20 The Pinnacle of Power

"Maintaining family bonds is vital." this sentiment was expressed by Julio Cardinal Marino in one of his sermons.

Karl hosted a dinner for both his extended family and close acquaintances. This marked the first occasion in four years that the head of the Marino clan has organized such an event.

"It's quite odd, isn't it?" Karl confided as he raised his glass to propose a toast.

Gustav exclaimed with enthusiasm, "Finally, our city's esteemed leader has returned!"

Karl responded with a subtle smile and slight bow, acknowledging this gratifying title. It felt like a triumphant homecoming after surviving the perilous encounter with Fontierras' forces led by Fernando.

Meanwhile, the patriarch conversed with guests while Kyoko, Jiena, and Riko attentively listened at a distant table..

"Do you think Dad has considered what will happen beyond 2037?" Jiena curiously asked while delicately tasting her glass of exquisite red wine.

"He plans to seek re-election," the matriarch of the Marino family replied. "I told him it would be better for him to spend more time with his family rather than with the people, but as long as he's not running for President, we don't have a problem."

Kyoko let out a disappointed sigh when one of her bodyguards approached and whispered something in her ear. She then looked at Bianca who seemed unaware of why she was being glanced at.

"Is it true?" Bianca asked Kyoko, prompting them both to step outside the Mansion. They were taken aback and shocked by what they saw.

"Emily! We thought you had been banished!" Kyoko shouted while trying to keep her voice down since everyone around them was still enjoying themselves. She looked at Emily, drenched in rain and clutching onto a basket.

Upon hearing the commotion, Riko came out of the house to see what was happening. Emily knelt down and held onto the legs of the Marino matriarch, pleading for mercy.

"Mrs. Marino, please have mercy on me and help save my son," Emily pleaded desperately. "He is Rafael's child; I implore you to take care of him."

Bianca questioned, "How do we know for sure that he is Rafael's child? Oh right, you had intercourse with him on the southern island where Dad rescued us."

Riko took the basket, found a seat by the stairs, and gently opened it as the baby continued to cry; she lovingly caressed his little cheeks.

"Inform the driver that we need to prepare the car," Riko commanded her daughters sternly. "The boy has a fever."

"But mom," Bianca tried to interject.

"Just get it done!" Riko yelled impatiently at Bianca before fleeing the hospital.

They quickly took the child to the emergency room where the doctor provided medical attention, while Riko and Emily waited outside. In a jacket and cocktail dress, Riko stood with Emily in the lobby. Desperate for help, Emily knelt before Madam Marino, pleading for her assistance in caring for her son.

"I'm considering it," responded Riko calmly, "but at this moment, your priority should be staying by your son's side."

Emily and her son were at the hospital while Riko conducted a DNA test on the child to verify his mother's claim. One evening, Karl arrived and went directly to his study, where he found Riko waiting anxiously for him. Sensing her apprehension, Karl urged her to speak up if there was something important on her mind. Without wasting any time, Riko replied straightforwardly, "It's about Emily Takashiro."

Karl fixed his gaze on his wife and took a deep breath. He knew that there must be something significant behind this conversation given how serious and earnest Riko appeared. Riko continued explaining the situation with utmost seriousness:

You ordered Penthouse, Innovare, and the police to eliminate all links with Javier, Fernando, and the Takashiros as per your instructions."

"And you were so curious that you went ahead and ordered a paternity and DNA test," Karl responded, calmly examining the documents his wife had handed him.

Riko then reminded Karl of their agreement with Archbishop Julio Marino: "You know the rule - if someone is part of the Marino bloodline, they are protected from harm."

Frustrated, Karl returned the papers to their envelope and pointed out, "What's the use of asking me if you already have your own conclusion?"

Riko raised her voice in response. "I need to make a decision because it will determine our child's future!" Karl retorted, growing increasingly angry.

"Why are we even arguing about this? You've already made up your mind! What's the point of involving me?" In his anger, he threw a glass against Rafael entered into study room.

