Chapter 45: Chapter 45

“We’ve arrived!”

I smirked as it amazed me at the beauty of the island.

“Nice!”

I smirked and straightened up as the chopper had landed. I even turned to look at the siblings who were sitting.

“Don’t you have a paper works?” I asked. The siblings smirked at me.

“There are many people who will work for me,” said Erin, pointing to my forehead before taking my luggage and carrying it himself.

I winced because occasionally, you just envy them because their lives appear to be easy. TSK.

“I have many people who can handle that,” said Rios as he drew Dane into the hotel.

I shook my head before following them. Maybe I would appreciate it if you had a lot of staff that could handle all the work you can leave, TSK.

“Welcome to San Martin!”

I smiled and nodded to the hotel managers who greeted us.

I went inside the hotel. “Not bad,” I mumbled.

The manager has already escorted us to our room, and I don’t see anyone else here. Carter appears to have planned for our arrival.

I blinked as I realized we had arrived at the presidential suite.

“This will be your suite, Ma’am, and I hope you enjoy your stay on our island.”

I smiled as I looked at the name tag of the person who helped us. “Thank you very much, Mr. David,” I said. Before leaving, he nodded and handed me the key card to our suite.

When we walked in, Erin sat down on the sofa, thinking as if he were tired. I placed my bag on the table and looked around our suite.

“Hmm…” I smirked as I looked around the suite, noticing something else. “Hmm—”

“I am now your personal assistant, Ms. Knight.”

“H-huh? Ah, okay.” After I smiled and looked around, I patted Dane on the shoulder.

I took another look around the condo and smirked even more because I saw not just one, but many. He seemed to watch everything I did, so I chuckled and shook my head.

“Seriously?” I asked, shaking my head and rolling my eyes at the CCTV, then taking a cloth to cover them.

He is overprotective of me, and I have nothing else to do but complete our mission.

“What do you have planned for today, Scarlett?”

I lifted my brows at them before sitting on the sofa. “Hmm… For now, find their hideout and where Solen Madrid is hiding here in San Martin,”

They both frowned, and I noticed Erin was awake.

“Don’t tell me… Are you planning to enter their territory?” he asked.

I smirked as I nodded to Erin.

“How else will I change my identity if I don’t enter their territory? They also entered our territory.” I said. Erin took a seat and shook his head.

“No, what you’re doing is risky.”

I took a deep breath, sighed, and stood up to approach the window, opening the curtains to see what was outside through the glass wall.

“I’m here, so there’s no turning back; I wasn’t born a coward to turn away from them; they took life, so I’ll take life from them,” I said.

“But, Scarlett—”

“Brother, let her do whatever she wants; Scarlett’s preparations would be futile if she just a retreated; this is for our family and her children,” said Rios. Erin was about to say something, but he took a deep breath and went to the kitchen.

Rios and I exchanged glances, but he smirked, so I just stared at Erin.

They’ll disallow me a way, but they can’t stop me from doing what I want because it’s as well for the clan’s safety.

“Scarlett, these are the files that Sir Carter gave me to use, and your fake background is also here, so they don’t know you’re Scarlett Knight,” said Dane as he placed what I had Carter do for my new identity in front of me.

I nodded at him and looked through the files.

We’ve only been here a few hours, but I’m going to get to work right away. I don’t have time to relax, either; as the hours and days pass, everything becomes more complicated.

“Solen Madrid, 56 years old, CEO of Madrid Enterprise,” said Rios, displaying a picture of Solen Madrid taken during the event on the White Board. “She’s a pawn in the hands of mastermind Ferdinand Smith.”

He marked Ferdinand Smith’s picture with a question mark at the very top because we couldn’t find any information about him.

“Another woman who has yet to be recognized,” said Erin, putting a blank face next to Solen Madrid on the whiteboard.

I smirked at him, but he shrugged.

“Be careful. Please keep in mind Rios and I are here,” he said, pointing to my brow and crossing his arm by my side while staring at the photos.

I just smiled because I know he can’t stand by me and that they will direct what I do next.

I kissed the pendant Carrie gave me because it’s now my lucky charm, and I’ll also put them out of my mind, so I can focus on what I need to do.

“Dane,” I said to Dane, who had turned to face me while holding his laptop and sat in front of me. “Have you gathered any new information about here in San Martin? About the businesses that exist here?”

He nodded and turned to his laptop, where he showed me various company enterprises.

“This is the CC Enterprise from Villa San Martin,” he said, pointing to one of the biggest companies. “And this is the DXM Enterprise from Domingo San Martin,” he said, motioning to the second, and I leaned back in my seat. “This is SM Enterprise from San Martin Island.”

“SM? Solen Madrid? Her company has a different name here than in Manila?” Erin, who had also come and stood behind me to see what Dane had shown me, asked.

Dane gave a nod. “According to the people I asked earlier, it has been standing here for 7 years, and it was the first company built here, only followed by the two where the three of them are partners.”

I crossed my arms and just stared at Solen’s company.

“It’s said that Solen Madrid doesn’t come here frequently because she lives in Manila.”

