Joseph looked at Ciko, who appeared increasingly anxious, sweat covering his face, and his troubled gaze seemed to face dark shadows from the past. "I... I need protection from you, Mr. Joseph," he said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. "I’ve looked into who you are… and I know you’re not an ordinary person. You have power… influence that could protect me from Miranda." Joseph observed Ciko intently. “You want my protection… what exactly has she done to you?” Ciko lowered his head, biting his lip, hesitating, as though ashamed to reveal what he had been through. Joseph’s voice demanded an answer, but he stayed calm, giving Ciko the space to speak. He glanced at Jacky. “Jacky, get him a glass of water.” Jacky promptly left, leaving them briefly in tense silence. Ciko took a deep breath, his hands trembling lightly. When Jacky returned with the glass of water, Joseph took it and handed it directly to Ciko. “Drink this first. It might help you calm down and talk.”
Joseph watched Ciko intently, his curiosity deepening. "What else do you know about Miranda?" he asked, his voice low and serious. Ciko swallowed hard, as if recalling every detail he’d observed while working under her. "Miranda… she actually has no clear identity. Her true background is carefully hidden. She doesn’t want people to know where she’s from." Joseph frowned. "Why would she hide her origins?" Ciko exhaled slowly before answering, "Because she’s ashamed, Mr. Joseph. Miranda came from a broken family. Her life story is full of darkness. When she was young, she was bullied… badly." Joseph looked at Ciko, curious and concerned. "Why was she bullied?" Ciko hesitated but then continued in a low voice, "Miranda was born from an incestuous relationship. Her parents were siblings—Her father impregnated his own sister. Where Miranda's father and mother are one father, but different mothers. " "That’s why she was mocked her entire life. People saw her as a child who ‘shoul
Five hours had passed since the long conversation between Joseph and Ciko at the G Alliance headquarters. The main hall was still quiet, with only a few members keeping watch around the room. Joseph sat alone at the table, staring at a cup of coffee that had long since gone cold. His face looked tired and worried, his mind racing with everything Ciko had shared earlier. A deep sadness emerged in his heart. Joseph sighed, trying to hold back the frustration swelling within him. This was the first time he had met someone who had put such trust in him, and that person had died right in front of him during their first and last meeting. A few moments later, the sound of footsteps approached. Jacky appeared, his face serious but still respectful. “Mr. Joseph, I’ve taken care of everything,” Jacky said in a low voice. “We found Ciko’s family’s address. I delivered his body respectfully with ten members of G Alliance, just as you ordered.” Joseph nodded slowly, looking at Jacky wi
Dr. Marcus and Dr. Sarah worked intensively in the lab, their computer screens filled with data that kept updating. In the corner of the room, Detective Mia observed, occasionally glancing at the monitor and jotting down key information. They had been tracking Miranda's device signal for hours, and finally, there were signs of progress. "Alright, I think we’re close," Dr. Marcus said, his eyes sharp as he stared at the screen. "This signal is linked to a device in a city called Obamo." Dr. Sarah nodded, marking the spot on the map displayed on the screen. "Obamo…" she murmured, but then noticed something strange. "Marcus, look at this. The signal point is moving. It started in the city center, then shifted to the outskirts." Dr. Marcus examined the map, frowning. "This wouldn’t happen if the device were stationary. The signal shifts too frequently, almost as if... as if the device is being taken to different locations." Detective Mia, who had been watching intently, nodded i
Joseph remained calm as he heard Jacky's report that he was now a wanted man. Over the phone, Jacky's voice grew increasingly anxious. “Mr. Joseph, this is a serious situation. The police have issued an arrest warrant for you,” Jacky said in a hurried tone. “They’re accusing you of Ciko's murder. You need to return to Leeds and clear your name before it’s too late.” But Joseph merely took a deep breath. “I need you to stay in Leeds and look after Katty. The situation here is more urgent. We don’t have time to deal with the charges right now.” “But, Mr. Joseph, if the police find you in Obamo, this could be a disaster!” Jacky insisted. “I know the risks,” Joseph replied calmly. “But this mission is more important.” Jacky fell silent for a moment before finally sighing. “All right, I’ll keep an eye on Miss Katty. But be careful, Mr. Joseph. I’ll monitor the situation from here.” Joseph ended the call and glanced over at Detective Mia and Maudy, who were sitting beside him in
After a brief discussion, Joseph, Detective Mia, and Maudy agreed to leave the beach and find a place to stay. A small hotel on the edge of town seemed secluded enough and unlikely to attract attention. They stopped there, ensuring no one had followed them, before finally entering the hotel. Joseph glanced at his phone, seeing photos of himself circulating as a major news topic on social media. Detective Mia and Maudy sat across from him, both quiet, trying to process the rapidly changing situation. Mia sighed heavily, her sharp gaze fixed on Joseph. “If we stay here, we’ll really become the main target for the police. We need to move quickly.” “We need a safe place first,” Maudy added, looking out the car window. The sky was getting dark, and the place felt increasingly deserted. “Yeah,” Mia half-whispered. “We can’t stay near this area for long. The police could arrive at any time.” Joseph sat on the edge of the bed, his eyes still fixed on his constantly ringing phone.
Joseph, Maudy, and Detective Mia returned to the hotel. After closing the hotel room door, they quickly gathered in the living area to discuss. Joseph looked at Maudy and Mia, his expression serious. “We can’t just barge into Miranda’s mansion without preparation,” Joseph said. “There are too many things to consider, especially with both of you here. I won’t put you in danger.” Maudy nodded, while Mia let out a long sigh. “I agree. We need a solid plan. Miranda isn’t someone to be taken lightly, and she’s likely got tight security at that mansion.” “We need more information about the mansion’s interior,” Joseph continued. “I’ll contact our project team. Maybe they can help identify any security systems that might be there.” As the night wore on, Joseph contacted his project team via video call. One by one, familiar faces appeared on the screen. “Thank you all for joining,” Joseph said, getting straight to the point. “We’re facing a complicated situation. We visited Miranda’s
"Have you really thought this through? Young Master... this is extremely dangerous. Don’t be reckless," said Gawali, sounding deeply worried. Joseph chuckled softly, showing no sign of hesitation. "I’ve faced worse than Miranda. If she thinks she can bring me down with false accusations and make me afraid, she’s sorely mistaken." "This isn’t about bravery, Young Master," Gawali replied, his voice growing more resolute. "Mr. Thalib entrusted me with your safety. You’re the only heir to the Guezz family. Losing you is simply unacceptable." “Let me send some of my men; they can protect you. You know Miranda has many people on her side,” Gawali added. Joseph gazed out the hotel window and took a long, patient breath. "I appreciate your concern, Gawali, but I don’t need anyone’s protection. Miranda crossed a line, and I’ll handle this myself first." “Young Master, I understand your anger towards Miranda… but please, think it over. Think about your family—Mr. Thalib specifically t