pierpont made the necessary arrangements after the court trial. Diana was very impressed at his efficiency. Only a few days later, the lawyer met them at Anderson's Residence to deliver the documents. In it included the corrected birth certificate, which made Diana and her family teary-eyed. At the Forrest Research Institute, Assistant Ethan Taylor handed her a new ID with her corrected name. Lucas had ordered them previously to update their records. Even at Henhall University, Lucas personally contacted their relative who is an Administrator. Marcus Forrest is Lillian's cousin and works hand in hand with his son, Remus Forrest who is the Assistant Administrator. "No problem, Mr. Ingram. It will be taken care of." Marcus assured Lucas. Even if he is a cousin of Lucas's grandmother, he was still respectful of Lucas as if the latter was levels above him. Lillian was the only daughter of Lisander and Celestine Everhart-Forrest
Maconia, officially the Maconian Republic, shares land borders with Eskos, Athington, Mugrana, Proavania, Brieburg and Aclana. It has 60 million inhabitants. It is considered as one of the world's most culturally and economically advanced countries. The Barnes Clan have inhabited this country for many years putting up businesses, especially in the food industry where they are most successful. Winston Barnes, the eldest son of the main family of the Barnes Clan has inherited their restaurant business. He could be compared to Leopold Hargreave who has been dominating the food industry in Great Blackhampton. Winston could be considered the number 2 in the food industry. He has managed the Candlelight Kitchen and all of its branches in partnership with his wife Cassandra. Their son, Harlan, will soon inherit all of these when he's ready. When Cassandra decided to pursue Culinary, the Winchester f
"Here is the Chamomile Tea, Miss." The stewardess politely handed her the tea. "Thank you." Diana smiled. She was comfortably reclining on her seat. There were only a few people on board. Other than the staff, there was just her, Lucas, Kyle, and Emmett in Lucas's private plane. She was dumbstruck when she saw it the first time. It was only then that she realized why he told her not to worry about anything. There's even a room with a bed where they can sleep on. Glancing at Lucas who was in a video conference with his board members, Diana went back to reading her book. She took this chance to study in advance for her Medical degree. It might also come in handy when she starts to do the project. After a while, Lucas finished his video conference and went to get Diana so she can dine together. The plane even has its own section for meals as if they
The rooms that were prepared for them already had the necessities. Cassandra didn't want to assume that the couple wanted to share a room during their stay with them. So she prepared two separate rooms for them. They had plenty of rooms anyway. It's up to them whatever they want to do. When the couple had settled in, they came downstairs and joined the family for lunch. Winston's family came over as well to welcome the guests. "Diana! It's been a long time!" Old Madam Barnes hugged her. "Grandma.. How are you?" Diana smiled warmly. "I'm doing very well, dear. How about you? You've really grown up!!! You're even more beautiful than in the video calls!" Old Madam Barnes combed Diana's hair, her eyes twinkling. Winston's side of the family has only met Diana on the video calls but since Cassandra's family has kept close communication with Diana, they naturally look forward
Harlan drove his car with Willa in the passenger’s seat as they led Lucas’s car to one of his favorite spots. They stopped outside of a huge castle. It looked so medieval. However there were caretakers to maintain it and even a few staff to collect entrance fees, sell snacks and there was even a horse ranch just behind it. Diana gasped, amazed at how huge it was. You could tell that it has plenty of rooms as it had numerous windows and towers. A photographer approached them, offering his services. He could follow them around, taking professional-looking photos for a reasonable fee. Willa enthusiastically convinced them that they should hire the guy. The couple conceded, feeling silly at first as they were being followed around, and would every now and then stop and be instructed on how to pose so the photos would come out better. After a while, the two got used to it and didn’t even mind the
In the middle of the night, Diana stirred awake as she felt something akin to a stick, poking her leg. It would move slightly every now and then until she felt uncomfortable. Her eyesight was still blurry having just woken up. Having regained her bearings, in the dim lights, she could see an arm resting across her abdomen. She could feel soft breaths from the top of her head and a slight movement behind her. Hearing the soft snore, she recognized the person beside her as Lucas. She moved her body to face him but at that moment, he uttered a delicious moan. Her eyes widened in shock as she paused her breathing. She didn't dare to move even slightly anymore. However, at that moment, his arm that was across her abdomen, went downwards, lifting her leg towards him, making it rest on his shin rest on his buttocks. She was even more close to the stick now. He uttered another moan. 'Do I wake him up
