The car stopped at a complete halt near the parking lot and Marco Senior open the door and examine the surroundings. Oliver Luna and Janet Liang hastily open the car door and walk towards the building and enter. The elevator moved its way to the 7th floor where Benjamin Gustilo resides. They used their skills and knowledge to penetrate the apartment and gather information as much as possible. They used modern listening devices to know what transpired between Marco Junior and his grandfather.Janet Liang is the one in charge of recording the conversation and Oliver Luna is for searching documents that they needed to fasten the secret of Project Crabnomers.While the conversation between Marco Junior and Ben Gustilo was still in progress, Oliver Luna got hold of the leather bag full of papers inside. He hurriedly got hold and approach Janet Liang to wrap up the recording. They hurriedly left the apartment and go straight to the car where Marco Senior is waiting for them.“How’s the opera
”Kael. Isla. Now. Alone." When the clear voice spoke in his ear, adrenaline flowed through Benjamin Gustilos' body. The quiet words caused a chill in his heart and a lump in his throat. Kael is the ‘code word’ of his PA, used in an open line when security is a concern. It only works in an extreme emergency - for emergencies. It means he needs to act and act now; take the call seriously, because something bad is going on. In the three years his PA has been working with him, Jiyo has never used it. Benjamin's lips parted as he thought of the phone call and its four words. Kael. Isla. Now. Alone. It is quite obvious that something bad is happening on Palaui Island. Something very bad if Jiyo used the special code word. Throughout the day with his Director of Finance in sorting out which tax haven would best house his company’s revenue, Benjamin Gustilo was tired, and burned. Now here’s Jiyo’s call, which doubled the pressure on him. Leading a global conglomerate whose turnover has
"There was an accident." "Is everything okay?" Jiyo shook his head. "They're dead," he said softly. "All of them? Certainly not all of them?" Jiyo nodded, taking the coffee from the Strict Man's hand before he threw it away. “As far as I can tell. Given the circumstances, it's pretty hard to be sure. " “Jesus. What happened?" “As usual, the boatman arrived at five o'clock, to pick up the crew and take them ashore. When he came here, no one was waiting. Anyway, he hung out for ten minutes or so, then called the security from the intercom down to the pier." Jiyo paused, frowning in concern."Would you like to sit down, Mr. Gustilo? " Benjamin nodded in annoyance. "Just keep it up." "So, after no response on the intercom, I was stuck here to look around." Jiyo waited for his boss to finish his coffee again before continuing, hoping that the man would sit down before he fell down. "And?" “Right. So I didn’t see anyone at the table and couldn’t get an answer to his buzzing. It wa
When Jiyo Kael and Benjamin Gustilo got back to the boat, the boatman was sitting on a pile of old sacks, snoring holding his hand to his chest, his loose top loosening with every gust of wind. Jiyo Kael jumped up and assisted Benjamin in firing the gun. Their loud entry woke the boatman from his slumber and he suddenly woke up. "Ahhh—" he muttered, shaken before struggling to his feet. "Oh, you’d come back," he whispered. "I thought you'd stay there all bloody night." Jiyo Kael and Mr. Gustilo smiled at each other. Then finding a place to sit among the crates and lobster pots scattered on the deck, they made themselves as comfortable as they could. The boat headed for mainland Cagayan, its noisy engine emitting thicker black smoke. Jiyo Kael hopes it will make it all the way to the beach. The sea was fiercer now, the boat was rolling in the waves, and he didn’t like the prospect of being stuck in it while waiting for the coastguard to rescue them. "You didn't even tell me how it a
After booking at a local hotel, Jiyo Kael spent the rest of the night calling several contacts he knew in mainland Cagayan, and Manila, arranging for a small group of builders to be sent to island soon in the next few days. Jiyo Kael finally fell asleep around two in the morning, tired but satisfied that he had made a good start. He found sleep deprivation and woke up in the morning with dark eyes and thick headaches. Looking at the miniatures lined up in the bedside cabinet, he saw why that was. He had not drunk for several years and the alcohol had gone straight to his head. Brushing his teeth, he decided that now was not a good time to go back to old habits. After a hot shower and breakfast, he spent the rest of the day renting a suitable room near the port of Cagayan, that he could use as an office, buying some office furniture from a local store second hand, and met his builders outside the province. For the next six weeks, Jiyo Kael was barely on the island, only returning to
Marco Fernando Senior POV Marco Senior sat on his study table, near the living room, thinking about another facet of the project of Benjamin Gustilo that has been created illegally in one of the small islands. Analyzing very carefully the job of Benjamin Gustilo in Shanghai, it came to the core understanding of the spy world, that this project before was a premise in creating new creatures for other projects in the future. Benjamin Gustilo was recruited by his brother in Shanghai to carry underground jobs and to collect information as much as possible, and to report to his brother secretly. It has been the aim of former Governor Benjamin Gustilo to amass wealth and power when he was in the government service. Now, as what he aimed for, and the death of his lone daughter Danielle Gustilo gave him to decide to stay at Shanghai. Carrying secret jobs to fulfill gave him wealth and power overtime, and enticing his grandson, Marco Junior to stay and study at Shanghai University of Politic