"I've heard that Emily brought my son here," Rafael informed his parents with a mix of excitement and longing. "I really want to see him and finally have the opportunity to take care of one of my children. I never had the chance to be there for my daughter, but now that I know I have a son, it's incredibly important for me to be involved in his life."

Riko commented on Rafael's plea saying, "Well, at least he is expressing his desires openly this time. Maybe we can address some lingering concerns."

Confused by their conversation, Karl stood up and walked towards the window before responding skeptically, "What do you mean? It feels like decisions are being made without even considering what I think or want."

Trying to ease tensions between them all, Riko embraced her stepson and encouraged him by saying reassuringly, "You should consider this as good news. Now you have an opportunity to take great care of your son."

Feeling frustrated again due to ongoing conflict within the family regarding past events connected with war-related loss, Rafael stated emotionally, "The silver lining in all this tragedy is that I still have time left in my life where I can make amends for what happened with our daughter because of that senseless war."

"It is included as part of the package," Rafael replied, leaving me curious as to why our involvement extends to your feud with the Fontierras."

Karl responded, "What if I eliminate them right in front of you?"

Rafael's expression hardened and he locked eyes with his father. "Go ahead, but if you do that, I will disown you. I am determined to protect Kanna and my son while seeking justice for my daughter. Even if it means sacrificing your life. You may not be the mastermind behind her death, but you played a role in it." "

Enough!" Riko exclaimed firmly, attempting to diffuse the tension. "Stop this nonsense; all of you."

----

Rafael left the study room, leaving his father who was becoming increasingly resentful. The next day, Riko went to the hospital and was relieved to find that her child's temperature had returned to normal. The Marino matriarch entered the room and sat down, observing both mother and child. She was dressed in a corporate fashion with her hair elegantly styled.

"I can't believe I have to go through this again because of my husband," Riko whispered as she looked at Emily gently stroking their sleeping son's forehead.

"What can I do for you today, Madam Marino?" Emily asked,

"Emily, let me get straight to the point - my husband has brought your son into our home and it is clear he carries Marino blood."

"Thank you so much, Madam Marino," Emily graciously kissed Riko's hand.

"Based on his instructions, this will be the final day you'll have the opportunity to see your son. To comply with his wishes, I have brought a lawyer who will present you with papers for relinquishing all parental rights. Additionally, it is highly unlikely that you'll ever get to see your son again unless Rafael permits it," Riko politely clarified.

"I completely understand Mr. Marino; if those are his desires, then I shall abide by them," stated Emily as she nodded in agreement while signing the renouncement documents.

Afterward, she gently kissed her son Ryoma's forehead and said "Take good care of my precious son."

"We promise we will take utmost care of him," responded Riko reassuringly. "I can assure you no member of our esteemed family shall lack any comforts or luxuries in life."

After an hour, Emily left the hospital and took young Ryoma to the Marino house with her. The Marino matriarch arrived at the mansion past six in the evening.

When she entered, she found the children watching television in the living room. Karl walked out of the kitchen and saw his wife carrying their toddler son.

Karl asked, holding him around his arms. "Is this our boy? He's so adorable."

Riko replied to her husband saying, "So I've granted your wish for a first grandson; isn't he cute?"

"Oh yes, Riko," Karl responded enthusiastically, "I can already see him becoming a fine inspector in future!"

To Rafael's surprise, Karl's older son interjected: "Dad, why not have even higher hopes or dreams for him? Inspector seems like such a mundane profession."

With brutal honesty, Karl turned towards Rafael and said: "Just look at you and your twin sister - both of you fell short of my expectations."

"Why don't you let go and move forward? It's already in the past," Riko stepped in, trying to reassure Karl. "Jiena is putting in a lot of effort to make up for those disappointments."

"I understand that," Karl replied defensively. "I have reduced my expectations and dreams for the other children. Do whatever you please."

