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Chapter 38 - The Ransom

In a discreet apartment tucked away in downtown Makati, shielded by vigilant bodyguards hired by the Almeidas, the Amanos, Almeidas, and Fontierras gathered for a pivotal meeting. Inside the dimly lit room, a round table served as the focal point where Yoshiko, Don Almeida, and Albert sat with a palpable air of tension and secrecy.

Yoshiko, her demeanor both refined and resolute, broke the uneasy silence first, her voice carrying an undertone of urgency as she delicately sipped from a glass of Margarita. "Riko has uncovered our survival. She's become an insurmountable obstacle."

Don Almeida, a cigarette dangling from his fingers, nodded pensively. "Dealing with Riko won't be straightforward."

Yoshiko, always one to suggest bold actions, ventured, "What if we dispatch an assassin to eliminate her?"

Almeida, his expression betraying skepticism, shook his head slowly. "If we attempt an attack, she'll anticipate it. Riko's not someone to be underestimated."

Albert, usually quiet but deeply thoughtful, sighed audibly. Before anyone could respond, Fernando, an enigmatic figure among them, emerged from the shadows. His presence commanded attention as he stood behind Albert, exuding an aura of confidence that instantly captured their focus.

"There's no need to fear Riko," Fernando declared, lighting a cigar with a deliberate calmness.

Albert, visibly taken aback, pressed for clarity. "What do you mean by that?"

Fernando, with a wry smile that hinted at hidden knowledge, delivered his revelation with a touch of intrigue. "I have her in my custody," he stated matter-of-factly, his words hanging in the air as he turned and departed from the apartment, leaving Yoshiko and Albert stunned by the bombshell he had just dropped.

----

At the racing grounds in Batangas, Rina observed from the sidelines as her younger brother, Takeru, emerged from his racing car accompanied by Ayame, his girlfriend who showered him with affection. Despite her disapproval of their public displays, Rina approached Takeru when he stepped away briefly.

"I brought the food you ordered," Takeru said, handing her the meal, which he quickly devoured.

Rina, looking on with concern, questioned him about his financial decisions, suspecting Ayame of draining his resources.

"Did Ayame clean out your allowance again?" Rina asked pointedly.

Takeru defended himself, explaining that he used his money for rent after being evicted from his apartment, adding that Ayame had let him stay with her.

"Sis, it was just one night," Takeru reasoned, seeking to borrow more money from Rina.

"You already owe me two hundred thousand, Takeru," Rina retorted sharply. "It seems Ayame is the only thing on your mind, and she's only after your money."

Ignoring his financial troubles momentarily, Rina instructed Takeru to accompany her to the Presidential Palace after his race, emphasizing the urgency of their father's summons.

At the Presidential Palace, Karl Marino gathered his children—Rina, Takeru, Jiena, Rafael, Muro, and Kazuki—as well as his siblings, Jamie, Charlie, and Gustav, in his office. The atmosphere was serious and tense as they all convened.

"It's been three months since Riko was kidnapped," Karl began solemnly. "We can't wait any longer for the authorities to act."

Rina, visibly concerned, questioned her father's call to action. "What do you need us to do, Dad?"

Karl turned his attention to Takeru, his tone stern. "You will all help find Riko."

Takeru, perplexed, asked bluntly, "Why should we do that?"

"Because your actions have consequences," Karl replied firmly. "You've created problems, and now you need to be part of the solution. Otherwise, you'll find yourself in serious trouble."

As the discussion continued, Gustav, noticing an opportunity to speak, cleared his throat to gain Karl's attention.

"May I join?" Gustav inquired respectfully, taking a seat beside Karl.

Karl offered him a cigarette, a gesture of hospitality. "Of course. Please, stay."

Gustav, looking serious, addressed Karl directly. "I'm thinking ahead to the next election. Your popularity remains strong, and reelection seems plausible, but I hope you haven't forgotten our agreement."

Karl nodded thoughtfully. "I haven't forgotten. Let's discuss it this weekend, away from prying ears, perhaps on the yacht with other leaders."

Charlie, curious about their plans, interjected, "What's the plan?"

"Charlie, you'll remain my running mate," Karl explained. "Jamie will return to the senate in 2046, and we'll divide executive responsibilities."

Gustav, contemplating the arrangement, sought clarification. "And where do I fit in?"

"You'll be Prime Minister," Karl confirmed. "You'll oversee domestic affairs while I handle foreign and defense matters."

Gustav raised a concern about the process, prompting Karl to assure him of legislative support. "I'll have Senate President Javier and House Speaker Santa Maria file for the necessary amendments. I'll brief you on the details soon."

"Consider it a promise," Gustav responded, acknowledging Karl's commitment before excusing himself from the meeting.

Left alone with his children, Karl fielded Rina's question about his intentions seriously.

"Dad, are you serious about all of this?" Rina asked, seeking reassurance.

Karl nodded, conveying the weight of his responsibilities. "Being President isn't easy. That's why I need a Prime Minister."

The gravity of their conversation hung in the air as Karl and his children contemplated the challenges ahead, both personal and political, in their quest to reunite their family and secure their nation's future.

