The journey back from Baguio had come to its gentle conclusion as the Mercedes Benz Sprinter eased to a stop outside the house. The crisp mountain memories seemed to linger around Altair, Cassy, and Sunny, their faces illuminated with the fading joy of their recent escapade. The vehicle's doors opened, releasing laughter and soft chatter alongside the trio, who began extracting their luggage from the vehicle's depths.
 
The house's front door opened almost immediately, revealing Theresa, who stood with arms outstretched, the embodiment of a warm welcome waiting to envelope them.
 
"Welcome back!" she called out, her voice a blend of relief and genuine happiness, as she pulled Altair into a brief, tight hug.
 
Returning the embrace, Altair's smile was broad and authentic. "It's great to be back, Theresa. We've missed this," he admitted, a soft, contented sigh punctuating his sentiment.
 
A curious glint appeared in Theresa's eyes, her gaze sweeping over them. "So, how was the trip?"
 
Cassy stepped forward, a peaceful aura surrounding her as she answered, "It was exactly what we needed. I feel more like myself than I have in a long time."
 
Theresa's smile widened, her happiness for her friend evident. However, her eyes locked onto Altair's, conveying a shift in her demeanor. "Could I have a word with you, Altair? In private?" she asked, an undercurrent of seriousness weaving through her tone.
 
"Sure, Theresa," he responded, picking up on the urgent undertone, his expression sobering.
 
Cassy, sensing the change in atmosphere, gracefully excused herself. "I'll start unpacking. You two catch up," she suggested with a supportive smile, pulling her suitcase toward the house.
 
Theresa gestured for Altair to follow her, leading the way to the gazebo, an intimate space that promised seclusion for their discussion. Upon arriving, Theresa retrieved a pack of cigarettes, offering one to Altair, who accepted. They both lit up, the smoke from their exhalations dancing together before dissipating into the dusky air.
 
Altair broke the silence, his voice carrying a light, teasing edge to cut through the sudden gravity. "What's up? You're not about to launch into some sort of motivational speech, are you?"
 
Theresa’s laughter was a brief, comforting sound in the gathering twilight. "No pep talks today. We've got more immediate issues to tackle," she confided, her tone turning serious again as she prepared to dive into the heart of the matter that had been haunting her thoughts.
 
Altair's eyes narrowed slightly in anticipation, the glowing ember of his cigarette brightening as he drew in another breath of smoke. "What's on your mind? This wouldn't be about Carlos, would it? That man seems to enjoy refusing to take a hint," he speculated, his voice laced with a hint of annoyance.
 
Theresa's response was a solemn shake of her head, the atmosphere surrounding them thickening with her next words. "I am hoping that its just Carlos, but. It's about your ex, Stella," she began, the name itself seeming to cast a shadow over their secluded meeting. "She's been busy, and not in a good way. She's aligning herself with some rather dangerous people, and their eyes are set on uncovering whatever they can use against you and Elise. She's starting to make her moves."
 
A visible shift occurred in Altair's demeanor. His casual, somewhat playful air dissipated, replaced by a steely seriousness that reflected the weight of Theresa's revelation. He took a lengthy drag from his cigarette, the burning tip mirroring his inner turmoil before he exhaled a slow, deliberate stream of smoke. "So, it's finally happening," he mused, more to himself than to Theresa, acknowledging the storm they had long anticipated.
 
"What's your plan?" Theresa inquired, her voice steady but carrying an undercurrent of concern. She understood the stakes involved, and the question hung between them, charged with the urgency of the situation.
 
Altair paused, his mind methodically turning over their options. His eyes, hardened by resolve, met Theresa's. "Stella might think she's playing her cards right, but she's not as ahead as she believes. There's also the unresolved issue with Carlos still hanging over our heads. I'll need to address him first; neutralize whatever threat he poses," he strategized aloud, the gears clearly turning in his head. "Once that's out of the way, Stella will be my next focus. We can't afford to underestimate her, especially now."
Theresa put out her cigarette "Altair, don't over work okay? Let us know if there's anything we can do to help you in these matters"
His voice, though calm, was a stark contrast to the gravity of his words, underscoring the seriousness of the threats they faced. Both of them knew the dangers of letting either Carlos or Stella roam unchecked, and the necessity of decisive, strategic action was paramount. The quiet confidence in Altair's approach, however, offered a sliver of reassurance in the encroaching darkness of their predicament.