Deception

I can feel Vince staring at me so I looked back at him, his sulking face now laced with concern.

I could feel a tension in the air when I answered the call and pressed the loudspeaker button for Vince to hear it too.

Detective Cruz's voice came out from my phone speaker greeting me "Good morning Mr. Castro, this is Detective Ashley Cruz from the recent fire incident."

"Yes, Detective Cruz good morning."

I greeted her back confidently as if I hadn't broken in a sweat before answering her call.

As you know, my plans are just starting to materialize.

In case she already found out I'm the mastermind, all my plans will be ruined.

While waiting for Detective Cruz to voice out her reason for calling me.

The tension in the air continues to linger.

"I just want to inform you that you're invited to the upcoming ceremony where you'll be given an award for being a brave citizen. Also, the leaders, especially the Emperor are grateful to you for saving them, and as a reward, they want to offer you a position as an advisor in our Police Department. They heard you're not just a businessman in Sparks Country but you're also a legal advisor. So we are hoping you'll going to consider or better accept the offer."

Hearing her voice saying those words. I can't help but smirk while feeling relieved.

Good! Things are still going according to my plan.

"Thank you Detective Cruz for the award and the offer. Though there's no need for that. But out of consideration, I gladly accept it."

That's what I told her though at the back of my head I thought "Good, finally my enemies are within my grasp."

"Great! Mr. Castro, we'll be waiting for you at the event. I will send you emails for further details."

I can feel happiness in her voice.

They can be happy now, just don't regret it later.

But I would surely be happy seeing those regretful faces.

Haha, I want to laugh out loud but I can only do that inside my head for now.

"Thanks, Detective I'll be sure to attend."

The call ended with her saying "Thanks, I hope we didn't disturb you. Have a great day Mr. Castro."

I can't help but laugh after that phone call but when I met Vince sulking face up close, I was completely startled.

"You! Will you stop giving me a fright?"

Good thing I have a strong heart or he will surely be the death of me.

---

Checking myself out in the mirror, rocking this killer suit.

Gotta admit, I'm looking pretty darn handsome.

This outfit knows how to bring out the best in me – perfect for a guy like myself.

Feeling sharp in my killer suit, I nod approvingly at the mirror.

Time's ticking, so I glance at my watch.

It's the day of the awarding ceremony, and I'm ready to make my move.

Vince, my ever-sulking companion, gives me a side-eye. "Big day, huh?"

I shoot him a confident grin. "Just another day in life, Vince."

I made my way to the venue. It is the convention center located near the police station of Gonus City, the capital city of Veilhaven Country.

As I step into the grand hall, the atmosphere buzzes with excitement.

Cameras flash as I make my way through the crowd.

I heard girls chanting my name while saying words of flattery like "We love you, Blaze! You're so handsome! Marry me!"

I smirk without looking at them, I have long known I'm a handsome and charismatic man. I received countless gifts and love confession wherever I go. So I am used to it.

I continue walking towards the front where my assigned seat is located.

The ceremony kicks off with speeches and applause. Detective Cruz approaches me, handing over the prestigious award.

"Mr. Castro, your moment has arrived."

Approaching the podium, I adjust the microphone, aware of the attentive audience.

"Good evening, everyone. I'm genuinely honored to accept the 'Brave Citizen Award.' Your recognition holds special meaning for me."

Applause fills the room, and I act as if I am grateful. "A heartfelt thank you to Detective Cruz and the entire law enforcement team for this acknowledgment. Your support is deeply appreciated."

Transitioning to the offer of becoming an advisor in the Police Department, I convey my thanks.

"Additionally, I want to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to serve as an advisor. I humbly accept this role and look forward to contributing to the community."

Concluding my speech, I express optimism for the future. "Moving forward, I am excited about the prospect of working together to enhance the well-being of Veilhaven Country. Thank you once again for this honor and the trust placed in me."

The room responds with respectful applause, and I step back from the podium.

Post-ceremony, Detective Cruz leads me to meet the leaders and the Emperor though I already met them during the fire incident.

We arrived at the dining hall where the leaders and the Emperor were seated altogether around the dining table.

"Enjoy your dinner with them, Mr. Castro."

Detective Cruz left after saying that because she wasn't in a position high enough to mingle with the leaders.

Unlike during the fire incident where their faces were somewhat blurry because of smoke and it was night. I can clearly see their faces now.

Looking them up close, my heart is boiling with anger. Their faces were deeply engraved in my mind. The faces that I badly want to rip apart.

I can't let them see through my real intentions so I continue acting as if I am grateful for the award.

"Mr. Castro you're finally here. Your bravery hasn't gone unnoticed. We value your contributions."

Mr. Danilo Abad the leader of Gonus City offer a handshake after saying that.

I shook hands with him, acting as if I felt honored while saying "Thank you for the recognition, Mr. Abad."

He offered me a seat beside him and next to the Emperor.

The Emperor's presence exudes a blend of wisdom and power. People call him Emperor Leon Santos. I used to call him Uncle. He is my late father's cousin.

Well, before I was forced to leave the country and change my identity, I went by the name Angelo Santos.

I was once a member of the richest and most powerful royal family of Veilhaven Country the Santos Family.

Thankfully as I grew up, my looks resembled most of my late mother than my father. So it's hard to tell my relationship to the Santos Family based on my looks.

Given the fact that we hardly interact with each other during my childhood days. It is a good thing that the Emperor doesn't recognize me. That's what I believe.

As I sit with them, I keep up my act, thinking quietly to myself.

Now that I'm close to them, I can influence things without them realizing it.

I looked around at the table that was full of delicacies around the world. Surely these people are having the best of their lives.

As the dinner progresses, I navigate through conversations, ensuring I leave an impression.

Subtly dropping hints about my business acumen and legal expertise. The Emperor seems impressed, and I can tell my position as an advisor is solidifying.

I chuckled inside my head seeing their looks of approval. Little do they know, my calculated moves are setting the stage for a much bigger play in this elaborate game of strategy and deceit.

I smile graciously, concealing the triumph within.

Veilhaven Country is now my chessboard, and I am the unseen player making calculated moves.

Before the dinner ended, I received a message from Vince.

Having a smiling face as my facade while having a sly grin inside, I read through the message Vince sent, which says "Things going as planned?"

I quickly replied "The plan is in motion, and I'm ready to play my cards. Just wait and watch."

'Cause I know right now Vince is watching us. I'm pretty sure he hacked through the cameras here.

Enjoying himself while watching the show I am playing.

He just had to make sure he didn't make a mess inside my secret room again. Or else I'm gonna beat him once I'm home.

Is it that hard to clean after your mess? Why do I feel like he's treating me as a maid? He just eats and leaves the trash around while knowing I'm a bit of a clean freak. He makes me do the cleaning!

Thinking about it makes my head ache.

I took a few breaths, then I heard them saying goodbye while standing up and preparing to leave.

I said goodbye and prepared to take my leave too.

But suddenly the Emperor called out to me. As I looked at him he had this serious and suspicious look.

I gulped while trying to hide the nervousness I suddenly felt. My heart is racing so fast for no reason.

Then I heard his voice asking me "Do you have any relatives here in Veilhaven Country? You seem familiar."