-------

On a radiant Sunday, Karl embarked on the Kensei Seven, the majestic yacht-battleship of the Penthouse Seven Sages. With him were Gustav, Charlie, Jamie, Helen, Teddy Boy, Archie, and House Speaker Santa Maria. Meanwhile, Rafael and Eugene, Karl's sons, relaxed with their wives at the yacht's recreational area, observing their fathers and allies engrossed in serious discussion.

The atmosphere on the yacht was serene yet charged with anticipation. Karl, sitting at the head of a polished round table in the opulent conference hall, gestured with his hands as he spoke. His voice echoed off the walls adorned with portraits, including one of Takako, adding a sense of gravitas to the gathering.

"On the left side, you'll see our latest flagship, a testament to our technological prowess," Karl began, his eyes scanning the attentive faces of his allies. "And on the right, a state-of-the-art fast craft cruiser."

Gustav, leaning back in his chair, interjected with a nostalgic smile, "Brings back memories, doesn't it? Especially that rescue mission down south."

"Let's stay focused, gentlemen," Karl redirected, leaning forward slightly. "The election looms ahead, and I'm faced with a critical decision: whether to run again or pass the torch to Gustav. Our party's unity is paramount."

"I concur," House Speaker Santa Maria added, adjusting his glasses. "Gustav leads our party, Charlie is a natural successor, and we must contend with Johnny Altamirano on the opposing side."

Archie, the seasoned strategist, nodded thoughtfully. "Aligning behind Karl and Gustav could secure a resounding victory for us."

Helen, her demeanor composed yet assertive, raised a crucial point. "But sidelining other valuable contributors to this administration could create division."

Karl's expression turned thoughtful as he absorbed the varied perspectives. "That's precisely why I convened this meeting aboard the Kensei Seven," he explained, his hands gesturing to encompass the room. "I propose reinstating the position of Prime Minister."

His proposal sparked a mix of surprise and intrigue among his allies.

"You can't be serious," Archie exclaimed, eyebrows raised in disbelief.

"It would mean abolishing the vice presidency," noted House Speaker Santa Maria, folding his hands on the table.

"In my view, Karl, the presidency should retain its ultimate authority," Helen added firmly, her gaze unwavering.

Karl nodded in acknowledgment, his tone resolute. "This measure is about ensuring party cohesion. Some support Charlie for president, others Gustav. Creating a Prime Minister role will help balance these interests."

House Speaker Santa Maria leaned forward, his demeanor contemplative. "What would the Prime Minister's responsibilities entail, exactly?"

"They would oversee domestic affairs, while I focus on Foreign and Defense," Karl clarified, his voice steady. "Jamie will return to the Senate in 2046, and Charlie will remain in his current role."

"If this move stabilizes our party, then count me in," House Speaker Santa Maria declared, his expression decisive.

Jamie, leaning forward with a thoughtful expression, posed a practical question. "How do we sell this to the public?"

"That will be our campaign challenge," Gustav responded, his tone confident yet measured.

"While it may dilute the president's powers, it clarifies the division of roles: head of state for the President, head of government for the Prime Minister," Karl concluded, leaning back in his chair, his gaze sweeping across the room.

----

As the sun dipped low over the horizon, casting a warm glow across the garden of the Marino Mansion, Karl sat at the dining table with his daughter Kyoko. They were both silently admiring the serene beauty outside, a rare moment of peace after the recent tumult involving Riko, Rafael, and Takeru.

"Dad," Kyoko began, her voice tinged with curiosity, "do you think bringing back the Prime Ministership was the right decision?"

Karl paused for a moment, his gaze drifting thoughtfully towards the garden. He considered his daughter's question carefully before responding, "Yes, Kyoko. Bringing back the Prime Ministership allows me to handle sensitive matters, like our dealings with the triads, with more discretion and efficiency."

Kyoko nodded, absorbing her father's words. "And what about Mom?" she asked, her eyes searching his face for answers. "Does this change weaken her influence?"

Karl smiled warmly, his expression softening with affectionate reminiscence. "Your mother's influence," he said with conviction, "is unwavering. She has always been her own force, making her own choices. Whatever path she decides to take, her impact will endure."

There was a brief silence as father and daughter shared a moment of unspoken understanding. Karl broke the quietude with a sigh, his fingers idly tracing the rim of his wine glass. He turned to Kyoko, his eyes reflecting a mixture of determination and hope.

"I will find her," Karl declared firmly, his voice carrying a resolve that echoed through the room. "I will search for her myself, alongside you and your brothers. We will not rest until we bring her back home."

Kyoko nodded again, reassured by her father's unwavering determination. She knew well the depth of his commitment, both to his family and to his responsibilities as President.

Karl reached into his pocket and retrieved a small, well-worn cloth. With deliberate care, he began wiping down a hidden blade nestled within, a tool that had seen its share of use in his life of protecting those he loved and the ideals he upheld.

"You know, Kyoko," Karl continued, his voice softening as he spoke, "sometimes in life, we are called upon to make sacrifices. Sacrifices to safeguard our values, to protect the ones we hold dear."