“Hello, state your name please?”“Hello I am Mrs. Fernando from the Philippines. Who is this? Where is my husband, Mr. Marco Fernando?”“Why you call this number and how you got it, from whom?”“Please I want to talk to my husband. This is the emergency number my husband gave it to me, in case I will call him for emergency purpose. And, this is the first time I used it.”“Mrs. Fernando, this Oliver Luna, son of Mike Luna and Lina Luna. Do you know my mother?”“Yes she’s working with me, in Makati City, here in the Philippines. So, you are Oliver Luna. Yes I knew you, Lina told me that you’re with Marco in Shanghai. Where is my husband now and why you are the one answering this phone?”“Mrs. Fernando, actually, it’s confidential and your husband is taking an operation at the other place. Can I get your message to him?”“Oliver, kindly tells him that I will call again tomorrow. Tell him to take good care always because I loved him. And, my concern is about our children. Thank you Oliver
Marco Fernando Junior POV “Hershey Chocolate, how are you?”“Nice to hear your voice, Marco! I’m happy that you called! Yes, it’s very exciting and at the same time, grueling time to prepare what I need for my schooling in NYU. You remember I told you about my scholarship? You will pursue your Law study in NYU too?”“Good to hear about your plan will push through. But, for me, a lot of negative things going on here and I think, my plan is being stalled for the meantime. My father disappeared last week, and I have to stay to help find him.”“What? What do you mean disappeared?”“He was taken forcefully from his apartment by some men and I called my grandfather Ben about it. He did not elaborate to me why and he said to forget the incident. But, his Personal Assistant Jiyo Kael told differently. I was confused Chocolate.”“Marco, I’m with you and if you want I could travel to Shanghai, just for you?”“No baby, don’t’ ever do that. Please bear with me. I have to stay for a month to deci
Zenaida hands me a black lace bodice. I start to get myself into it and Zenaida turns me around to fasten the row of hooks and eyes trailing up the back. I'm distracted by my hesitancy by the thought of Marco's face and all this lace. I smile. He'll orgasm on the spot. I'm helped into the gown by Zenaida and presented to the oversized mirror. 'Holy shit!' she exclaims and then slaps her hand over her mouth. 'I'm sorry. That was so unprofessional of me.' Holy shit, indeed. I turn slightly to view the back and gasp a little. It clings to every curve I have perfectly and skims the floor when I raise on tiptoes. The lining under the lace is matt, giving the delicate, intricate pattern a shimmery effect, and the deep neckline is perfect with the cap sleeves sitting just off my shoulders, revealing my collarbones. I hear Zenaida scuttle off and return. She kneels before me. 'Put these on.' she instructs. I pull my eyes from the mirror and look down to find a pair of black, sling-back Dior
AYAH ISABEL FERNANDO POVOur wedding is fast approaching created by our children; Marco Fernando Senior siblings from me and Danielle Gustilo. As much as possible I have to keep it in a low-profile event. But, my Billionaire husband wanted to be a well-known marriage of all time. Even my personal things, I want to be discreet. But, Marco accompanied me to the first-class shopping mall.My eyes are immediately blessed with masses of drool-worthy handbags, but I'm not given the opportunity to look. He walks with purpose and meaning as he drags me along behind him and when we get in the elevator, he presses the button for the first floor. I scan the store guide.'Hey, I want the fourth floor.' I would like to avoid the international collections of the first floor. They scream expensive, but he completely ignores me. "Marc?" I look at him and find his face is completely impassive as he keeps a firm grip on my hand. The elevator door opens and I'm pulled out behind him.'This way.' he says
I collapsed on the sofa when I got home. I need an early night. Tomorrow is a long day in Country Hills and I need to get in shape. My phone is ringing. I rolled my eyes as I looked at the screen, but it wasn't what I expected. This is Tom. I growled to myself. When will my phone ring and it's someone I really want to talk to?'Hi,' I moaned. 'Okay?' he greeted, with his usual confident tone.'Yes, and you?' I knew he was fine. I heard that he was out almost every night, making up for a lost time. Not that our relationship stopped him from living exactly what he wanted.'Everything is fine. I rang to greet you tomorrow. It's tomorrow, right?' I was surprised when he remembered. He didn't really have an interest in my career.'Yes, thank you. I was just thinking of getting an early night.' 'Okay, I won't keep you,' he seemed disappointed. 'I've boxed up your other stuff.''Oh, right,' 'There's no rush,' he added. 'If you're free sometimes, it's better to chase.'Do you like it? Catc
