Night fell over Vale Galway as Lady Sarah and Lord Mallet returned to Campbell Mansion after a tense visit to Phillips Mansion.
The heavy silence that accompanied them during the journey was a reflection of the concerns weighing on their hearts. The memory of Clarice's fragility and the Phillips family's suffering hung over them like a dark cloud, obscuring even the rays of the setting sun.
Upon arriving at the imposing Campbell Mansion, the grandeur of the construction contrasted with the inner agony of its inhabitants. The soft light emanating from the windows and the elegant decor couldn't dispel the sense of unease that lingered in the air, like a silent shadow creeping into every corner of the cavernous mansion.
Entering the living room, Lady Sarah immediately encountered an unexpected scene. Aster and Damián were there, accompanied by a young stranger. Aster's presence, the omega indirectly responsible for everything that had happened to Clarice that day, made all her sophisticated demeanor vanish in an instant.
Although the identity of the third young man was a mystery that piqued her curiosity — after all, Aster had never brought a friend home before—Lady Sarah limited herself to a brief nod before leaving.
Lord Mallet, still processing the day's events, offered a brief greeting, acknowledging the presence of those in the room.
"Gentlemen," he said, nodding. "We've just returned from Phillips Mansion with good news; Clarice is already home. And how are you, young men?"
Aster and Damián, showing interest and concern for Clarice, immediately inquired about her. Lord Mallet sighed, preparing to share the news he had just received.
"Clarice found out that she and Callum are no longer a couple," he explained, his serious expression reflecting the gravity of the situation. "This has caused great distress. Her situation is delicate."
Aster, sensing the tension in the air, decided to introduce the young stranger into the conversation.
"This is Mason," said Aster, indicating the friend beside him. "He's spending some time at Kadman Mansion. Mason, these are Damián and Lord Mallet, members of the Campbell family."
Mason bowed briefly, showing respect for those present.
While Lord Mallet absorbed the news about Clarice, Aster decided to be direct and realistic:
"I believe it's best for her to know the truth," said Aster, his voice firm. "A lie would only make her suffer more in the future. Even if it's like reopening a wound."
Damián nodded, adding, "It's understandable to want to protect her, but she deserves to know the truth, however painful it may be. She needs time to remember and rediscover her life."
Aster interjected; the past can't be changed; everything keeps moving and functioning.
Lord Mallet agreed, his calm and sensitive voice reflecting his understanding of the situation.
"Perhaps you're right," he said. "We should have devised a way to tell her the truth gently and compassionately without overwhelming her emotionally."
Aster agreed with Lord Mallet. "Clarice is strong and intelligent. She will get through this phase, but she needs family support and the truth to move forward."
Ready to leave, Lord Mallet concluded with a serene expression:
"I'll leave you for now. If you need anything, I'll be in the library," he said, giving a brief farewell nod before leaving.
As Lord Mallet departed, Aster, Damián, and Mason remained in the room, absorbing the meaning of the conversation with Lord Mallet.
Damián, looking at Aster, expressed his words. "No one dies of a broken heart, and hearts aren't made of diamond or glass shards."
Aster agreed, but his look reflected determination. "She'll get over it. Everything has its time, and after her time, she will overcome."
Mason, who was listening attentively, added, "Wow, it feels like the temperature dropped by about 7 degrees," looking at Aster with a questioning look.
For Aster, there was no way to save face. Mason was right.
At that moment, Aster, Damián, and Mason realized they needed to discuss the next step: safely eliminating Fredrick Lund.
Looking at Damián and Mason, Aster decided to take them to a more private place in the mansion, where they could discuss their plans more calmly and securely.
"Follow me," said Aster, getting up and indicating that the other two should follow him.
He led them to his own spot in the mansion, a small studio in the west wing. It was a cozy place, decorated with antique furniture, paintings, and flowers. There were paint sets, easels, soft lights illuminating the atmosphere, giving it a warm and romantic feel.
Once they arrived, Aster turned to Damián and Mason with seriousness.
"Fredrick Lund needs to be taken care of," he said, his voice low and firm. "He's a threat to our security. But more important than being innocent is appearing truly innocent."
Damián nodded, his expression serious. "I agree."
Mason, with determination but also a touch of apprehension, said, "But how do we do that? What are our options?"
Mason followed, fearful; a hasty action could put us all at risk.
Damián: My idea is that we need a solid plan, one that is precise and effective but also appears completely accidental. Fredrick Lund needs to disappear without a trace."
Mason: (swallowing hard) "That sounds... dangerous. What if something goes wrong?"
At that moment, the sound of knocks on the studio door put them on alert. [[Aster, Damián, and Mason exchange vigilant looks.]]
Mr. Aubree: (with a gentle smile) "Can I offer you something to drink?"
Aster: (Pausing for a moment) "No, thank you, Mr. Aubree. We're just discussing some gallery matters."
Mr. Aubree: (with a shrewd look) "Of course. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call me."
Mr. Aubree nods and leaves, leaving Aster, Damián, and Mason alone again.
Far from Vale Galway, driven by his own interests and unaware of the plans that would change his destiny, Fredrick Lund enters the police station with an air of false concern and a calculated expression of indignation on his face. He approaches the officer on duty, speaking with a voice laden with urgency and desperation.
"Officer, I need to report a disappearance," says Fredrick, with a false expression of concern on his face. He makes an exaggerated gesture with his hands, as if trying to express the seriousness of the situation. "Reese Davis, my partner, has been missing for a few days. I fear that something terrible may have happened to him."
Far from the mission planning, the flow of events continues...
