Luca P.O.V
As I walked out of my dad's penthouse, all I could feel was burning rage, towards the Chaplins. And for the first time In my life, I felt regret. And I'll do anything to make things right. The disappointment in my dad's voice kept ringing in my head.
I don't know what they want, but I will find out what they want tonight.
I was heading towards my Dad's organization, I needed to get to his office, this night, I have no time to waste. I would definitely get the Chaplins contact from a document in his office. And I know that such document would be hard to find. But it would be smart to give it a shot.
The last time we had a business deal with them, was when my grandfather purchased huge ammunitions from their company. So definitely, there would still be something about it on one of my dad's shelves.
I parked my car in the parking lot, as the city's pulse slowed, I approached the towering monolith. The skyscraper loomed, its glass facade reflecting the muted glow of the streetlights.
I showed the security guards my ID card, and after I was searched, I was allowed to go in.
Some departments lights was turned off, signifying the absence of people in it, while some were still on. I then took a left turn, and headed for the elevator, as I reached the sleek metal door, I could feel the sense of anticipation washed all over me, my dad would definitely be more pissed, if he finds out that I had come here alone to go through some highly confidential files. But this is my mess, and I need to fix it.
After I got to the fifth floor, where his office is located at. I realized the lights in his personal assistant office was still on, making me aware of her presence, I slowly walked towards the door of her office,the personal assistant sat before her computer, the soft glow casting a warm halo around her. Her fingers danced effortlessly across the keyboard, orchestrating a symphony of productivity amidst the nocturnal stillness. The soft click-clack of keys punctuated the silence, a testament to her unwavering dedication to the tasks at hand.
"Excuse me, Jane" I coughed, making my presence noticed.
And it worked, because she raised her head, peering through her medicated glasses."Oh my.. Luca, what brings you down here at this hour?" she asked standing up.
"I was sent to get something important" I answered coming into her space. Somehow her been here would make my search easier, but then there are chances she could tell on me." My visit here is highly confidential, only I and Mr Guan is aware of me been here." I added immediately.
"Sure, so how many I be of help?" she asked sounding really formal, and that's something I admire about Jane, she is passionate, when it comes to her job.
"I am looking for a purchase file" I said moving out of her office. I could hear the sound keys jiggling, as she picked them up, from a cupboard.
"Of how many days ago?" She asked walking behind me. As we head for my dad's office.
"About six years ago"
" Wow that's really long, and I don't think they would be in Mr Guan's office" she said stopping in her tracks.
"How about the archive room?" I asked, "because I believe we have something like that here."
"Yes except that" she answered, coming to to direct me to wherever the room was.
We seemed to be walking endlessly in the corridor, and wherever the room is , it's definitely far from her or my dad's office.
"We are here" she said turning to a door by my right.
But this door wasn't using a normal lock, the door needed an access card.
But luckily she brought out one from her skirt pocket and after sliding it on the lock, the lock gave us a green light, obviously telling us that access has been granted.
She opened the door without making a single noise. And clicked on the light switch.
Upon entering, rows upon rows of study shelves line the walls, each meticulously organized and filled to the brim with neatly labeled boxes and files. The air carries a faint scent of aged paper and dust, reminiscent of the passage of time. Soft lighting casts a warm glow over the space, inviting visitors to explore the wealth of knowledge stored within. Here, the past is preserved, waiting patiently to be rediscovered by those seeking its secrets.
"You said Six years ago right?" She asked again to confirm.
"Yes, six years ago"
I walked closely behind her, this place looked more like a library, it's just that books wasn't that much on the shelves.
"Here we are" she said stopping by one of the huge shelves.
"Purchase on what if I may ask"..
"Ammunitions" was my short reply.
"Hmmmmmm" she said scanning through the boxes
"Ah ha, there it is" she said bringing out the box.
She opened the box , and all I could see was stack of files.
I was just imagining how stressful it would be if she wasn't helping me out at the moment.
"Can I get the first name of the seller? " she asked.
"Chaplins" I answered, not having a clue what her reaction might be after she hears the name. but her facial expression was plain. Like the name doesn't ring any bells.
"Sorry but we can't find that here, it would be in one of Mr Guan's safe in his office ,and I have no access to that" she said, covering the box and placing back to it's position.
"Thank you Jane" I said, she was obviously suspecting something was admist, but decided to not ask anymore question. And I was glad she didn't.
I walked her to her office, apologized for taking her time, after saying my goodbyes, I head for the elevator.
Claire's P.O.V
I couldn't describe how how I felt when, Guan broke the news. Your enemy knowing your biggest, secret is already the beginning of one's down fall.
No wonder Lin was targeted instead, how he got to know I have no idea.
"What do we do now?" I asked Guan who was looking no different than a ghost already.
"We'll give him what he wants" he said exhaustion evident in his voice.
"There's no way we would give him that" I half yelled.
"Do you see any possible solution" he asked, turning to face me.
" I don't see any possible solution for now, but let's talk to our sons, together we can face this."
He scoffed, "how do you think they would feel, if they find out they were all adopted huh?"
"We won't be telling them that, and we would make sure they don't find out." I answered sharply although currently the chances of them not finding out the truth, is really thin.
"And worst of it, Lin is getting ninety percent of the family wealth" he said sighing
"When did you make such, huge decision?" I asked clearly taken aback..
"About three months ago" he said plainly.
"I am pretty sure, Lin isn't even interested in anything that has to do with your wealth, or your empire."
"Why the fuck would you want to mess up her life" I shouted standing up. Oh I could feel rage, disappointment and worst, fear.
"She was living peacefully in Japan, like every normal citizen" I added.
"You went to Japan didn't you?" He asked clearly avoiding my outburst.
"Yes I did and that's not what I want to us to focus on right now, how do you think her brothers would feel when they find out your disgusting plan."
" You don't except me to give my all my wealth to people who don't have my blood running through their veins!" He yelled, leaving me dumbstrucked .
"Nevertheless they are our children, Guan, you can't just do that to them, it would be awful of you" I said walking towards the window, I was suddenly irritated by him, and the environment seemed stuffed.
"And here's a good reason,why I didn't want to tell you about it, you've grown to fond of them" he said bluntly.
"It's not about growing fond of anyone, it's about been partial here, Guan. What you're doing right now is so unfair . I raised this boys and I have grown to have equal love for all of them. But you ... " I said pointing at him, as I could feel the hot tears threatening to pour out my eyes.
"You just use them, for your own selfish interests, and never for once have you been a good father to them, and they... they toil every night so as not to disappoint you..."
" Don't say that!" he shouted cutting me short.
" You know... I don't know how you want to undo, whatever it is you have signed, but make it equal, before anyone finds out, or things are going to get rough between us." I threatened, picking up my bag, I stormed out of the room.