*Alexander*
My lips formed into a straight line while my fingers continue to hover over my phone screen in conflict, “Is there a problem?” asked Mack, as if sensing my sudden mood.
Taking note of what to do, I abruptly stood up, looking at Mack's puzzled face, “Go bring Amelia from work, then you both should go to Aiden's school and fetch him as well” I instructed hoarsely, striding out of my desk.
“I don't understand, Alexander. What's going on?” Mack questioned, walking after me as I strode out of my office.
Going down through the elevator, Mack wouldn't stop budging me with questions. However, I had no answer to none of his questions until I see for myself that Kiara is okay.
In order not to arouse any suspicion in the company, I tried my possible best to brace myself, but couldn't continue any longer as soon as we arrived in the parking lot.
I pulled Mack by his collar and shoved him toward his car, “Do what I asked you to do, Mack, and tell Amelia not to worry about anything,” I said in a gentle voice this time and turned to walk away, but my wrist was soon caught by his hand,
“If anything is wrong, Alexander, then you can tell me,” he said softly. “I'll be right back” I let out and released my hand in his grip immediately, heading to where my car was parking and sliding in the driver's seat.
While handling the steering with one hand, I used another hand to send a call through the cops and explained just exactly how Kiara had told me to the person who answered the call.
Driving close to Kiara's workplace, the police siren could be heard wailing on the freeway. I increased my speed but slow down as soon as I saw some police officers in their uniforms. A few of them were discussing with a lady I soon identified as Kiara. Rapidly, I stepped on the brakes and pushed the car door open, and then got down.
“Kiara?” I called out from behind her, and she abruptly swiveled around, and ran into my chest immediately, whimpering softly. “It's okay, Kiara” I consoled, stroking her back.
“No, Alexander, it's not okay. I'm sure that Nicholas is planning something more dangerous this time, he won't stop until he kills me,” her voice choked with sobs while her shoulder trembled violently.
One of the police officers approached where we were both standing, “Who are you, sir?” he asked proficiently, “Alexander Andrew, his…” I took a glance at her face, but she had buried her head into my chest deeply, “Husband,” I filled in, and he nodded and then began, “Our men are still looking for the criminal, sir. But don't worry, we would notify you as soon as we obtain any clues”
“Please officer, look for him, he almost ruined my life before. Please, I'm begging you, look everywhere for him,” Kiara turned to the police officer and implored, still crying bitterly. I gently pulled her into my chest again, my heart aching terribly from her tears.
“We'll try our best, ma'am” the officer spun around and left after completing his words. “Let's go now,” I let out softly, then held her along to the car.
Half an hour later, we both arrived at the mansion and as we both set our foot into the living room, the whole family, including Mack, stood up and rushed over to meet us.
“Mommy!” Aiden called excitedly, slipping out of Amelia's grip, and ran to Kiara's embrace, who had already squatted before him, “How are you, honey?” asked Kiara while spreading kisses to his face and holding him tightly. She was as overbearing as a kid who realized that someone was competing for her favorite toy now. Everyone's gazes were fixed on her, but she seemed less concerned about it as she held Aiden closely to her chest.
“Would you tell us what's going on already?” Granny interrogated, switching her gaze from Kiara and looking at my face.
I released a deep breath and took my time to narrate precisely what Kiara had told me.
“We all have to be extremely careful now. Who knows what he might be scheming?” Amelia articulated, shaking her head helplessly.
“What are we going to do now, Alexander? We can't just sit back and wait for the police clues” Mack spoke up this time and I ruffled my hair in frustration, slowly evacuating where I was standing.
“The president of Torres group worldwide was publicized to be ditched by his soon-to-be wife,” these utterances from the TV seemed to catch everyone's attention as well all turned to watch at the TV, which was displaying Henry Torres images on one side and the female reporter at the other side.
“According to the reporter, it was said that the woman was ungrateful for betraying Mr. Henry Torres and chased after the father of her child who had left them for another woman,”
Rubbing the space between my eyebrows and shut my eyes, “Could you please turn off the TV, Mack?” and I was glad I cloud no longer hear the voice of the female presenter immediately.
“Excuse me,” I opened my eyes to see Kiara running toward the stairs in tears.
“Kiara” Amelia called out in fear as she run after her.
“Do you know what that means, Alexander?” Granny quizzed as her face wrinkled deeply in confusion. I managed to squeeze out a smile and walked up to her, “It's nothing to worry about, Granny. I'll be right back” I pecked her both cheeks briefly and sauntered out of the house directly, with Mack following in strides.
“I thought you said already talked things out with Henry Torres, but what does that news suppose to be about?” Mack examined as we both walked side by side into the garage. “Just put Henry's case aside, for now, Mack. Right now, I need to figure out how to capture that bloody criminal” I said between clenched teeth.
“When was the last time you heard about his company or anything related?”
