Emily's hand moved swiftly, packing her last few belongings into her suitcase. She glanced over at August,who was still fast asleep, and her expression turned stern.
"August, wake up!" she called out, her voice. "I'm leaving, and I will leave you behind, I have prepared to return to my apartment. Now."
August stirred, his eyes fluttering open, his voice groggy.
"Wait... just five more minutes. It's the weekend... let's sleep in." He said stretching his body.
Emily's response was firm.
"No, August. I've waited long enough. You promised to escort me to my apartment, and I won't leave without you. But I won't wait any longer. Get up, now.."
August slowly sat up, rubbing his eyes, his body sluggish.
Emily's gaze narrowed,
" Lazy ass!!." She teased.
"August, come on! We need to leave,and look at this place - the foil from last night's dinner is still scattered on the floor. Everywhere is so messy."
August yawned, his eyes still half-closed.
"Just do the cleaning, Emily. I'll sleep a little more. Wake me up when you're done."
Emily's voice rose in frustration. "Don't be ridiculous, August. I'm not going to stand here and watch you sleep. Get up, now, or I'll leave without you."
August finally swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood up.
" Hey! You are in such a hurry,so you are happy you are leaving me to stay alone."
"I know you are putting all this up so I won't leave,you know I have an unsettled dispute with your family, staying here is also putting you at stake." Emily tone sincere.
"Haven't I been protecting you enough?". August asked.
"Yes you are, but at the same time I'm slowly turning you into a parrot. I need to leave for your sanity, I promise I will resolve the case."
"Fine," August said, his voice still sleepy. "Let's go."
He said helping out with her luggage.
As they walked through the corridor.Jake cut in, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Thank you, Emily, for finally deciding to leave our house. Thank Jesus, I pray this is the last time we have to see each other every day." His voice dripping with jest.
August shot him a strong glance.
"Tell your gutter masseuse to wait, I need to interrogate him when I'm back. I want to know if you hired a common criminal to steal from Dad."
Jake smirked. "And it will be best to shock you that my friend Rodriguez is more physically enticing than you, August, who loves to fool himself around."
At the mention of Rodriguez, Emily and August glanced at each other in shock, their eyes locked in silence.
August's interest was piqued, and he turned back to Jake.
"Rodriguez? How... how...did you know him? Can you describe him in short?" He said taking a step closer to Jake and grasping his wrist.
Jake released himself from August's grip, a sly smile spreading across his face.
"Look at this one, oh, you have encountered him before, right? Now you're fidgeting like a pooping baby."
As the discussion was still on set, Rodriguez appeared, his smile faltering when he saw Emily and August, the very people he had been trying to avoid.
Jake smiled. "You just arrived at the right time,meet my annoying brother August and his crazy fiancée Emily."
Rodriguez stood motionless, taking slow steps backwards.
Rodriguez, what's going on? Why are you all looking like at them like a statues?" Jake's voice laced with surprise.
Emily stammered, her eyes fixed on Rodriguez. "You... you... Rodriguez..."
Before anyone could react, Rodriguez turned and took to his heels,
August hot on his heels, followed by Jake, who was still confused about what was happening.
"Hey, what's going on? Why are you all acting like this?" Jake asked his legs still racing.
Rodriguez presence faded into the distance as they chased after him. It was a disastrous day for Rodriguez. August chased him with unrelenting determination, driven by a fierce need to uncover the truth about the saboteur. He had to catch Rodriguez, no matter what.
Just as August thought he had him cornered, Jake intervened, throwing a brick that struck Rodriguez and sent him tumbling to the ground.
August pounced on him, gripping him by the collar his anger and frustration boiling over.
"You m*th*rf*ck*r!" August yelled, unleashing a flurry of blows and slaps.
Rodriguez shielded his self with his hands.
"Hey! enough, August! Stop it!" Jake intervened, trying to pull August's grip from Rodriguez's clothes.
Just then Rodriguez saw his chance and struck back, landing a vicious kick in Jake's scrotum.
Jake screamed in agony, clutching his groin, Rodriguez stood and took to his heels with the little opportunity he saw.
August was relentless as he gave him a hot chase,
The chase was on, with Rodriguez dodging and weaving through the streets, August hot on his heels.
Jake managed to hold himself as he limped behind, his eyes gazing with pain.
Finally, August managed to catch Rodriguez, slamming him into a nearby wall. Rodriguez tried to struggle free, but August's grip was too strong.
August landed a devastating blow, making Rodriguez crash to the ground, unconscious.
August eyes filled with disdain . He stood panting from the long race.
Jake finally caught up, his face contorted in pain. "What the hell, August? You almost killed him!" he exclaimed, his voice shaking with anger and concern.
"He's lucky I didn't," he snarled, his voice strong.
"Rodriguez I swear to make you pay, you're going to tell us everything you know about the saboteur, even if it's the last thing he does." August muttered, gazing at the unconscious body.
Vincent pov
Emily's phone rang incessantly, the sound piercing the air like a siren.