I thought quickly. 'My car has new brakes. I forgot to remove my house key.'She accepted my excuse without further question. 'There's a spare door key in the pot by the kitchen window.' He ran back up the stairs and I followed, quickly opening a bottle of wine before rummaging through the fridge for something to eat. No one takes my wish. Wine will do. 'Yes, please.' Pearl came back into the kitchen. She's already jimmy-jammed up, and I can't wait to join her. I pour her a glass while trying to morph my face into anything other than the shocked expression that I know is still visible.'I'm going to change and call Mama,' I turned around, carrying my wine. 'I'll meet you on the sofa soon.' 'Cold,' I really need to talk to Mom. Pearl is my best friend, but you can't beat your Mom when you want comfort. Not that I can tell her why I need comfort. She will be afraid.After I put on my baggy pants and vest top, I lay on my bed and called my Mom Ayah. I called Mom Ayah Isabel when I want to
Stunned, I grabbed my clothes off the floor before running into the bathroom, closing the door behind me and flipping the lock. I leaned against the back of the door, almost naked, trying to control my ragged breathing. I looked up at the ceiling to stop my tears from falling. I am very disappointed in myself.I think I hear the sound of muffled voices coming from the room, and I try to steady my breathing so I can hear what's going on. But, nothing. No noise, no talking...nothing. Damn me for being half naked so I can't escape. Instead, I fled to the bathroom, hiding like a desperate tart. I am not comfortable with these feelings. I'm really ashamed of myself. I have been cheated on many times, and I have destroyed all the women who interfered in my relationships. Over many bottles of wine, I have condemned them, badmouthed them, and asked them for truly merciless vengeance. Now, I am one of them. I groaned, hitting the heel of my hand on my forehead. Crazy girl!When I heard the doo
He remained silent while I looked at him in shock, waiting for an explanation. I didn't get anything, except his intense green eyes staring at me from the other room. I felt like I was under a microscope, and that glass of wine was spinning in my stomach, twisting and turning as I moved nervously on my heels.'Is this some kind of joke?' I half laugh. I'm still waiting for clarity, but it won't come. I try to ignore the mass of beautiful people and frantically search my brain for guidance or instruction. It is useless. I'm not blind I'll happily volunteer that I've imagined his chest, more than once, and it's beyond even my highest imaginations and expectations. This man is beyond perfect. What will I do?He just stood there, head slightly bowed, staring at me through his long eyelashes. His eyes were piercing me, his mouth, and I could see the rise and fall of his incredible chest. There is some serious meaning; not too big, just clean...cut... perfection. If he's wrecking fully clot
"Yes, and I want to talk to you personally. Are you available tomorrow afternoon or evening?""Sister, you know that I am very busy with my job, very important or just a bonding moment?""This is very important, regarding your brother Marco Fernando Junior and your grandfather. Well, as for me, it is very important because of your inheritance. Are you interested?"Shaira Rose Fernando listen very carefully when she heard the word, inheritance. "Well, of course, I am interested to know my status for the inheritance.""Okay then, what time and place we will meet? Well, I suggest Le Jardin, a French Restaurant in BGC Taguig? We had the place on our own when we had lunch there, a dreamy place at the penthouse of W5th. Modern yet classic, I must say the irony blended well. Romantic but not boring. Complimentary slices of bread and small appetizers were served and the timing of every food we ordered was well observed (appetizers - mains). Also, there's a wine cellar where they keep some of
'Soon.' he whispered. It is a promise. He let go of my stiff thigh and got up. 'Nice to meet you, Pearl.''Hmmm, you too.' she answered thoughtfully.He stepped towards the back of the bar. Good God, he walks with purpose and it's sexy as hell. I closed my eyes to collect my mind, which was currently scattered all over the bar floor. It is absolutely hopeless. I turned to Pearl, finding the accusatory bright blue staring at me as fangs had sprouted.Her eyebrows hit her hairline. 'Fuck me, that was intense!' she spat on the table.'Was it?' I start pushing my sandwich around my plate.'You better stop with the blah-fucking-zay shit now, or I'll shove this fork so far up your ass, you'll be chewing metal. What question are you thinking?' Her tone was fierce.'I don't know,' I turned away from her. 'Attractive, arrogant and has a girlfriend.' I try for vague.Pearl let out a long, over-amplified whistle. I haven't experienced that yet. I heard about it but I didn't witness it.''What are
I turned to Herman's office to ask if he had notified Mr. Montero of the change in arrangements, but then it rang again, stopping me in my tracks. I sighed and connected the call. If Herman hadn't advised him, I would have. And if it doesn't fit, it's bad luck. I was making a mess of convincing myself that I passed on the contract because Herman was better suited for the project. I know damn well that's only half the reason'Hello.' I say, stamping my foot a little for sounding apprehensive in my greeting. I aimed for sure and confident.Shaira Rose?' His husky voice had the same effect on my fragile senses as it had on Friday. But at least on the phone, he doesn't see me physically shaking.'Who is speaking?' There. That's better - professional, businesslike, and firm. He laughed a little, and I completely passed out. 'Now, I know you already know the answer to that question because my name came up on your phone,' I cringed on the spot. 'Trying to play it cool?' Oh, the proud ass! H