Rayden and the other captives of the syndicate were eating dinner in a hurry. The system for eating was still the same. Get a plate and line up to be served food by the cook. The dining area was spacious enough to fit fifty captives crammed on the small table. Adding more food was prohibited. "I'm getting tired of just eating vegetables and dried fish. I hope there's meat next time." Renante complained while chewing on adobong kangkong with patis.His friend interjected."This kangkong is so delicious, ah. Don't you like it?" Rayden responded with a smile then ate the kangkong."This is always the viand. It's rare when there's fish," Boyet affirmed."I hope there's meat tomorrow." Renante mumbled as he took a spoonful.From behind, a large hand landed on his shoulder. He was startled and almost spilled his food. So, he turned back to see."Oh, you startled me!" He looked back in surprise.Now facing him was that guard Lando who had a quarrel with Rayden this morning. They stopped eat
Upon Rayden's contemplation about what they had discussed last night with Boss Joe, he found himself wrestling with a difficult decision. The sight of the captives being mistreated at the mining site had stirred a deep sense of compassion within him.He couldn't bear to watch their suffering any longer. However, Boss Joe's proposition lingered in his mind, tempting him with the promise of freedom for himself and some of the captives if he succeeded in targeting Madam Lara's wealth.As Rayden toiled away at the construction site later that afternoon, his eyes kept drifting towards the captives, their shoulders slumped under the weight of their burdens.He yearned to intervene, to stand up against the injustices being inflicted upon them. But in that moment, Boss Joe's voice cut through the air, breaking his train of thought."You can help your fellow captives if you follow my deal," Boss Joe said with a sly smile. "While there's still time, you must decide. Watch them suffer here, or t
Around half past seven in the evening, the unmistakable sound of a Lamborghini's engine echoed through the streets, announcing Madam Lara's arrival at Boss's house. As she stepped out of the sleek black vehicle, her presence commanded attention.Flanked by two formidable bodyguards, their imposing figures exuded a professional air that set them apart from Boss Joe's crew, who appeared more casual in comparison.Boss Joe greeted Madam Lara with a mixture of joy and trepidation. He had always held a healthy dose of fear for this woman, fully aware of her vast network of connections, especially with high-ranking government officials.Madam Lara's decision to collaborate with him was solely driven by her desire to work alongside Boss Joe, a fact that both intimidated and fascinated him."Ah, Madam Lara, it brings me great pleasure to have you here," Boss Joe greeted her, a hint of nervousness evident in his voice. He understood the significance of her influence and the opportunities that
He couldn't believe his luck, as he once again laid eyes on the woman who had once captured his heart but was now separated from him. Madam Lara glanced at him with concern, her smile sweet."Are you alright, Rayden?" she asked, her concern evident in her sweet smile."Nothing," Rayden replied, dismissing her concern with a shrug.As he looked at her, his mind wandered. Isabelle still haunted his thoughts, and he couldn't help but feel a lingering affection for the young lady."It seems like you've been discreetly watching that singer for a while now, huh? Do you have feelings for her?" Madam Lara asked with a mischievous grin, holding a champagne glass."Sorry...I just need to excuse myself," Rayden quickly stood up from his seat."Where are you going?" Madam Lara asked inquisitively.Rayden paused and glanced back at her. "To the comfort room," he replied before making his way there."Are you feeling unwell?"Rayden heard her question but didn't respond. He simply continued to the r
Anthony approached Isabelle in the car, finding her standing at the side of the parking lot. She looked visibly upset after the awkward encounter with Rayden. Sensing her distress, Anthony moved closer to her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder."Hey, don't mind him. Everything will be fine. Trust me," Anthony reassured her, his voice filled with sincerity.He gently took Isabelle's hand in his, offering her a reassuring squeeze. The warmth of his touch and the sincerity in his eyes provided a small glimmer of comfort amidst the turmoil she was feeling.Isabelle looked into Anthony's eyes, searching for solace. She found herself drawn to his unwavering support and the genuine concern he displayed. A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she began to believe in his words."Thank you, Anthony," she whispered, her voice filled with a mix of gratitude and vulnerability. "I appreciate your support. It means a lot to me."Anthony nodded, his gaze filled with understanding.
Rayden admitted to Madam Lara that the girl was his former sweetheart. She supposedly divorced him since he was only a fisherman and Isabelle stood to gain nothing from him."Is that so? Poor you. So you want to go abroad because you want to rise in life?" questioned the madam."That's right." Rayden bent down, as if he detested Isabelle's affection."But what's worse is that Rosalinda caught you. She brought you to Joe's power to make you a slave. You were really unlucky, Rayden. You were already caught by the syndicate..." Madam Lara laughed, but it changed when she remembered something: "We're in the same place right now."Rayden's head dropped back as he asked, "What do you mean we're in the same place?""We're in the same situation because I'm alone in this mansion; I'm lonely and have no companion; my only hobby is going to bars and playing casino games." The champagne glass was passed to the little table, and tequila was added.Rayden scoffed," I just now know that the cool Mad
Renante was astonished when his friend stopped him. It frowned. He stared at his companion with curiosity."Is there a problem, Rayden?" Renante inquired."Let's not do it. I feel a little guilty for Madam," Rayden replied gently."What about the captives? Are you just going to let them die at the hands of that broken boss Joe?" determined Renante's language.Rayden breathed a sigh of relief, "maybe there's another way? Let's talk to Boss Joe again about making us do something different? Maybe he'll understand.""Rayden, Boss Joe isn't like that. He's not the guy you think you're going to beg for. That lump looks like money." Renante promised definitely.A moment of quiet engulfed the surroundings."What are you afraid of, ah? Madam's guards aren't here inside the house...""Renante, I feel sorry for Madam. She is not the person we think is bad. She is different. She is sophisticated when she acts and speaks but she also has feelings. Can you imagine that, huh?" Rayden's words to a bu
"Alright, I'm willing," Madam Lara responded."Thank you very much, Madam. But, will you give us the jewels?" asked Rayden.Madam thought before responding."I'll take care of it…"Renante inquired, "So, what are we going to do, Rayden?"Before moving on, they exchanged glances. Rayden and Renante are currently outside Madam Lara's residence. It was past eleven o'clock at night, so there were very few automobiles on the road passingby.They strolled a few meters away from Madam Lara's house and came to a stop at a corner. Renante seemed uneasy."Buddy, what are you looking at there, huh? Are you looking for something?" Rayden inquired.Renante continued to stare into the horizon, "I'm just waiting for someone.""Who?""Boss Joe's car. The driver who delivered me said he would only return to me by midnight.""Are they still coming?""They will come. I'm sure..."The two waited on the Bermuda Grass, waiting for someone to pick them up. They looked up, and the notes unfolded in front of