Vincent's eyes fixed on the phone,his hands rubbing his chin
Jephter approached him cautiously, his voice trembling.
"Sir, the phone has been ringing for almost an hour. Why don't you want to pick up? My instinct tells me it could be something very important."
Vincent eyes locked onto Jephter with annoyance.
"Shut up! Shut up!!" he screamed, his eyes blazing with fury. "Do you think I'm here to pick calls? All I need is to gain access to this damn phone, and that's it!!"
Jephter panicked, his eyes wide with fear.
"S-sorry, sir," he stammered,backing away slowly.
"Fools!!!" Vincent screamed,his hands running through his hair in exasperation.
The ringing continued....
Rodriguez pov
The sound of water splashing echoed through the dark room, and Rodriguez's eyes fluttered open. He jerked up, his heart racing, as he realized he had been trapped,fear gripping him.
Suddenly, footsteps echoed from outside, and the door opened.
Light rays flooded the room, and August's face was clearly reviewed,a small smile playing on his lips.
"Did it hurt that much?" August asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm, as he reached out to touch Rodriguez's face.
Rodriguez flinched, his head jerking back, resisting August's touch.
"I can tell from your expression it must be really hurting," August said, his eyes glinting with amusement.
Emily strode into the room, her heels clicking on the floor, her face snapping with fury.
"So tell me,how it feels to hurt people. Emily sneered with a smirk.
Rodriguez, I trusted you, I loved you like family!! shared my secrets with you. But guess what?you repaid me by betraying me and driving a wedge between August and me." Her voice rising in annoyance.
Her hand flashed out, delivering a resounding slap to Rodriguez's face.
"You can play with me, but when it comes to my ranch, I'm a force to be reckoned with." Her words sharp and venomous.
August squatted gently closer to Rodriguez his voice gentle but gruff.
"See Rodriguez,we have one task for you,we'll let you go if you agree to our terms."
Rodriguez's voice was barely audible. "What..terms?"
August patted his shoulder.
"Good boy, you're cooperating now. I hate it when people are being unnecessarily stubborn."
Emily's eyes blazed with anger. "Who is the real saboteur?"
Rodriguez's eyes bewildered, his voice shaking.
"I...I don't understand." Trying to maintain his composure.
August's patience was wearing thin.
"Don't play dumb, Rodriguez."
Emily's face blazing with anticipation.
"Who is your boss?"
Rodriguez's lie was swift. "I don't have a boss."
August's fingers probed his injury.
Rodriguez screamed in anguish echoing through the room.
"Are you ready to talk now?"
Rodriguez's voice was gruff.
"I...I don't have a Boss." His tone groaning,still reeling from the pain.
The interrogation continued, but Rodriguez refused to crack. Finally, August and Emily relented, their faces falling in disappointment.
"We'll let you be for now, but don't think you've seen the last of us. We'll be back, with more persuasive strategies, until you confess."
Vincent pov
(MEETING HALL)
The dim light blurred around the meeting room, casting a somber mood over Vincent and his team.
Vincent's eyes narrowed, his hand stroking his jawline as he surveyed his people.
"What's going on?" he demanded, his voice low.
"Why haven't you brought me any information about the ranch for about three weeks now?.
The room felt silent,the team member exchanging nervous glance.
"Someone, speak up! What's happening?"
Vincent shouted,his patient wearing thin.
Nathan,his P.A, cleared his throat.
"Sire, we've been searching for Rodriguez. He was in charge of gathering intel on the ranch, but he's gone underground. We suspect he might have left town."
"And why am I only hearing about this now? You incompetent fools! Have you even tried calling him?"
Nathan hesitated. "His line has been switched off for three weeks, sire. We can't trace his whereabouts."
Vincent's voice rose.
"Find him! We need to know what he's planning, and if he has joined forces with Emily,we need to stop him before he exposes us and our next move. Do you understand?"
They nodded in unison. "Yes, sire."
"But sire I dont think Rodriguez will betray us." Rex said.
"we can't trust anyone,it's two sided either his for us or against us."
Vincent added in a menacing tone.
Vincent turned to Blackie and Chad.
"So, what have you two got to report?"
Blackie stood up.
"Sire, I've received intel that Emily has returned to her apartment, and her bond with August is getting stronger. I think he's our biggest obstacle in raiding her ranch because of his affluence."
Chad added, "I've gathered information on August's family and relatives, but I haven't found much in Emily's family. They don't seem to be in town, so it's been difficult to track them down."
Vincent's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with strategies. "Keep digging, all of you." His fingers pointing at their faces
"We need to know everything about Emily and August if we're going to take them down."
Chad gave the most decent approach to Vincent with caution, his voice laced with trepidation.
"Sire, I'm concerned about the phone I gave you. I think you we are missing an opportunity to gather crucial information about Emily on that phone."
Vincent's eyes flashed with anger, his voice dripping with disdain.
