Part 64

Driving at a moderate speed, Antony made his way to his cousin's apartment. He already knew the password to enter, so he acted casually, as if visiting was a regular occurrence for him, even though the number of times he had actually been there could be counted on one hand.

He entered the password for the door lock. Altezza was sitting at the bar table with her laptop open in front of her. She briefly lifted her head before returning her focus to the screen.

"What's so important that it made you come to Kansas, cousin?" Antony asked as he walked over to the fridge and grabbed a cold drink. Although the apartment was rarely occupied, he knew that his cousin had hired someone to manage it and stock the kitchen and fridge with food—at the very least, drinks and instant meals.

"If you're worried about me stealing Claire from you, you don't have to be. I won't do it," Altezza replied casually. She shut her laptop and turned in her chair to fully face Antony. "I've actually been planning to take your advice."

Antony frowned. "What do you mean?" he asked, confused.

"You suggested I get married, at least just to have children and carry on the Quirino family name," Altezza reminded him. Antony was taken aback. He recalled the incident at the bar not long before he decided to move to Kansas and pursue Claire.

"What are you talking about?" Antony asked uncertainly, hoping that what he just heard wasn't true.

"I'm getting married. And I'm going to have a child. Just like you suggested. And God has granted my wish. He sent me a girl who 'loves her family,' as you said."

"I still don't understand, Al."

"The point is, I'm getting married and having a child. After the baby is born, I'll take the child and leave."

Antony shook his head in disbelief. "Altezza, don't do something foolish that you'll regret later." His anger surged unexpectedly. "I did suggest that you get married and have children, but that doesn't mean you abandon them after getting what you want. Have you forgotten? I asked you to find a woman who not only loves herself but will also love you, your child, and your family."

"But I can't easily find that, Antony. I've already told you that finding someone genuine isn't easy."

"I know," Antony replied again. "If finding a sincere woman were easy, we wouldn't be facing failures in marriages like this. We're struggling for our own happiness, Al. But that doesn't mean we have to hurt others in the process."

"I'm not hurting anyone, Khan. I'm doing this based on an agreement we made. She gives me a child, and I give her what she needs—money to help her mother."

"You're insane, Al!" Antony raised his voice. "You're exploiting someone else's difficulties. What would your mother say if she knew what you were doing?"

"As long as you don't tell my parents, they won't know," Altezza replied simply. Antony shook his head again.

"I still can't believe you're doing this, Al," he said softly. "Who is she? Who is this poor girl?" he asked again.

"You'll find out later. I'll introduce her to the whole family once I'm ready. For now, only you, I, and that girl know our status."

"I'm tired of always being the one to keep your secrets, Al," Antony murmured, displeased.

"It's your fault for being my dumping ground," Altezza chuckled. "Now I feel relieved because I've finally said that to you. But the real thing I want to talk about besides that is work."

"What now?" Antony groaned. "Is there a problem at headquarters? What's the point of calling Gian if he can't help you at all?"

"So far, I've actually asked him to help with my business," Altezza replied. "And he's been busy with Uncle's company affairs. You know his interests aren't in construction like ours. He prefers dealing with the entertainment and culinary world."

"I'm overwhelmed, Antony. I can't split my focus into several parts. On one side, I have to manage the business I'm starting. On the other hand, I also have to support you." She looked sharply at Antony. "When are you coming back? When will your issues with Claire be resolved?"

Antony sighed deeply. "My efforts haven't even started," he said softly.

Altezza furrowed her brow. "So far, you haven't moved at all?" she mocked.

Antony raised an eyebrow. "You know how Claire is. She's not easily conquered like most women."

Altezza laughed. "I told you from the start that she wouldn't be easy. You just refused to listen."

"I'm already too invested in her," Antony replied again.

Altezza smiled sadly. "After all these years, you've finally fallen in love again, and with a woman who's incredibly difficult to approach. Is this some sort of twisted fate?" she mused to herself.

"Don't mock me. At least my fate is better than yours. I got married and had a child, even if I was ultimately betrayed. But you? You're married without your family knowing, and so far, you haven't gained anything except being cast aside." Altezza threw a mineral water bottle at Antony that was within reach.

Antony laughed, mocking their lives that were far from ideal.

It's indeed sad. While everyone assumes their wealth allows them to obtain everything, they are mistaken. Because far from what everyone thinks, the wealth they possess only brings them emptiness.

Their family is not as happy as the families depicted in dramas. Money can buy anything, but it cannot buy true love and happiness.

"I'm going to Singapore for a week. This means the office will be empty while I'm gone. After that, you manage it yourself. Move faster. Get Claire and quickly return to your home in Manhattan. Because after this, I also have to think about my future and my company," Altezza said.

Antony fell silent. Gladwin gave him the choice to move forward or back away. Meanwhile, Altezza urged him to move even faster. The final decision was up to Antony himself. Was he sure he wanted to fight for Claire, whose feelings he still didn't know?