Morning came and the two emerged from their separate rooms. Lucas went back to his own bedroom at dawn. The smell of waffles, sausage, coffee and bacon wafted from the kitchen as they came downstairs. "Oh! You're up! Breakfast is almost ready.. How was your sleep? Was the bed comfortable enough?" Cassandra asked, smiling brightly. Diana blushed, remembering what they did at midnight. "Mmn. I slept right away." "Yes. I did too." Lucas smiled mischievously that Diana secretly pinched his elbow, barely hurting him. "That's good then.. Later on, we'll go on a picnic with everybody." Cassandra told them. Since it's rare for Diana to come over, and especially bringing her fiance, they made time to gather and bond so they decided to have a picnic at a beach. At breakfast, there was only Winston, Cassandra and Harlan. Winston's side
Diana was startled at Lucas suddenly sitting on the sand next to her reclining chaise. He looked annoyed. “Something wrong?” She asked, massaging his frowning forehead until he relaxed. He sighed. “I met a succubus trying to abduct me.” She was at a loss for words. “Pfft! Hahahaha.. What are you talking about?” She was amused at his words and confused as to what he meant. He was only gone for a bit to get her some barbecue, and now he came back without barbecue and also looking annoyed. She looked towards where Kyle and Emmett still are, manning the barbecue. There was a woman wearing a very revealing bathing suit standing only a few feet from the two. She kept adjusting her bathing suit in front of the two. The men looked very uncomfortable. She finally understood what Lucas mumbled. “She touched you?”Diana said indifferent
Lillian, Ernest and the rest arrived at the airport and were quickly assisted through the process. They were able to leave the airport and head to their residence easily. Adrian looked around and saw that everything seemed strange in his eyes. Nothing was familiar to him. It was when they were finally close to the mansion when he recognized the structure. He had dreamt of this place so many times. It had become hazy at some point. But now, he could see that this was more or less the place he lived in before he was taken. It had some new additions along with other changes such as the paint and the landscape design. But the overall structure was the same. As they entered the gates, he saw that there were a lot of people outside of the house. They were lined up even in this cold weather. Most of them seemed to be wearing uniforms under their black coats. The only ones who looked different than the others were the three couples and two young men. “Ah.. Everyone’s here.” Emma smiled
Adrian and Violet were apprehensive when they saw the big plane that they were going to ride on.Fortunately for them, they were flying through the private plane of the Lovell family, else, they would be even more embarrassed by the way they were acting.To their memory, this was their first time being on any plane.That simply was not true for Adrian, as the family had gone on vacations before that needed the plane. It’s just that this memory may have been forgotten by Adrian already.As for Violet, this was her first ever flight.They at least knew what a plane was.They were only anxious as to how they would feel once they’re already up in the air.Lillian and the rest tried to distract them from these thoughts.Hugh and Leroy offered them some wine and snacks.Emma and Priscilla showed them the movies they could watch on the screen in front of their seat.Lillian especially made sure they felt warm and comfortable, giving them blankets and pillows, showing them how to recline thei
“Yes, Dad. Alright–Mn..Goodnight.” Lucas said to Hugh on the phone.Hugh had called him to let him know that they would be heading back in the morning with Adrian and his friend, Violet.Hugh and Leroy’s secretaries have received updates regarding a background check on Violet’s family.They’ve decided to let Violet stay with the Lovell family as a guest.In the residence, there’s usually only the elders living with their staff. Usually, it would be busier during holidays and if there are any special occasions. In those times, everyone would gather in the residence and stay in their rooms reserved for them.Lillian and Ernest have held out hope that Adrian would return to them so they never thought of letting anybody else use it.Lillian would personally clean it and it was only in the later years that she let her staff help her.She wanted to preserve whatever remaining scent Adrian had left.There were times when she would burst out in tears, realizing that she could no longer recall
Soon, the driver, John Garcia, pulled up outside of the hotel where Lillian and the rest were staying.Adrian was no longer as anxious as he was half an hour ago, still he could still remember the bullets trying to penetrate through the car and the explosion after those goons’ cars had collided.Detective Jones glanced at him, noticing how pale Adrian was.Still, he commended him for not breaking down and not getting in their way.And also, because of him, they were able to rescue so many people who have been missing for years.Perhaps the Mayor might even think of rewarding Adrian because of his contribution.At the moment though, it was inappropriate to bring it up, given what the man had just experienced.So after escorting them to the hotel, Detective Jones left them, joining the other Officers with the rescued people.It was a field day for the reporters, gathering outside the police department.On the televisions of most households, they showed several people with their heads lo
