Claire's P.O.V
By the time my plane landed in Italy, it was already late noon. I had a change of outfit before I left Lin's home, and James drove me to the airport.
The drive was a silent one because we didn't really say anything to each other. I knew James had alot on his mind. But am guessing he didn't really think that it was the right time. And I'm also glad he didn't bring up anything that could cause waves.
"Do take care of yourself" James said in a very low tune, his eyes staring far ahead when he finally dropped me at the airport.
I smiled, "You too James".
He didn't bother coming down the vehicle, to escort me or anything and that wasn't a problem for me.
"Good evening ma'am" Henry's husky voice interrupted my thoughts.
"Oh... Hello there Henry" I greeted standing up from the waiting seat, I have been sitting on for minutes now.
"Where's the car parked?" I asked my eyes scanning around.
"This way" he gestured, turning around, and walking towards a where the car was parked.
"And also, I am using one of master's car, your's was taken for maintenance" he added.
"Oh that's not a problem". I said.
"And is Mr Guan at the mansion at the moment?" I asked curiously.
"Well, his driver told me, he had left for his penthouse, a day ago" Henry answerd, opening the right door for me.
I gracefully, sat on the owner's seat, and he gently locked the door. I waited for him to get into the driver's seat before telling him to "take me to his penthouse".
I said, putting on my seat belt.
Henry, was pretty much going to tell how no one is allowed to go and see him as he is having his solitude time. "Am his wife Henry, and something important came up, so take me to my husband" I ordered.
"Sure ma'am" he said turning on the engine of the car.
Lin's P.O.V
The men had no choice but to wait till I was done eating, I guess they were ordered not to use force on me, and clearly I was willing to cooperate,but that's only when I am done eating. I was also buying time to see if Miguel would come around to explain whatever on earth was going on. But he never showed up. "Did they kill him?" So many "what ifs" was going on in my head. Then I suddenly recall him been a part of them, so I why worry about his safety.
"Young Lady, we are running out of patience" One of the men said turning towards the me. "Yeah, and it's not even up to five minutes" I said sarcastically, I am willing to piss this men off. And go to any length to make things difficult for all of them.
Obviously it worked on the man who came to talk to me, because I could see him tighting his fists. And one other came to place his hands on his shoulder.
I rolled my eyes, and took another bite. Some minutes later,
I was still picking sluggishly on my food when someone walked into the room. Seems the person had more power or authority whatsoever because all of them gave him a slight bow.
He was also clothed in a black suit, and had this strong aura of authority. " Take her out" was the only thing he said. "You sure, Scale"
One of them asked, and he responded with a nod.
And before I could process or make meaning out of anything they said . I felt this sharp pain at the back of my neck and everything went black.
******
My eyelids slowly parted, making way for light to enter my eyes. "Seems I pushed them to hard" I thought to myself. Trying to move my body, to check if I was chained or something, but luckily I wasn't.
I could feel my feets parting freely, and I was on a hard cold floor, I could tell because a side of my face was on the floor. I slowly stood up, wanting to process my surroundings. Tiny holes up on the walls was the only source of light, other than that the room was dim, and was getting darker since it would soon be night time. This room was smaller, than the first room I was in, and there was nothing else on the room.
Just me and the walls, there wasn't a single seat or a table. And looking ahead, I couldn't really place out what was there, but I could see iron bars. Huge iron bars.
I was in a cell."I guess the real torture starts now" I thought, hugging myself.
Mr Guan's P.O.V
I had been trying Claire's number but it was to no avail. I don't think she went to South Korea truly, but I'll wait for her to get back first.
"Someone's is here Master" my right hand bodyguard said walking into the room.
"And who's that?" I asked standing up from the coach.
I am definitely in no mood to see anyone, and at this moment, as I could pass out my aggression on anyone.
"It is Luca" he answered.
Why would Luca want to see me, or could it be he also got a call...
"Let him in" I ordered.
With a short bow, he exited the room. And some minutes later Luca walked in.
"How is it going son" I said trying all my best to sound causal.
" It's about Lin, Dad" he said coming to take a seat adjacent to mine.
"Is there any news about Lin?" I asked . I am not about to tell my son, that what they need in exchange for her life is the Dominion Charter, without telling Claire first.
"Yes, the Chaplins are responsible for her kidnap, and are moving her from Cuba to an unknown location at the moment."
"How do you know to much already?" I asked.
"I used to have a mole" he answered, sighing. I guess he didn't want to give out that much information but he did
"So you're trying to say, you've known where your sister have been all this while?" I asked clearly shocked and disappointed in him, and I hope he could see that.
"Yes dad" was his muttered.
"How unfair of you son" Claire's voice echoed around the room.
Making both I and Luca turn.
"What are you doing here Claire?".
Obviously no one was expecting her, it's just been a day. But it's also good that she's here.
"You're done with your meeting in Sk mom?" Luca asked her.
"Yes, we ended everything yesterday, so I decided to head home immediately" was her short, blunt reply.
Obviously she was lying, but I guess Luca fell for it. But that would be between both of us later. Not in front of our son.
"Keeping such news to yourself was a very foolish thing to do son" I said facing Luca once again.
"You would have saved us all from, the present mess the whole family is in right now" I added sighing.
Claire came over and sat on the same coach I was in.
"Did they tell you what they wanted honey?"
"Yes they did" I said, sinking more into more into the coach, frown lines forming on my forehead.
"What is it they want Sir?" I could sense the anxiety in Luca's voice.
"Dominion Charter" I said, quietly letting it sink into their heads both.
And the whole room became awfully silent. I could hear everyone's breathe.
A minute later, to make the scenario much scary.
My phone started ringing. And after a short glance at the phone. My facial expression already gave them all an idea on who's on the line.
"The Chaplins" Claire muttered.
I picked up the phone, placing it on my ears
"Yes Chaplin" I said, wishing deep down somehow, something should change.
"Enough with the Games, Guan, I am giving you a week to produce the license or the life of your only heir goes for it".
His last statement, sent chills down my spine.
"How on earth did he know?"I mumbled
"Luca excuse us." I said with a groan.
"But dad..."
"Get out of my house right this instant" I shouted making Claire by my side frightened.
Luca slowly, stood up. And headed for the door. He was upset, and sad, I might have guessed he had tears in his eyes.
As soon as he left the room I turned to Claire.
"He knows" I said, my mouth trembling.
"He knows that Lin is our only biological child."