Chapter Sixty Six The vice president smiled at Vincent and the assembled crowd, attempting to project an air of assurance. "I understand your concerns," she began, her voice dripping with practiced charm. "I assure you that everything will be sorted out. The orphanage's future will be secured, and the affected families will be compensated adequately. There's no need for further protests."However, the people in the crowd exchanged knowing glances. They had heard these promises before, and they had seen how easily they could be broken. The vice president's reputation for making grandiose statements and then failing to deliver on them was well-known.The chants for justice grew louder, drowning out her words. "Justice! Justice!" the crowd cried, their voices echoing through the street. They knew that their fight was far from over and that they couldn't rely on empty assurances.Vincent stepped forward, his gaze unwavering. "Madam Vice President," he said, his voice calm but firm, "we'v
Chapter Sixty Seven Vincent, maintaining his composure, replied to the vice president's ultimatum, "I appreciate your offer, and I will take the time to carefully consider it. But please understand, my commitment to justice is my top priority."The vice president, her expression a mixture of frustration and resignation, nodded in acknowledgment. "Very well, Vincent. You have one day to give me your answer."As the conversation continued, Vincent's eyes couldn't help but wander around the opulent office. Expensive art adorned the walls, and the view from the window showcased the city's skyline. It was a stark contrast to the orphanage and the struggles of the people he was fighting for.Just then, the door to the office opened, and two elegantly dressed women entered, carrying trays of expensive wine and delectable snacks. They placed the offerings in front of Vincent, their smiles warm and inviting.Vincent glanced at the luxurious spread before him, feeling a sense of unease. He kne
Chapter Sixty Eight Anastasia, the president's daughter, paced nervously in her elegant living room. Her heart was heavy with worry, and her fingers trembled as she held her phone. Vincent, the man she loved deeply, hadn't answered any of her calls. It had been days, and the silence was unbearable.She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing thoughts. With determination, she dialed Vincent's number once more and waited, her eyes fixed on her phone's screen. The ringtone echoed through the room, each second feeling like an eternity.Voicemail. The automated voice came on, and Anastasia's voice quivered as she left a message, "Vincent, it's me, Anastasia. I've been trying to reach you, and I'm really worried. Please, call me back as soon as you can. I need to know you're okay."Tears welled up in her eyes as she ended the call. She couldn't help but recall the countless memories they had shared, the laughter, the dreams, and the love that had blossomed between them. But now, a gn
Chapter Sixty Nine Vincent awoke to a harsh reality. His eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the dim, unforgiving light that filtered through the narrow, rust-stained window high on the cold, stone wall. The pain in his head was excruciating, a relentless throb that threatened to split his skull. As his senses gradually returned, he realized he was lying on a cold, hard cot within the confines of a prison cell. Panic coursed through his veins like wildfire.He tried to remember how he had ended up here, but it was like grasping at smoke. Fragments of memories danced at the periphery of his consciousness – a blur of faces, a cacophony of voices, and then... nothing. His past had become an impenetrable fog, leaving him stranded in this grim cell with nothing but the tormenting headache as his companion.Desperation welled up within him. Vincent pushed himself up from the cot, his body protesting every movement. His eyes scanned the cell, seeking answers that remained stubbornly elusiv
Chapter Seventy Anastasia paced back and forth in her cozy living room. Her heart raced, and her mind churned with thoughts that she couldn't seem to control. She wasn't used to feeling this way, this anxious, this uncertain. She took a deep breath and whispered to herself, "Anastasia, what's going on with you?"Her gaze drifted to the window overlooking the house next door, where Vincent lived. They had only been neighbors for a short time, but something about him had captured her attention from the very beginning. Maybe it was the way he smiled when he saw her, or the friendly chats they'd had over the fence. Anastasia couldn't deny that she looked forward to those moments, and her heart would flutter like a fragile bird each time.As she continued to pace, Anastasia realized the truth that was hard to admit - she was falling for Vincent. The realization sent shivers down her spine. She had always been a practical person, not one to let emotions run wild. But now, here she was, caug
Chapter Seventy One Back in her apartment, Anastasia couldn't shake the feeling of intrigue and a growing sense of urgency. She knew she needed to investigate further, but she also understood the potential dangers involved. As she stood in front of her wardrobe, she made a decision. If she was going to dig deeper into this mystery, she needed to be prepared.Anastasia selected a sleek black outfit paired with a crisp white blouse. The combination exuded an air of professionalism, a look that wouldn't draw unnecessary attention. As she dressed, her thoughts raced. She needed more information and perhaps a way to protect herself if things took an unexpected turn.Her mind settled on an idea that both excited and frightened her. She had heard whispers about her father's bodyguards, and she knew that their surveillance was extensive. If she wanted to obtain a means of protection, she had to do it discreetly, without raising any alarms.Anastasia had a distant relative, a retired law enfo
Chapter Seventy Two Anastasia took a deep breath, her plan hanging in the balance as she looked into Xander's steady gaze. She knew that what she was about to ask was both unusual and risky."Xander," she began, "I need a favor, and I know it's unconventional. Can you lend me your gun? I promise it's for a harmless reason."Xander's eyebrows shot up in surprise, and he studied her carefully. "A gun, Anastasia? Why do you need it?"Thinking quickly, Anastasia improvised. "I'm curious about its design, and I want to draw it for my art class. You know how much I love sketching, and this would be a unique subject. Please, it's just for art."Xander didn't immediately respond. He regarded her with a long, scrutinizing look, his suspicion evident. Anastasia felt her heart race as she waited for his answer.Finally, Xander spoke, his tone hesitant, "Anastasia, I trust you with my life, but this request...it's unusual, and I can't help but feel there's more to it than you're letting on. I ca
Chapter Seventy Three In the dimly lit living room, the female Vice President paced back and forth, her steps heavy with worry. Her finely tailored suit betrayed none of the turmoil within her. Her face, once confident and composed, was now etched with deep lines of concern. The weight of impending exposure pressed heavily upon her shoulders.Outside, the distant chants of protesters grew louder with each passing minute. They were demanding transparency, justice, and an end to corruption. Little did they know that the person they had entrusted with their votes was at the heart of the very corruption they sought to eradicate.She paused by the window, her gaze fixed on the city below. It had all seemed so simple at first, the embezzlement scheme carefully hidden beneath layers of bureaucracy. But now, as the voices of the masses united against her, doubt gnawed at her conscience.A framed photograph on the mantelpiece caught her eye. It was a picture of her son, the one person she had