Meeting Him Again

As I stand before the mirror, adjusting my necktie, a flood of memories rushes back from my days as an agent. The attire I'm wearing now—this formal suit—was once a mandatory uniform whenever visits to the headquarters were necessary.

The familiarity of the tie's knot and the crispness of the fabric against my skin all evoke a sense of nostalgia.

It's really been quite a while since I last wore a suit.

Gazing at my reflection in the mirror, I notice another figure standing behind me.

It's Liam.

His expression clearly shows his concern and distress as he observes me meticulously tidying up my appearance.

I paused my actions. My fingers freeze while I adjust my tie. I meet his gaze through the mirror's reflection.

I let out a heavy sigh.

I know that Liam was simply concerned about me.

He was already aware of the plan, and I had also informed him about the sudden changes to it, particularly that I would now be working with Mauwi's father. That's only adding to Liam's uneasiness.

"Could you please reconsider? You and Mauwi have the chance to live normally," Liam implored, his concern evident in his tone.

"Did Midnight force you to do this? That jerk! Why do they keep blaming you? It's not even your fault—"

"Liam." My voice cuts through his stream of words, gentle yet assertive, and I hold his gaze.

I smiled slightly, hoping to ease the tension that had settled between us.

Taking a breath, I continued, "Midnight didn't force me into anything. It's my decision. I also wanted to save them, even if it's not certain whether they are really alive. I'm willing to take the risk. You know I can't bear to live peacefully knowing there's a possibility they're still out there trying to survive."

Perhaps there's a hint of guilt within me, but the main reason I kept teaming up with Midnight, even with the persistent conflict between us, was to protect other agents.

After my parents were murdered, the organization became my family, and I can't just abandon them abruptly.

I've been part of it for fourteen years, and during that time, I've formed strong bonds and connections that I can't easily let go of.

"I know you're worried about me, but have you forgotten that I was once one of the S-class agents? I understand it's been years, but don't underestimate my skills. I'll never go rusty." I assert confidently, a hint of self-assuredness in my voice.

Liam nods, his expression a blend of understanding and reluctance. He knows that my choices are not made lightly and that they are rooted in a purpose.

After my conversation with Liam, I promptly headed to a bus stop. Maximilian's secretary messaged me, informing me that a driver would pick me up.

I waited for just a few minutes when a sleek black Tesla pulled up in front of me. The window rolled down, revealing a man in his mid-60s inside.

He had a distinguished air about him, with silver hair neatly combed back and a well-tailored suit.

"Are you Mr. Medel?" he asked with a businesslike tone.

I nodded.

"I will be taking you to Young Master. Get in."

He pressed a button, and the car door immediately swung open. I entered the backseat.

As I settled into the luxurious leather seats, I couldn't help but notice the pristine interior of the car. The man behind the wheel exuded professionalism and experience, somehow making me feel at ease.

"There's an iPad and an iPhone beside you," he suddenly said while driving. I glanced to my side, and indeed, there they were both covered in white cases.

"It's yours."

I was surprised and hesitant because why would he suddenly give me gadgets? But he immediately explained.

"The Young Master's schedule is accessible on the iPad, and the essential contacts are stored on the iPhone. Your contact details have been provided to them; therefore, if you call, they will recognize your number."

I took the iPad and checked and memorized Hellion's schedule.

"Can I ask where we're going?"

According to today's schedule, there's a photoshoot for a commercial, indicating a relatively light workload with no direct company-related engagements. While this left me feeling disappointed, I reminded myself that there's no need to rush things.

I know that Hellion actively helps his siblings manage several of their companies, although his primary focus remains on his modeling career and occasional forays into acting.

I had once watched one of his movies, and it was compelling. His success in the entertainment industry appears evident.

His distinct and rugged features remarkably complemented his portrayal of a villain in the movies, adding depth and authenticity to his character.

Even though I dislike him, I can't deny that he's a good actor.

There was a moment of silence and a fleeting pause before the driver responded.

"Daisy," came the driver's reply, a single word, yet it swiftly knit my brows.

Daisy is a prestigious bar and casino for the elite. I didn't expect to find him there so early in the morning, especially at 7 a.m.

After almost ten minutes, the car suddenly stopped. When I looked up at the window, I immediately saw the big white signage 'Daisy'.

As I scanned the place, it appeared to be only two stories, but it emanated an air of grandeur and sophistication.

The sudden ring of my new phone startled me, I answered it.

On the line was one of the staff members from the photoshoot, emphasizing the urgency of Hellion's presence as they needed to prepare him.

Assuring her that I was currently picking him up, our conversation concluded.

It served as a reminder that time was pressing, and I needed to ensure Hellion's on-time arrival at the photoshoot location before 9.

Despite the weight of this anxiety anchoring me to the car seat and inhibiting my movement, I realized I had no choice but to act quickly. With a deep breath to steady my nerves, I stepped out of the car.

The door swung open, revealing a spacious and elegantly decorated lobby. I approached the receptionist and inquired about the location of the bar. Without delay, she promptly directed me upstairs.

Upon reaching the top of the staircase, I could hear faint music and laughter emanating from the bar.

The air carried a distinct fragrance—a subtle blend of rich mahogany and aged leather, mingled with hints of vanilla and oak from exquisite liquors.

This scent contributed to the bar's warm and inviting ambiance, complementing its golden brown-themed décor.

When I entered, I scanned the room in search of Hellion.

The whole place was huge, and I thought it might be difficult to find him. I considered seeking the driver's help, but my attention was immediately captured when I suddenly heard a loud crash.

People immediately looked towards one corner, startled by the noise and curious about its cause.

As I turned towards the source of the crash, I noticed shattered glass on the floor and a table overturned. The commotion momentarily diverted my attention from my search for him.

I almost disregarded it, but a familiar face from the overturned table suddenly stood up, clutching another man by the collar.

"You fucking bastard!" The familiar man shouted, landing another punch on the man he held.

A collective gasp echoed through the room.

I couldn't react immediately. It felt as if I'd been drenched in icy water.

I couldn't feel my body.

I feel so cold.

My heart was thundering so fiercely that it was as though it sought escape, each beat causing a searing ache in my chest.

The room blurred, the air thickened, and a haunting dread gripped me in its suffocating embrace.

It's him.

That man who took me that night.

It's really him.

...Mauwi's father.