Rayden's heart sank as he bore witness to the distressing interaction between Armando and Madam Floring. He had hoped against hope that his friend would somehow be spared from the clutches of this manipulative woman, but it seemed that Armando, too, had become ensnared in her web of deceit.Armando, his voice laced with desperation, approached Madam Floring with a trembling hope in his eyes. "Madam, I have fulfilled my end of the agreement. May I please receive my compensation as promised?"Madam Floring cast a dismissive glance at Armando, a sly smile creeping upon her face. "Ah, Armando, always so eager to claim your reward. Very well, here are your five thousand pesos."Armando's expression fell, disappointment etching lines upon his face. He hesitated for a moment, gathering his courage before making a humble plea. "Madam, if I may be so bold, our agreement was for ten thousand pesos. I require the full amount that was promised."Madam Floring's eyes narrowed, annoyance flickering

Rayden cautiously took a step back, his senses detecting the faint aroma of alcohol and vinegar that clung to Madam Floring.His remark, though unintentionally provocative, had ignited a spark of annoyance within her."You smell a bit like alcohol, Madam Floring," Rayden began, trying to choose his words carefully. "And forgive me, but there's also a hint of vinegar in the air. It's just an observation, please don't be angry."Madam Floring's irritation grew palpable as she opened the door and called upon one of her imposing bouncers.Swiftly and silently, the bouncer appeared, his presence adding an air of intimidation to the already tense atmosphere.As he sprinted through the dimly lit corridors, hoping to disappear into the shadows, Rayden suddenly found himself face to face with the bouncer who had been called upon by Madam Floring. The bouncer, still out of breath from the earlier rush, stared at him with a mix of surprise and determination.Caught off guard, Rayden quickly rega

As the days since Rayden's escape from Madam Floring's clutches unfolded, he found solace in the belief that a higher power had intervened, saving him from the toxic influence that had held him captive.Gratitude welled up within him, a testament to the liberation he had experienced."The Liberation," Rayden whispered to himself, his voice filled with a profound sense of appreciation. "Thank you, God, for guiding me away from the darkness of Madam Floring's control. I am forever grateful."In the depths of his thoughts, Rayden engaged in a self-conversation, reflecting on the impact that Madam Floring had held over his life.He recognized the detrimental influence she had exerted, leading him astray from his true path. Now free, he felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and a newfound sense of purpose.Rayden, still carrying the weight of betrayal from Armando's actions, couldn't help but feel a lingering annoyance.The fact that Armando had sold him out to Madam Floring was a bitter

Rayden, caught off guard by Eloisa's father's playful remark, paused for a moment before responding with a light chuckle."You're joking, Sir and Ma'am," he said, trying to maintain a polite and respectful tone.Eloisa's father raised an eyebrow, a mischievous smile tugging at the corners of his lips."What Sir and Ma'am? Call us Mama and Papa," he joked, clearly enjoying the playful banter. Eloisa's mother couldn't help but giggle, her eyes twinkling with amusement.Eloisa's mother playfully swatted her husband's arm. "Don't be an apple, there!" she exclaimed, using a playful expression that meant "Don't be silly." Her laughter filled the room, creating an atmosphere of joy and ease.Eloisa's mother, affectionately known as Mama Maria, looked at Rayden with a warm smile. "Son, just call me Mother Maria and Father Jose this crazy husband of mine," she said, her voice filled with love and playfulness.Rayden couldn't help but be touched by Mama Maria's request. It felt like a genuine i

As Rayden and Aling Maria hurried back into the house, their minds still reeling from the earlier commotion, they were met with a sight that sent shockwaves through their bodies.Mang José lay sprawled on the floor, his face contorted in pain as he clutched his chest, his labored breaths filling the room."Eloisa!" Aling Maria's voice rang out, her maternal instincts kicking into high gear as she rushed to her husband's side, gathering him into her arms.Rayden sprang into action, his training as a first responder kicking in as he knelt beside Mang José, his hands gentle yet firm as he assessed the situation."Mang José, can you hear me?" Rayden's voice was calm but urgent as he checked for signs of consciousness.Mang José groaned in response, his eyes fluttering open briefly before closing again in agony."We need to get him to the hospital," Aling Maria declared, her voice trembling with fear as she looked to Rayden for help.Rayden nodded, his mind racing as he calculated their ne