Just as the two were fully stripped and ready, a sudden gunshot pierced the night air. The pilot Leonardo stood before them with two guns in his hands pointing at the two. “What the hell man, if you want to join them say so!” Xavier snapped angrily. “I don't mess with assholes, I love women and their charms.” “Then what's this nonsense about?” “Damon is not my master, this man here may be a spoiled brat and arrogant and proud but I took an oath. I will protect Montero's heir.” “Is this a joke? I can't wait, I am as hard as rock, enough with that,” Van snapped. “Touch him and you will know if I am a joke or not,” Leonardo replied with a tight expression that warned Van. Antonio was surprised but also relieved, he had someone who still felt pity for him even though he had been cruel to all his men because of his power. “Leonardo..I…” “I am not doing this for you, but your grandma…… and because I like your cousin.” “Courtney?” Antonio asked slowly. He nodded. “Dude you are betraying us because of a woman?” Van snapped. “One more word from you!” Leonardo replied coldly, as his fingers shook trying not to pull the trigger sooner. Xavier, who was armed with a weapon, had his gun still pointing at Antonio remained a statue dumbfounded by everything happening. “Drop the gun Xavier,” Van whispered with his hands up in surrender. “No way... those may be empty don't fall for his threats.” Xavier snapped back stubbornly. “He has two guns, we have just one,” Van replied. “If we are going down then this jerk is coming with us!” In a swift and unexpected move, Leonardo fired at the two, taking them down in a hail of gunfire. The chaos that ensued was deafening. Gunshots rang out, mixing with shouts and cries of alarm. Antonio felt a searing pain in his head as a bullet struck him, and then everything went black. Time seemed to slow as Antonio's body crumpled to the ground, the world spinning around him in a blur of confusion and pain. The sound of waves crashing against the shore faded into the distance as darkness enveloped him, pulling him deeper into unconsciousness.
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Angela stood in Yuki's cozy kitchen, surrounded by the comforting aromas of miso soup and freshly steamed rice. The early morning light streamed through the shoji screens, casting a soft glow over the simple yet elegant space. She wore a white apron with a head tie assisting Yuki in making the breakfast. Yuki on the other hand was expertly slicing vegetables for the tamagoyaki, her hands moving with the precision and ease that only comes with years of practice. No doubt she is a fine cook. Angela smiled. “You cook so well, Yuki,” she complimented. Yuki blushed. “My brother will say otherwise, but thank you.” Angela smiled back but that reply reminded her of Jace. He loves teasing her so much. Yuki noticed her face pale and was instantly worried. “Angela, are you okay? Did I say something bad?” Angela looked up in alarm, confused for a second then got herself. “No…no…please you did not,” she replied, drying her face. However, Yuki wasn't convinced at all. “But you had tears in your eyes.” Angela was about to find a good lie to tell when her phone buzzed from the living room. The sound was jarring in the serene atmosphere, a sharp reminder of the outside world intruding on this intense moment. “Please, excuse me, Yuki,” Angela said softly, wiping her hands on a cloth before heading toward the living room. Yuki nodded with a gentle smile as Angela walked out of the kitchen. After a long pause of tracing back to check if there was an offensive statement she made before continuing her work. The living room was small and tastefully decorated, with a mix of modern and traditional elements that reflected Yuki's style. Angela’s phone was lying on a low table next to a vase of freshly cut flowers. She picked it up, glancing at the screen. Her tension eased as she saw the caller ID. It was her friend Doris. A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. “Hey, Doris,” Angela answered, her voice softening as she spoke. “How are you?” “Honey! How’s Japan treating you and my cuties?” Doris’s familiar, upbeat tone came through, instantly making Angela feel more at ease. “It’s been… good,” Angela replied, glancing back toward the kitchen. “Yuki’s been incredibly supportive. She’s taking such good care of us. We’re just making breakfast now.” “That’s great to hear,” Doris said with genuine relief. “I just wanted to check in, make sure you’re settling in okay. I know it’s a big change.” Angela’s smile grew. “It is, but it’s been nice. Different, but nice.” “I’m glad,” Doris replied, but there was a slight hesitation in her voice. “Also Angela, a lot happened yesterday at the Monteros, it's trending all over the news last night.” Angela's heart raced faster. “What… What happened? Is Antonio okay?” She hated that she had to ask that. How will he be okay after what she did to him? “He was arrested for murder,” Doris cuts into her thoughts. Angela's eyes widened. “Mur….murder?” “Why are you surprised?” Doris replied. “He wouldn't? I know he can be wild but …but…” Angela covered her mouth trying not to break down. “His ex Diana was found dead, and all evidence, including yours pointed at him, isn't that what your plan with Damon was? To frame him up. Damon is now the authority in Montero's Mansion.” Angela felt the blood drain from her face in guilt. She gripped the edge of the table to steady herself, her mind struggling to process the barrage of shocking news. “Angela… are you still there?” Doris’s voice, now tinged with concern, broke through the haze. “I… I’m here,” Angela managed to whisper, though it felt like the ground was slipping away beneath her feet. “How is Grandma Elizabeth? This will break her, she can't let Damon take over the Montero's Mansion. I feel so sad for her.” She sobbed loudly. Doris sighed. “Angela, I’m so sorry. I didn’t want to tell you like this, but you needed to know. Grandma Elizabeth…”. Angela's heart skipped. “What happened to Grandma?” “Well she's no more. She passed away, poisoned. Everything happened so fast according to Damon's plan.” Angela’s hand flew to her mouth, stifling a gasp. “No…no please don't tell me, Grandma… this is all my fault.” Angela cried loudly. Yuki ran out of the kitchen hearing her outburst. “Angela?”