I touched my chin and thought, someone well-known Solen Madrid in San Martín because the locals recognize her.

“For the time being, keep the information you gathered,” I told him. Dane nodded, and I went back to my work.

I also researched their members’ backgrounds because many people believe in them.

I grabbed my pendant once again and took a deep breath.

For now, we will look for a lot of information about Solen and their group because we have had a difficult time finding it.

When my phone rang, I came to a halt and smiled when I saw who had called.

“Claire.”

(“Sis— Mama!!”)

I smiled.

(“I already miss you!”)

I just smiled as I gripped my pendant.

“I miss you more. Behave with your Aunt Claire and Daddy,” I said, smiling, and wiped my tears away before taking a deep breath.

“Can I talk to Aunt Claire?” I asked, swallowing hard because I miss my kids so much. “You will remember how much I love you.”

I just heard Claire’s voice and crying on the other end of the line.

(“Oh, what happened? Did you arrive? You’re with Erin!”)

Sigh, I just shook my head because she was envious that she wasn’t here.

(“Have you found Solen Madrid? I’m searching for information about San Martin as well, but I can’t find anything, TSK; I’ve also tried hacking the Madrid Enterprise system, but my account almost got corrupted, f-ck!”)

I took a deep breath and just stared out the window.

“Don’t worry, Solen cannot escape. We’ve discovered information about her businesses, but…” I sighed. “We still don’t have enough information, as if someone is blocking it.”

(“Tsk, Solen Madrid is good.”)

I rubbed my forehead because she was right. Even though we had gathered some information about Solen’s businesses and her, it wasn’t enough to locate her.

TSK, if only in hiding, she’s better than I.

(“Oh, I’ll search for information about her first, and Scarlett, remember you’ll come home alive.”)

I just smiled and tried not to laugh because she'd yell at me if I didn’t take what she said seriously.

“Yes, ma’am.”

After I hung up the phone, I went out onto the veranda to get some fresh air. I’m sensed a nice breeze right now, but I’m not here to relax; I'm here to finish what they started.

They started it; I will finish it.

I opened my eyes and tightened my grip on the rail. “I will not let you get ahead of me.”

***

“They’ve arrived, Sir.”

He smirked at his crew as he drew back the curtain to see through the glass wall, where he saw Scarlett and her cousin departing from the chopper.

“Get everyone ready. It’s time for me to meet Scarlett Knights.”

“Yes, master.”

***

DOMINIC’S POV

“The person you’re trying to reach is not available…”

Darn it, one more time!

“The person you’re trying to reach is not available…”

Damn you, Scarlett! Where are you?!?

I tried calling her again, but I couldn’t reach her, F-ck! You can’t just ignore me again. I got another beer and drank it; I need to talk to Scarlett again; we haven’t done talked yet.

When my phone rang as I sat down, I answered it, thinking it was Scarlett.

“Scarlett!”

(“Do I look like Scarlett?”)

I frowned and looked at the phone, wondering who it was.

“Claire, huh?”

(“Oh, you can’t believe I’d call you?!?”)

I rolled my eyes, since I wanted to avoid talking to her.

“What do you need?”

(“Oh, f-ck, you asshole! Pick up the kids here! Scarlett entrusted her children to you! I can’t look after them because I have work!”)

I winced and moved my phone away from my ear because the volume of her voice was causing my eardrums to burst.

“Can you calm down—” I froze, and my eyes widened as I remembered what she said.

F-ck! Why did I forget about my children?

“I’ll be right there!”

(“Come over, you're stressing me out!”)

I hung up the phone, put it in my pocket, and got into my car.

Dominic, you are a useless father!

I got down when I arrived at Claire's mansion, and my children greeted me.

“Daddy!”

They both smiled, and Carrie hugged me, so I took her in my arms.

“Hey, Dad.”

Agustin smirked at me. I frowned at him, wondering where he learned such things.

“You smell like booze, bro.”

Claire hit my back, and I almost coughed as I glared at her, but all she did was smirk.

“Please get the children’s things out,” said Claire, instructing her men to pick up my children’s belongings.

I stroked Carrie’s hair and put her down.

“Get in daddy’s car,” I whispered. They nodded and ran to my car.

I just stared at them and at Claire, who was about to go inside when I stopped her.

“Where is she?”

She came to a halt and smiled at me.

“You know, bro, I’ll tell you Carrie and Agustin’s favorite foods, he-he...”

I glared at her. “Where is Scarlett? I know, you know where she is.”

She crossed her arms and shook her head. “I couldn’t tell you if I knew, Dominic; I know you’ll follow Scarlett.”

I loosened my necktie and brushed my hair.

“Of course, I’m going to follow her! I need to know where she is, so tell me where she is!”

She rolled her eyes and pointed at me.

“Don’t interfere with what Scarlett wants to do; you’ll only ruin her plans! What she wants you to do is take care of and protect your children!” she yelled at me.

I was pulling out my hair and just holding myself back because I knew Claire would not hesitate to kick me out of her mansion.

