Altair's fingers danced over the phone's keypad, quickly dialing Carlos's number. As soon as Carlos's voice filtered through the speaker, Altair's words came out sharp and clear: "I never imagined you'd descend to such depths."
 
Pausing to let the weight of his words sink in, Altair continued, a sarcastic edge to his tone, "Drawing your game plan from a Korean drama, are you? If you're looking for a showdown, have the decency to face me. Man to man."
 
The line went dead, echoing the end of the conversation but not the tension that lingered.
[Next Day] 
The morning sun spilled through the trees, casting dappled shadows over the house
 
As the world outside bustled with the onset of a new day, inside the house, Theresa and Allaine prepared for a quick run to the market. The moment they opened the gate, a woman stood before them, her fingers hovering near the doorbell. Their eyes met, and in that fleeting second, recognition flitted between Theresa, Allaine, and the woman.
 
Allaine's eyes bore into the stranger's face, memories of a locket and Altair's secretive pep talk returning to her. There was something eerily familiar about this woman, now identified as Stella. Allaine's face, however, portrayed only innocence.
 
Without preamble, Stella's voice sliced through the silence: "I'm searching for Altair, my fiancé. Rumor has it, he's taken refuge here."
 
A note of sweet disbelief colored Allaine's response: "I'm afraid you're mistaken. There's no Altair here."
 
The air thickened, and Stella's eyes sharpened. "Cut the charade. I know he's here."
 
Having watched the exchange silently, Theresa stepped in, her voice dripping with calm. "Many people come and go from this place. We can't possibly track everyone."
 
A battle of wills commenced, the atmosphere crackling with palpable tension. Stella, her voice edged with warning, countered, "You're playing with fire, protecting a man who's mine."
 
Theresa's voice, while still calm, now bore an edge of steel: "It's you who's treading on dangerous ground. I might be educated, but never mistake that for weakness. I won't hesitate to protect mine."
 
The standoff intensified until Allaine, with swift grace, revealed a derringer strapped to her thigh, leveling it confidently at Stella.
 
"Step onto this property, and I guarantee you'll regret it. The law's on my side, and I'll defend my home."
 
With raised hands, Stella slowly began to back away, but her voice promised this wasn't the end. "This isn't over. I'll be back."
 
The threat lingered even as Stella disappeared, leaving behind an atmosphere thick with unsaid words and unfulfilled promises.
--
The danger receded with Stella's departure, but an invisible residue of anxiety clung to the air. Allaine, with determined movements, secured the gate behind them, ensuring their temporary safety. She and Theresa made their way back inside, each step a retreat from the palpable tension that had momentarily engulfed them. It was a silent walk until they were well within the house's confines, away from any other potential threats.
 
Theresa, who had been mulling over the recent confrontation, finally broke the silence, her voice echoing a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. "That gun... where did it come from?"
 
Allaine, sensing the gravity in Theresa's voice but choosing to lighten the mood, replied with a smirk, "Oh, this little thing? Just a special accessory from my thigh wardrobe."
 
Despite the attempt at humor, Theresa's concern was far from alleviated. "But why? Why carry a gun?" The question, though simple, seemed to reverberate, seeking a deeper explanation.
 
Allaine's eyes met Theresa's, and there was a seriousness within them that hadn't been there moments before. "I run a construction firm," she stated plainly, her tone suggesting the rationale was obvious. "It's not just building sites and contracts; it's also about protecting my interests, my people, and myself."
 
Theresa exhaled, the tension leaving her in a whoosh. "I understand. I'm just relieved it didn't escalate beyond what happened. But this... we have to tell Altair and Elise. They need to be aware."
 
The gravity of the situation settled between them, creating a shared understanding that they were perhaps in deeper waters than they had realized. Allaine nodded, her expression solemn. "Yes, they must know. Whatever this is, it's bigger than a simple intrusion. Altair should be prepared."
 
Their conversation trailed off, but the resolution was set. They would inform their friends, come what may. The house, though quiet, was now charged with a silent resolve, a united front against whatever storm was on the horizon.
[Next Day]
As dawn painted the sky with muted hues of pink and gold, a new day unfurled in the house. However, the morning's serenity didn't extend to everyone.
 
In his room, Altair surveyed the reflection staring back at him from the mirror. Purple bruises marred his features, painful reminders of the previous day. He felt an internal tug-of-war between the urge to hide away and the realization that an absence would only fan the flames of curiosity. Decision made, he reached for his phone.
 
"Good morning, Goddess," he texted Cassy, trying to inject some levity into his current situation.
 
Moments later, his phone buzzed with a notification. Cassy's response read, "Stop buttering me up! Come down; the coffee is ready!" A playful angel emoji accompanied her message.
 
Feeling the weight of his injuries a little less, Altair ventured downstairs. The delicious aroma of brewing coffee met him, along with Cassy's presence. Seeing her was like a splash of color on a grayscale canvas; his spirits lifted almost instantly.
 
"What's cooking, good-looking?" He greeted her, his voice dripping with charm.
 
She turned at his voice, her face breaking into a warm smile. However, that smile faltered as her gaze landed on his injuries. "What happened to you?" she asked, the concern evident in her tone.
 
Brushing it off lightly, he said, "I slipped and crashed. No big deal. I'll live."
 
But Cassy wasn't one to be easily placated. "How did that even happen?"
 
Altair paused, then replied, "You know... just lost in thought, maybe about someone special. Before I knew it, stairs were all I could see."
 
"Lost in thought?" Cassy probed.
 
"Yes, floating actually... thinking of you," Altair countered with a teasing smirk.
 
She raised an eyebrow, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Next time, be more careful when you think of me. I'd hate to be the reason for your missteps."