As John Garcia was driving the car forward, everyone in the car held their breaths.They already knew that those people were Mortimer’s men. They could only play along for now, hoping for them to think that Adrian was in the other cars.But then–that possibility is very low.The black car they’re in was far from ordinary upon close inspection.And like clockwork, shots rang.Adrian ducked, covering his head with his arms.John Garcia gripped the steering wheel while Howard Dawson and Detective Jones cocked their guns.A voice of one of the policemen came on the comms. “Keep going. Follow the second group!”No matter what, they couldn’t let Adrian and the people who had just been rescued be in Mortimer’s hands again.John Garcia didn’t hesitate and quickly sped on.Mortimer’s men have picked the road where there’s only farm crops on each side, the road only leading one way.The city was still quite far so blending in or hiding in some alleyway would still be impossible.For now, they s
The drive was calm, with John Garcia, the driver not making any stops if he could help it.The car could drive even without gas as it can run on solar power.It could be recharged at a charging station, could store gas and could be powered through solar. This is all thanks to the upgrades done by the Lovell Technologies.With the drive being calm, Adrian fell to sleep.Even Detective Jones dozed off as well, his head hitting the window a couple of times.An hour into the drive, the car suddenly beeped in alarm.Adrian and Detective Jones groaned, having been woken up by the alarm.“What is it? What’s happening?” Detective Jones asked.“There seems to be an accident up ahead.” John Garcia answered, pointing at the GPS shown on the screen in front of him.“Is there another road we can take?” The bodyguard, Hoyt Cole asked.“This is the only road back to Westbury..” John Garcia answered.“Maybe the road is not totally blocked–” Detective Jones said.“Alright then–we’ll keep going..”“Sta
After canvassing the full layout of the building and accounting the number of people inside, Detective Jones and the other Officers made their strategic plan.An hour later, they made their move.Adrian was made to stay in the car while he viewed their perspective from the tablet device.He was given eyes for different cameras. Two more Officers were also monitoring it from their tablet devices.They compared every person found to the sketches from Adrian’s description of the people held captive. And also of the ones Adrian said were the people who ordered them around.Adrian watched as the trained Officers infiltrated the area covertly.CCTV cameras were hacked and made to play the same view over and over again.They knocked out the guards with tranquilizers, making sure they wouldn’t be waking up so soon.They were separated into groups. One made way to the sleeping quarters of the captives, another entered the main building, and another surrounded all possible exits.There were onl
Adrian held her hand, squeezing it.At that moment, Hugh returned to the room and was startled by the silence.“What happened?” He asked. His eyes wandered to Violet who now had her head lowered, her hand covering her eyes and her shoulders shaking.‘Is she crying?’ His brows furrowed.“Violet just remembered what happened that time when she was taken away.” Emma summarized it for him.He nodded. “By the way–I’ve just received information just now. Violet–it has something to do with you. If this is not a good time, I won’t say it.”She looked up, quickly wiping her tears with the cloth napkin.“No, please, I want to hear it.”Hugh nodded.“What is it, Hugh?” Emma asked.“It’s about her family.”They all glanced at Violet, gauging her reaction.“I remember–my mother died that time.” She said.Hugh nodded, confirming what she had remembered.Her heart fell. Deep inside, she was hoping that she was wrong. That she remembered it wrongly.Tears continued to fall down her cheeks. The napkin
Knock. Knock.“I’ll go get it..” Emma said.She opened the door and saw her younger brother, Adrian.“Ah.. Adrian.. What is it?”Adrian was startled.He stepped back to check if he knocked on the correct room or not.“You have something you need from Violet?” She smiled.His brows shot up. “Oh. Um–I was going to bring her to the dining room.”“Ah.. I see. Well, just in time. We’re done here as well.” Emma smiled. She turned her head and called over. “Come on you two..”“Okay!” Priscilla said. “Let’s go Violet..”Priscilla brought Violet over.Adrian was struck for a moment when he saw Violet.He had never seen her so dolled up.Her hair was beautiful and so is her overall look. Her face was even more beautiful than usual.Violet’s head hung as her cheeks blushed bright red.Adrian cleared his throat.“Let’s go..” Adrian tilted his head.“Mn.” Violet nodded.