“It's been a long while, but the last time was when we both went there during the period Kiara was missing” he answered, and I nodded sharply and nudged his arm.
“Let's go,”
Thirty minutes later, the car rolled to a stop in front of his company and we both quickly got down from the car but were taken aback by the number of people and police officers that were surrounding the place.
“This is unjust, officers, we need our money!” someone shouted from the crowd, gripping my attention.
And we both watch as a police officer who seemed to be the team leader walked up to them, “You need to understand that this company has gone bankrupt, and even the CEO is nowhere to be found currently” the officer explained, and I heard Mack exclaimed silently beside me, “Seriously?”
I stood rigid at first, but thereafter proceeded to my car, exhaling loudly. “What do I do?” I muttered, watching how Mack conversed with a few numbers of the people, probably wanting to hear from them.
“I've always known this would happen someday, Alexander, look at it now” he pointed out, shaking his head helplessly. “Do you know his residence?” I asked him, instead of replying to his initial words. “I think I do, let's go”
Upon arriving at his residence, we didn't even bother to get off the car, and one glance was all it took us to notice that the gate has been locked from the outside. Again, a few of the police officers could be seen hanging around the house, “Nicholas is doomed,” Mack said with a laugh in his voice as we both stared out of the window. I didn't reply to his words, but ignited the engine and drove past the police.
Moments later, I slow down my pace in front of my company and gestured at Mack to get off, his brows furrowed as he asked, “Aren't you coming in?”
“No, I need to take care of something now before it gets out of hand," I looked at him and said profoundly. With the way, he stared back at me, I could tell he wanted to press on further. However, I gave him a reassuring nod, and then he smiled and unlocked the door afterward.
I parked my car carefully in the garage, came down, and then proceeded to the building. However, my heavy paces quieted down immediately after I spot him in the middle of his gigantic guards. Furthermore, I was quite pleased to realize that his movement was in my direction.
He retreated his steps as soon as he saw me as well and put on a knowing grin. I walked over slowly, every step was firm and steady, “What a surprise visit, Mr. Andrew” he said sardonically, and my lips curved to a lopsided grin. “I was actually heading out to meet the prime minister, but you're one of my important guests, so let's go back to my office and talk”
I scoffed in disdain, tugged my hands in the pocket, and closed up the little space between us with just two paces. “I'll bring you up to speed, Henry Torres” I began decisively, and his eyes opened wide in surprise.
“I don't have an idea of the tricks you've got up your sleeves and believe me, I don't want to know”
“I thought you were reasonable, sensible, someone I could talk to as a man to man, and then everything would be alright, but it soon occurred to me that I was wrong about you, Henry” my tone was cold while my eyes glaring holes into his body.
His lips turned up in a gentle smile and then expressed, “I don't understand what you're saying, Alexander, it would be wise if you could just get down the brass tacks”
“I love Kiara so much, so much that I have never because of a woman been so troubled before” my tone carried a hint of sarcasm, more like I was mocking myself.
“Trust me, my life is not as great when it comes to Kiara. So if you want to taunt her, you must come through me first”
I leaned my face even closer, “And stop using your power, Mr. Henry Torres, let's do this as a man to man” I concluded with my lips twisted in a half-smile, and his expression grew dark as he equally glared back into my eyes.
Without saying another word, I stood properly and turned away, awaiting that he was going to stop me, but he didn't. "Motherfucker”
In the Villa.
I entered the living room at the same time Amelia was descending the stairs. She saw me and gave a light smile and which I reciprocated, “Hey, where's Kiara?” I asked, walking wholly into the living room, “She's asleep” she responded, getting to where I was standing. I gazed at the hallway for a second before looking at her face again, “And Aiden?”
“He's with Miss. Marian in the yard and Granny is in her room” she replied and put emphasis on her last words as if knowing my next question.
“So this is how it is now, huh?” she said playfully, grabbing my arm and mentioned toward the entrance.
My face crumpled up as I stared at her face, “What are you talking about?”
“Asking about Granny lastly, huh!” she sneered as we both stepped out. I pressed my lips into a tight line and ignored her words,
“Where are we going?” I asked, instead, allowing myself to be led around like a soulless puppet.
“Come on, it's been a long while since we last gist. Is this how much you are planning to disregard me now?” she pouted, standing in front of me and blinking her eyes.
I chuckled and pulled her cheeks playfully, “Silly,”
I clasped her shoulder and proceeded into the yard, “So, what's it you want to gist me about? Is Desmond planning to come to seek your hands in marriage soon?” I blurted out the first words that came into my mind first and assessing how flushed her cheeks had gone, it turned out that I was right.
“Whoa, look who's getting married before me” I teased and started to tickle her neck, she laughed out of her control, “Stop it, sir” but I didn't stop, “No, it's your punishment for planning to get married before me,” I taunted as I continued to tickle her. However, she escaped from my grasp soon and ran as fast as she could, “Silly, girl”