Riko simply gazed at her husband and took a seat, as their remaining children headed towards their bedrooms with clear signs of being emotionally impacted by their father's loss of hope."

----

Months later, Jiena and Rafael began interning for their father at the senate. Both siblings joined the research department, with Jiena aspiring to follow in her father's footsteps as a public servant by pursuing law studies. Out of boredom or perhaps intrigue, Rafael also decided to join his sister.

"Dad, I really appreciate you giving me this opportunity to intern," expressed Jiena.

"Of course! If this is what you truly desire, who am I to stand in your way?" Karl replied while patting his daughter's head. He then cast a glance towards his son that was filled with despair and sarcasm.

"Rafael, I hope you can find your own path."

"Don't worry, Dad," responded Rafael confidently as he opened the door to leave his father's office.

The entire office bustled with senators crowded inside Karl's spacious cubicle. They eagerly awaited his arrival, representing various factions in opposition to the President, Vice President, and Senate President. On one side of the room sat the Higanbana girls led by Marina Sereno of Iloilo—known for her fiery disposition—the Bangsamoro bloc and legal bloc under Senator Amarillo from Mindoro. Meanwhile, on the other side were Karl's loyal supporters headed by Gustavo Ojeda's bloc, an influential beauty queen group comprised of elegant ladies, as well as Billy Hayashibara leading the OFW contingent.

"Gustav, Helen, what's happening?" Karl asked with curiosity. "Allow me to introduce my future successor, Jiena - my daughter, and this is Rafael - my son."

Charlie expressed his admiration for the revelation of the heirs of Marino leadership by saying, "Finally!"

Karl was still taken aback by the presence of his fellow senators as he questioned them, "Why are you all here?"

"We've come to a consensus," Gustav informed him. "You promised to support me as Senate President."

"Yeah? What about it?" Karl took a seat in front of his desk.

"I have negotiated with them," Gustav further clarified that he believed if he became senate president would create more division than unity within the senate. He proposed reaching an agreement later that day to remove Senator Paquino from the senate presidency since there is broad support for Karl among other blocs.

Karl was taken aback by his colleague's surprising decision and couldn't hide his disbelief. He took a sip of water to calm himself down before standing up and facing his own portrait, reflecting on the situation.

"I'm not sure why you chose me for this covert operation," he questioned, frustration evident in his voice. "Out of all people, why me? I have served as the mayor of Cagayan de Oro for ten years and now as a senator, my plate is already full with responsibilities."

"Senator Marino," began Senator Sonsona from the legal bloc, "we've witnessed your unique approach to leadership within your faction; unconventional yet effective. We believe that kind of leadership is what our Senate needs at this critical time."

Adding support to Sonsona's statement, Senator Sereno from the Beauty queen bloc emphasized further: "Senator Marino, with Dante and Varga gaining more power each day, we are heading towards greater troubles unless someone like you can counterbalance their influence."

"We believe you would be the best fit to lead the senate," Gustav appeals to his friend and colleague, attempting to convince him.

At that moment, Karl's demeanor remained composed, yet there was a glimmer of uncertainty in his eyes. "Are you familiar with the presidential line of succession? I haven't encountered any unusual incidents since marrying my wife."

"Let's not dwell on that topic, Karl; it's still distant future," Charlie interjects. "Will you accept the position?"

"I will under three conditions," Karl responds assertively. "Firstly, if there is an intention for my replacement, kindly inform me beforehand so I can step down gracefully. Secondly, take action before resorting to complaints or inquiries as I have additional responsibilities which demand attention."

"That approach has worked well in the past," Helen adds supportively. "So are you inclined towards accepting?"

"If all parties concur with these terms and seeing that it is already two o'clock," Karl declares nonchalantly and having gained unanimous agreement from different factions regarding his conditions - consents to assume office as the new president of Senate.

"Dad, are you sure?" Jiena asked her father, who simply nodded with a smirk.

