During the journey to Kadman Mansion, the atmosphere was tense. General Hunter had decided to take Damián, Aster, and Mason there, believing it to be the best course of action based on the information gathered during Mason's treatment. Damián, Benjamin's son, despite appearing like a delicate orchid, displayed the practical attitude of a wild animal, which impressed Hunter.
Meanwhile, in the Phillips Corporation office, advisors were reviewing the latest meetings and schedules for Jared's agenda. When the Phillips' legal representative called for a personal meeting with Jared Phillips and Oliver Phillips (the eldest son and CEO of Phillips Corporation), he entered the corporation's presidential office with a serious demeanor.
"Mr. Phillips," he addressed Jared and Oliver, "we have a concerning situation. It appears there was a disorganized flow upon leaving the police department, and other authorities are attempting to take Aster and Damián. However," he paused before continuing, "it's premature to assert, but it seems the Kadman or Campbell families may be interfering in the investigation."
Indignation was immediate. "This is unacceptable," said Oliver Phillips. "Are they trying to cover up for those two criminals? I won't allow it." A tense conversation ensued among Jared, Oliver, and the lawyer, outlining the next steps to be taken.
After the meeting, Oliver made a point to call his mother, Beatrice, who decided to act swiftly. She went to Sarah Campbell's house, determined to convince her friend to take a firm stand.
At Campbell Mansion, Beatrice waited for Sarah in a private room. Her eyes were red, and she seemed emotionally distressed, which immediately concerned Sarah.
"Sarah, we need to talk," began Beatrice, her voice urgent, with a slight tremor in the background. "You know, Clarice was the victim of a brutal attack. They wanted to kill my daughter."
Sarah tried to calm Beatrice, saying, "We have to trust in justice and the people investigating. They will sort everything out; the guilty will be caught."
Beatrice then cut off Sarah's words. "No, Sarah, those two criminals, Aster and Damián, are being protected by the Kadman and perhaps even your son Callum. How is this possible? Your son is shielding these criminals; they're obstructing the investigation…" Desperate, Beatrice gripped Sarah's hands. "We can't let this happen. That omega must be arriving here soon."
Initially skeptical, Sarah replied, "Beatrice, I know Malcolm and Adam. I don't believe they would let crimes like these go unpunished."
Beatrice intensified her tone, speaking low and persuasively. "Sarah, I thought I would lose my daughter. They are murderers; we don't know where they come from. Callum and I are in danger. This omega has bewitched Callum. What if they do something to him? You can't let this happen; we have to fight and not allow these dirty people to be part of our lives!"
Sarah's expression changed, concern replacing doubt. "I won't allow things to remain like this," she said, finally convinced. "If they are a threat, we will deal with it."
After Beatrice's visit, Sarah had many things to consider—many things she couldn't imagine, let alone accept. Determined to clarify matters, she decided to visit Elizabeth. She couldn't accept that her own son and even the Kadman family could lose their awareness. It was not uncommon or taboo for her to see that their status brought people attracted to power and money, but to surrender to these people…
Sarah arrived at Kadman Mansion with firm steps, her mind boiling with Beatrice's accusations. She was greeted by Elizabeth, who led her to an elegantly decorated living room. The tension in the air was palpable.
"Elizabeth, we need to talk," Sarah began, her voice loaded with sharp determination. "I've heard disturbing things from Beatrice. Things about Aster and Damián, and about interference in the investigation."
Elizabeth, always calm and composed, responded, "Sarah, I understand your concerns, but I assure you this is a misunderstanding. There are no criminals; Damián and Aster are innocent; it's all a misunderstanding."
Sarah narrowed her eyes. "You," said Beatrice, "are being manipulated by those two omegas. What kind of influence are you suffering from?"
Before Elizabeth could respond, Greta May, Taylor's mother, entered the room, drawn by the raised voices. "You're anxious; your concern isn't making you see things the right way," said Greta, looking directly at Beatrice.
"Even though Taylor is just Adam's assistant, the Kadman is treating us with care and affection that is priceless." Intimidated, Beatrice retorted, "Is that all you believe it to be?
Then why are they obstructing the investigations? Why so much protection around Aster and Damián?" Feeling the need to intervene, Elizabeth spoke firmly, "We are cooperating with the investigation, Beatrice. But we're also protecting people who may be innocent.
We cannot judge without concrete evidence." Sarah, torn between loyalty to her friend and the suspicion sown by Beatrice, asked, "So why this feeling that something is being hidden? Can you prove that there wasn't an interruption in the investigations today?"