Fredrick looks around the police station, his features filled with false concern, as if he were trying to convince those present of the seriousness of his story.
"Reese was involved with dangerous people," Fredrick continues, his voice full of self-pity. He shakes his head, as if lamenting the situation. "He had connections with dangerous people from high society, and now, suddenly, he disappears."
The officer raises an eyebrow, attentive to Fredrick's account. However, he listens to Fredrick's story with care, and as Fredrick continues to speak, his words are filled with resentment and indignation.
Chase listens to Fredrick's story with a skeptical look, aware of the influence and power of the Kadman family in the ABO world. He tilts his head slightly to the side, as if assessing Fredrick's words. The man in front of him was reporting a game of deceit to win over a billionaire, a story of malevolent espionage that worked; it seemed like a scene from a movie.
Chase: (with a skeptical look and a tone of disdain) "It's quite a story for a man like you, Mr. Lund, related to the Kadman family."
Despite his serious expression, there is a gleam of incredulity in his eyes as he records the missing report from Reese Davis. He nods slightly, as if doubting Fredrick's story but promising to investigate the situation.
As Fredrick Lund leaves, Officer Chase sighs and turns to his colleague, Officer Rony, with an expression of disbelief.
"I just filed a missing report," he says, shaking his head slowly. "A really crazy story."
Rony looks at Chase curiously, waiting for more details.
"Who's the missing person?" he asks while checking some papers on his desk.
Chase looks at the papers on his own desk, picking up the missing report form for Reese Davis.
"A guy named Reese Davis," he replies, handing the form to Rony. "Apparently, he was involved with some important people. Lund said he disappeared without a trace."
Rony examines the missing report form with a skeptical look, raising an eyebrow.
"That sounds like a load of nonsense," he comments, handing the form back to Chase. "Do you believe his story?"
Chase shakes his head slowly, putting the missing report form in his folder.
"Not really," he replies with a sigh. "But we have to investigate, right? After all, you never know."
The two officers share a knowing look before returning to work, ready to begin the investigation into Reese Davis' disappearance.
Fredrick Lund walked through the busy streets of the city, his mind buzzing with the feeling that he had taken the first step toward his long-awaited reward. He believed that reporting to the police would increase the value of the blackmail, now that he could receive it directly from Adam Kadman. Imagining an Alpha Prime like Adam Kadman falling for a scheme from a simple omega excited him and made him anxious for what would come next.
At the same time, a wave of anger surged through his veins whenever he thought of Reese Davis. He felt betrayed and deceived. However, he knew that the first step had been taken. Now, he would only be a witness in the entire case, and as such, he hoped to receive millions to keep quiet. With this thought, a satisfied smile spread across his face as he continued on his way through the city.
The Galway Valley stretched out like a slumbering giant, its grand mansions enveloped by the cold night. Damián decided to go for a run, feeling the need to reflect on the duality of his own existence.
Despite everything, Adam wasn't repugnant to him. Damián had accepted the differences that permeated their Alpha/Omega relationship some time ago. It was a matter of accepting or succumbing. Adam Kadman wasn't the type of relationship he could have imagined under any circumstances.
Adam had the power to control the people around him, but he was wild, uncontrollable, and constantly pushed Damián out of his comfort zone.
As he ran, Damián let his thoughts wander through his own tendencies and behaviors throughout life, questioning what was reality and what was just a dimensional perception. Tomorrow was outlined with a bitter and obvious taste. It was a matter of life or death; he had no choice.
Sometimes, he felt like an abandoned dog taken in by a new family, but still, a street animal. That's what hammered in his head as he ran.
Damián easily climbed to the top of the hill and then stopped when he saw the illuminated windows of the Kadman mansion. He opted for the north side, where he found himself at the end of the house, near the indoor pool atrium, the greenhouse, and the gym.
It was then that Damián spotted Adam in the greenhouse, surrounded by an explosion of luxurious and well-kept tropical plants. At first glance, an inattentive person might imagine Adam was dancing.
His movements were graceful, almost like a dance. Athletic, light movements intertwine with each other. Quickly, Damián realized that Adam was practicing some kind of martial art. He saw kicks and punches flowing with a unique fluidity—a deadly dance.
Shirtless, sweaty, and with messy hair, Adam was an impressive sight. And as he observed one of the kicks he executed, the moment hit Damián like a bolt, echoing in his chest like a subtle call.
They weren't hallucinations, Damián assured himself as he entered the greenhouse, the sound of his steps echoing on the floor as he hit his sneakers with his hands. Pretending not to notice that Adam froze amidst the lush plants and tropical flowers.
For a moment, they just stared at each other, and Damián felt the weight of Adam's piercing blue eyes like a warm embrace. He could hear the Alpha's heavy breathing, and his skin prickled. His cheeks were warm and about to burst, and it was a new feeling.
Then Adam broke the connection, turning his back and walking away. He was only wearing loose black pants, which seemed to draw attention to the strength of each of his muscles. His firm steps led him to some punching bags hanging on a metal frame, which Damián noticed resembled a gallows.
Adam began to punch and kick the bags with force, each blow echoing through the greenhouse.
Damián removed his gloves, woolen cap, and scarf, stuffing everything into his coat pocket. With a quick movement, he unzipped the coat and took it off, throwing it on a nearby chair. He felt a buzzing sensation in his ears and neck, knowing that Adam was paying attention to everything.
Despite appearances, the activity of punching the sandbag seemed disconnected from Adam. However, for some reason, Damián felt the sound of each blow to the sandbag as if it were his own heart being struck.