After the meeting, Karl and the other opposition senators made their way to the plenary and took their seats behind their desks. Meanwhile, Jiena and Rafael joined the staff in sitting at the gallery.

"I can't believe dad is fully committed to this again," Jiena said as she wiped her forehead.

"Why does this world captivate you so much?" Rafael questioned his twin sister.

"It's not just about public service; it also involves understanding different aspects of politics," replied Jiena. "Dad wouldn't be playing these games if he didn't possess some knowledge about them."

Gustav Ojeda approached the podium with deliberation and began his lengthy speech, which lasted for a total of three hours. During this time, he highlighted various flaws and voiced criticisms towards the current government. Following his speech, Gustav proceeded to declare both the Senate Presidency Pro-tempore position and the floor leaders' positions as vacant. With a narrow vote of forty-five against forty-two, these positions were officially declared empty. Charlie swiftly joined him at the podium to nominate Karl as their next senate president; subsequently, Karl was elected by means of that same close vote count. In an act of solidarity with their new leader in opposition to those challenging him, members from opposing parties accompanied Karl as they ascended onto the rostrum.

"It's time to leave," remarked Karl with a deceptive glint in his eyes, leaving the senate president dumbfounded by his cunning tricks. Little did anyone suspect that behind Karl's seemingly kind demeanor lay a corrupt heart, muttered the outgoing senate president, causing Karl to subtly smile and slyly smirk at him.

"Enough of your incessant talking. Just leave the podium," Teddy boy curtly exclaimed.

"He talks too much; he should keep quiet," whispered Charlie to Karl. Jiena and Rafael immediately joined the other senators, appearing calm as they observed their father whose eyes burned with deceit and a smile revealing his desire for power. These events had transformed Karl into an unscrupulous and scheming leader.

"I request you to raise your right hand and take your pledge," Gustav instructed Karl who promptly complied without hesitation, taking on the role of Senate President.

----

After the session, Karl went to Innovare tower with the twins and Jamie, his maknae, to attend a meeting. During the course of the meeting, Rafael received a phone call and left momentarily.

"Hello? Who is calling?" Rafael responded upon answering the call. It was a woman who continued to cry on the other end.

"Rafael, please help me," pleaded the distressed lady.

"Kanna? Where are you?" inquired Rafael as he recognized her voice. Kanna provided her address without hesitation, prompting Rafael to immediately leave and come to her aid.

Rafael arrived at the specified location provided by the young lady. He retrieved his firearm and approached the upscale apartment with caution. Upon entering, he forcefully opened the door as if he were a law enforcement officer. Inside, there lay a woman on the floor in disarray; she displayed evident signs of physical harm such as messy hair, bruised face, and bloodstained thighs.

Overwhelmed with shock and disbelief, Rafael exclaimed,"Oh my God! This is unbelievable!" Recognizing him through her tears, Kanna managed to murmur his name,"Rafael."

Infuriated by what he witnessed before him, Rafael clenched his fist tightly while demanding, "Who did this to you?"

With great sadness but bravery, Kanna revealed, "It was Jude." She then sought solace in embracing Raphael, the eldest son of Marino family.

"That jerk!" Rafael shouted upon Jude's arrival at the apartment. Without hesitation, Rafael launched an attack by striking him in the face, causing a scene.

He then grabbed a metal pipe and forcefully hit Jude on the head, leading to his collapse. "If you dare harm Kanna again, I guarantee this will be your final act!" Rafael warned as bodyguards belonging to Jude quickly surrounded him while pointing their guns. In response, he brandished his pistol towards his sworn enemy.

Just moments later, Jiena and Eugene arrived with their own entourage of bodyguards. This led to an intense standoff between the Marinos and Almeidas.

"Rafael! Come here!" Jiena commanded firmly as she spoke up for compassion toward Jude after witnessing what had transpired.

"What about Kanna?" Rafael questioned anxiously.

"She is not your possession, nor will she ever be," responded Jiena resolutely. Jude and her have a destiny to be together..

--Chapter end--