Determined to support Elizabeth, Greta added, "The Kadman would never put Callum at risk. Aster and Damián are here under surveillance, not for protection.
But to ensure that justice is done correctly," Seeing her manipulation begin to falter, Beatrice tried one last effort: "If everything is so correct, I demand to see the evidence. Why are they obstructing the investigations?"
Maintaining her calm, Elizabeth replied, "I ask that you trust in the integrity of those involved." Sarah, still doubtful, sensed sincerity in Elizabeth's voice and the passionate defense from Greta.
However, the seed of suspicion planted by Beatrice continued to grow, leaving a trail of tension and uncertainty in the air. At that moment, Malcolm, Adam, Callum, and Gunnar entered the room, bringing a new wave of tension and anticipation.
Malcolm had a serious yet determined expression. "Elizabeth, Sarah, Beatrice, Greta," began Malcolm, pausing to ensure everyone was paying attention. "We've received an update from the lawyers.
After thorough analysis, no evidence linking Aster and Damián to the hacker, the attacks on Clarice and Taylor, espionage, or the bodies found have been found." Elizabeth breathed a sigh of relief, but Beatrice seemed even more suspicious. "And what about the spy? For heaven's sake, was it among your employees?" she asked sharply. Adam replied, "Currently, all efforts are focused on finding Reese Davis. He's a potential link.
But so far, nothing incriminates Aster and Damián." Before the discussion could continue, the butler discreetly entered the room and approached Malcolm. "Sir, sorry to interrupt, but outside, Damián, Aster, and Mason have arrived," he whispered.
Malcolm nodded and turned to the others. "Let's welcome them." They headed to the mansion's entrance, where Damián, Aster, and Mason had just arrived, accompanied by General Hunter. The atmosphere was tense.
Damián, Aster, and Mason appeared calm. Malcolm took the lead, extending his hand to greet Hunter. "General, good to see you. Please, come in. Let's talk". With everyone gathered, the atmosphere was expectant. Beatrice eyed Aster and Damián suspiciously, while Greta maintained a discreet and defensive posture before the general.
However, Elizabeth rushed to hug Damián and ask how he was. Malcolm then said, "Aster, Damián, and Mason, it's good that everything has been clarified and that you are safe.
But please, General Hunter, tell us the reason for your presence." Hunter looked around the room, observing the expressions of each person present. He took a deep breath before beginning. "I understand there are many concerns and suspicions here, but I'm here to clarify a few things.
Firstly, I want to affirm that Damián and Aster are innocent regarding the incident involving Clarice and Taylor. The investigations have found no evidence linking them to the attacks, espionage, or any criminal activity."
Elizabeth sighed in relief, but the tension in the room was still palpable. Beatrice frowned, still suspicious. "So, what are you doing here? Are you in the military? What's the real story?"
Hunter continued with a firm yet conciliatory tone. "The motivations with Damián are different, and they are of great importance. I'd like to ask for a moment alone with Damián in private. It could be in an office or a private room."
Malcolm nodded and gestured to an adjacent room. Hunter thanked him and motioned for Damián to follow. "Damián, I understand this situation is delicate, and I want to ensure you feel comfortable. If you want someone to accompany you, please say so".
Damián looked around the room, feeling the weight of everyone's expectations. He signaled to Aster and Mason, indicating he wanted them to come along. This gesture caused palpable discomfort in Adam, who tried to hide his disappointment at not being chosen by Damián.
Hunter noticed the dynamics but kept his focus on Damián. "Alright, let's go to a more private place," he said, heading towards the designated room.
With Aster and Mason by his side, Damián followed Hunter, leaving the others in the main room to continue discussing the revelations and process the new information.
General Hunter Jackson looked at Damián with a serious yet warm expression. His eyes conveyed a mix of determination and compassion. "Damián, you don't need to worry. You're not alone anymore."
He paused, allowing the words to settle before continuing, mindful of the emotional weight of the moment. "Your father has been looking for you. He's been searching for you all these years."
Damián, acting on an unexpected impulse, could only stammer, "I don't have... they're dead!"
The room fell into tense silence, as if a bomb had dropped among the four. Hunter nodded, countering Damián's words.
"Yes, Damián," Hunter continued, his voice laden with emotion. "You have been identified. Through genetic material, even if you don't remember the past, you are a very special child who was abducted years ago. Your father, Benjamin Williams, never stopped looking for you."
Aster felt a momentary relief, but soon after, relief gave way to a sense of despair as she thought about the children's abduction story and Beatrice Phillips' crime.
With a trembling voice, Damián replied, "It's not true. It's not true. I don't want it to be true."