“Claire, please?!? I want to protect her too! Please… Tell me, where is she?” I kept begging her to tell me where Scarlett was.

I can’t reassure until I know if she’s okay or safe where she’s going.

“You annoy me, Stone.” she sighed as she looked at me. “If you’re worried about her, she’s fine. Her cousin is accompanying her. Scarlett wants to do this alone. Just let her be. Scarlett knows what she’s doing,” she turned away. “Please, Dominic, don’t make me tell you because you will get nothing from me.”

“Claire…”

She shook her head and turned her gaze away. “I don’t care what you’re going through because Scarlett and her children are more important to me, so do everything you can to protect them,” she said, her fist clenched. “I beg you, please let Scarlett go,” said Claire before finally going inside.

I clenched my fist, but I didn’t chase after her because I knew she wouldn’t tell me where Scarlett was.

I returned to the car and drove it calmly.

“D-Daddy…”

I forced myself to smile at my kids because I didn’t want them to be concerned about me.

“Do you love our mom?”

Carrie’s question stunned me, as if she expected my answer. They are still young, but they are living in such a way.

One of Scarlett’s and my dreams during our time together was to have a happy family, but that didn’t happen because fate tested us and separated us.

Everything that occurred in my relationship with Scarlett was entirely my fault. I should be the one to blame for everything becoming more complicated.

If I hadn’t listened to Sophia with her blackmail and trusted Scarlett’s feelings for me, this wouldn’t have happened, and Scarlett won’t leave me or be apart from me for long.

I wish I could have witnessed Scarlett’s birth and my children’s growth.

There is no one else to blame but myself; I should be the one who punished, not Scarlett.

I hope the siblings’ relationship would still be fine if I hadn’t tempted and scared of being abandoned by Scarlett because of what happened to me and Sophia.

I’ve been such a coward until now that I have done nothing right.

“Daddy?”

I blinked and smiled at my children.

“Do you love our mom?”

I smiled at Carrie while messing up her hair. “Of course, I love her a lot; you wouldn’t be here if I didn’t love your mommy. Your daddy was terrible back then, and I made a mistake. I’m sorry,”

Carrie shook her head and smiled.

“Brother and I are happy because we met you, and that’s all I want, to be with you and mommy,” said Carrie as she smiled, so I smiled back and kissed her on the cheek.

Scarlett raised our children well. I know they weren’t neglected, and I’m the only asshole here.

“If you love her, dad, go follow her and protect mom.”

It stunned me and caused me to pull over to the side of the road because what Agustin was saying surprised me.

“What are you trying to say, son?”

Agustin just smirked. Carrie took my hand in hers.

“I’m sorry, I heard mommy talking to Aunt Claire, and I'm an afraid mommy will get hurt, so my brother and I have been thinking about it for a long time,” she said, taking a deep breath. “Follow mommy and protect her; something bad might happen to her,”

I’m confused by them.

“Your mother trusted me, I will protect you.”

Carrie simply smiled and shook her head.

“Take us to Grandma, take us to the mansion. I know they’ll protect us. Mommy is a Knight, right? They won’t neglect us.” she hugged me. “Follow mommy; you’ll look after her and protect her from the bad guys; don’t worry about me or my brother; you’ll have our support.”

When I looked at them, my face softened.

“Daddy, we love you so much.”

While I was crying, I hugged Carrie tightly and drew Agustin in for a hug as well.

Why did I forget there are two people waiting for Scarlett and me?

I’m so proud of them for allowing me to be their father.

They not only understand the situation, but they also understand what life is becoming. Scarlett raised them well. I’m just stupid for choosing to listen to others over Scarlett’s and my children’s feelings.

This time, I’ll protect them.

“Um, Daddy?”

She backed away from my embrace and looked at me.

“Hmm?”

She bowed and took something from her pocket. “I’ll give you a pendant I made, which Mommy also has.”

She handed me the pendant; I looked at her, but she just smiled, so I smiled and put it in my pocket.

“Daddy will protect the pendant, thank you, my little princess,” I said. Carrie smiled sweetly as they looked out the window.

I sighed and continued driving my car to the Knight mansion.

I promised my children that I would protect their mother, and that is precisely what I will do. Furthermore, I’ll find Scarlett and help her with whatever she does.

For our children, we will fight together.

When we arrived at the mansion, they refused to let me in, but when they saw Scarlett’s children, their eyes widened, and they opened the gate, allowing me to park directly in front of the mansion.

“We’ll take care of Grandma; I have a hunch she’s mad at you.”

I chuckled at Carrie and messed with their hair before getting out of my car to open the door for them.

“What exactly are you doing here—”

“Grandma!”

When my children greeted Aunt Sharlene, her eyes widened. I shook my head and smiled at aunt Sharlene.

“They want here to stay because I still have to follow Scarlett,” I said. Aunt Sharlene frowned, but nodded and allowed my children to go inside.

“Good luck, Daddy!”

“You made a promise to us, Dad!”

I smiled and waved before closing the door.

I sighed and dialed Carter’s number, the person Scarlett trusted.

“We have something to talk.”