Kyoko listened intently, sensing the weight of her father's words. She understood that their journey ahead would not be easy, but she also knew they faced it together, bound by love and a shared determination to reunite their family.

As they sat in quiet contemplation, the last rays of the sun cast long shadows across the garden, a poignant reminder of the challenges yet to come. Karl and Kyoko, however, found solace in their unity and the unspoken promise they held: to bring Riko home, no matter the cost.

----

On a tempestuous evening, Karl sat at his desk in the family study room, his phone connected to a recording device capturing every word exchanged. Rafael entered silently, his fingers twitching with nervous anticipation as he joined Karl, waiting for a crucial call.

"It's almost been a year since they took Mom," Rafael muttered, his voice heavy with frustration.

Karl glanced up, his expression stoic. "Yes, and we've been at their mercy, just like the authorities."

As the clock struck 9 in the evening, Karl's phone finally rang. He answered swiftly, his grip tightening on the device.

"Hello?"

"Karl, help me," came a desperate voice, breaking through the line.

Rafael tensed beside him, instantly recognizing the voice.

"Riko, where are you? What have they done to you?" Karl demanded urgently.

"They want to kill me," Riko replied, her voice trembling. "I'm helpless. Take me home, please."

"Riko, where are you?" Karl pressed, his heart racing.

"Relax, she's safe, for now. But only if you do as I say," a man interjected on the line, his tone menacing.

Karl's jaw clenched. "Who the hell is this?"

"As if you don't recognize my voice," the man sneered.

"Fernando," Karl spat out, his voice laced with anger.

"Listen carefully. I'll hand her over to you unharmed, but only if you deliver the remaining diamonds and five hundred million dollars tomorrow night at the Palace in the Sky in Batangas," Fernando demanded.

Karl chuckled bitterly, shaking his head. "Fernando, do you really think I'm that wealthy?"

"Stop pretending, Karl. Everyone knows who you are," Fernando retorted. "Bring what I want, or say goodbye to Riko."

"As you wish," Karl replied, ending the call abruptly. Inside the study room, Jiena, Kyoko, Muro, Marla, Kazuki, and Takeru stood in stunned silence, having overheard the entire conversation.

"Takeru, tomorrow you'll take the suitcases to Batangas," Karl instructed his youngest son, his tone firm. "I'll personally prepare them."

Takeru's eyes widened in disbelief, his protest immediate. "But why me?"

"Because they won't suspect someone like you," Karl explained bluntly. He walked over to Takeru, looking into his eyes with a mix of affection and regret. "You have your mother's features, Takeru. Her eyes, her lips. It's unfortunate you also inherited my... other traits."

Takeru left the room in frustration, grappling with his father's words and the weight of the impending task.

----

Throughout his life, Takeru yearned for the recognition and love that seemed effortlessly bestowed upon his siblings by Karl and Riko, something he felt he never received. Born during a tumultuous period in his parents' marriage, Karl's attention was often elsewhere, leaving Takeru without the paternal affection he craved. Similarly, Riko, grappling with the challenges of an ongoing conflict, was unable to nurture a close bond with her youngest son, resulting in Karl's parents taking on a significant role in his upbringing during his early years.

At eleven years old, following the conclusion of the first war in the north, Takeru reunited with his siblings in Manila, returning to the care of their parents. Among his older siblings, it was Rina who showed him empathy and became his closest confidant, forging a deep bond with him. Rafael, Muro, and Marla provided Takeru with the care and protection he needed, shielding him from the turmoil within their family dynamics. Bianca assumed the role of mentor and guide, offering wisdom and support in his academic and personal growth. Meanwhile, Jiena and Kyoko stepped in as surrogate parents, offering stability and nurturing their younger siblings' well-being in Karl and Riko's absence.

Despite the emotional distance from his parents, Takeru found solace and a sense of belonging among his siblings, each playing a crucial role in shaping his upbringing and providing the love and support he craved.

Though he was an average student, thanks to Muro and Marla's further tutoring on him and Jiena's tough love, Takeru was a pervert just like his father, but unlike Karl, his perversion was prevalent, getting his first sexual experience at the age of twelve and having his first child at the age of fourteen, much to his father's dismay, the young Takeru entered a formula one race at the advice of his grandfather, Antoine Lefranc, Michelle Peng's husband and at the of fifteen he got his championship in Italy, this earned him a chance to enter show business and was paired up with one of the hottest teen stars of that time, Hiana Lopez, who is also from a well-to-do family, the two developed a romantic relationship with the lady ended up being pregnant and Takeru being pulled off out of the entertainment industry by his father.

Kyoko and Jasmine place Takeru under their custody at the north of Sapporo in Japan, where he met Hinako Kinohara, a daughter of a hot spring owner. Again, his lust was so prevalent that Kyoko and Jasmine had to pull him out of the place out of fear. Much more, when Jessica entered the entertainment world and started earning her millions, Takeru's envy grew from the attention that his younger sister is having up to the earning they have. He had vowed to earn more than what his younger sister has and get his father's attention, even if it would cause him embarrassment.

To avoid further embarrassment, Riko took the matters in to her own hands and arranged Takeru's return to the Philippines, under Rina's custody.

---Chapter end--