"Chad, you fool! You dare to question me, Why didn't you hack into the phone's password as well? That's the only way to get access to the phone and take down Emily!"
Blackie spoke up, his voice cautious.
"Sire, perhaps we should be careful. If we hack into the phone, we risk alerting Emily and August that we're onto them."
Vincent stared at him with horror, silencing Blackie.
"I don't pay you to think, Blackie. I pay you to get results. We should hack into that phone, no matter what it takes. We need that information, and we need it now!"
Rex nodded, his eyes fixed on the phone.
"Yes, sir. We will do our best."
Vincent's eyes narrowed, his voice dripping with malevolence.
"You better do." Our entire operation depends on it."
Jake pov
Jake burst through the front door, his face still wandering from the events of the day.
"Dad, you won't believe what just happened!" he exclaimed, hardly able to contain his disbelief.
James looked up from his armchair, a hint of concern etched on his face.
"What is it, son? You look like you've seen a ghost."
Jake took a deep breath, trying to process the dreamlike encounter.
"It was Rodriguez, Dad. Can you imagine he's the one who's been causing all the trouble at the ranch. And get this - he's August's enemy!"
James expression turned from concern to shock. "What!!? That's preposterous! I'll declare a sentence on that boy right now!"
Jake held up his hands, calming his father down. "Wait, Dad. August is handling the situation. He's got it under control." He said, settling close to his dad.
James face reddened with anger.
"Alright, son. I trust August's judgment. But why didn't August complain about it to be, it's so unbelievable!"
Jake nodded in agreement, massaging his wrist
"I know, right? I'm still in shock. Maybe he had called security measures,My hands are killing me, by the way. That hot chase we gave Rodriguez didn't help."
James expression turned serious.
"Jake, you have to be careful of the people you bring here. Many are jealous that we're among the richest and most successful ranches. Someone can't just disguise and you believe them just like that. We have what's called inspection - you inspect and gather information before you let anyone in."
Jake nodded. "I will, Dad. I promise I just can't believe I was so blind."
"We all make mistakes,But it's how we learn from them that matters."
"Really? Dad you are sounding romantic right now. His voice chuckling and amazed.
"Silly boy! His father yawned, his eyes drooping with fatigue."So, what are we having for dinner?"
Jake shrugged.
"Nothing, I'll just order food."
James nodded, his eyes already closing in sleep. "Alright,Jake. I'm going to go take a nap. Wake me up when dinner arrives."
"Yes sir,"
Jake spoke,watching as James drifted off to sleep. He shook his head in disbelief.
"Unbelievable." He muttered..
Emily pov
Emily carefully sliced apples into a bowl. August admiring her from behind.
He sat at the table, watching her with a warm smile.
"So, what do you think about Rodriguez?"
Emily asked, her voice light and curious. "Do you think he's lying, or do you think he is actually the villain?"
She turned away from the counter holding a plate filled with apples.
August took a bite of his apple, his eyes never leaving Emily's face.
"We can't say for sure yet," he replied, his voice low and thoughtful.
"But I think Rodriguez needs some more... persuasion. We shouldn't expect his confession to be that easy.
This is our chance to put an end to this once and for all."
Emily's eyes gleamed with excitement as she clapped her hands together.
"Bravo!" she exclaimed in excitement, her laughter echoing in August's ears. A sly smile playing on her lips.
She leaned closer and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.
"You're a genius, August."
August's eyes followed her as she returned to the kitchen counter, his gaze intense on her slender neck.
He stood up, his movement gentle, he walked over to her throwing his hands gently around her waist.
"You look beautiful every morning," he said, his voice low and husky."I'm so grateful to have this beauty in my life."
Emily's cheeks flushed,as she turned to face him.
"I'm grateful too,August." she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know what I would have done without you."
August blushed,"You love me for my money, don't you?" he teased, his fingers playing with the buttons on her shirt.
Emily's laughter was like an open air.
"Oh, stop it!" she exclaimed, her hands on his chest. "I never said that. Besides, I had no idea you were this rich until your dad came to the ranch with his lawyer. And that car of his? I had no idea it was worth so much!"
August gazed at her with mischief.
"That doesn't still count," he said, his voice low and playful. "You're only here for my money, just admit it."
Emily's voice laced with laughter..
"I won't admit it!" she exclaimed, her hands on her hips. "And even if I was, which I'm not, it's not like I could ever spend all of your money anyway."
"Oh, I don't know about that," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "You seem like a pretty good shopper to me." August teased.
"Oh, stop it," Emily said, her voice laughing. "You're just trying to inform me about the fact that you're ridiculously rich."
August grinned, his eyes never leaving hers.
"Maybe a little," August voice playful. "But it's only because I want to spoil you rotten."
Emily blushed touching his jaw..
"I think you already do," she whispered.
"I haven't done much, I want to do so much more," his voice filled with pleasure."I want to give you the world."
Emily's heart skipped a beat as August's hands were moving around her waist, pulling her closer.
Their faces were very close, their eyes locked together.
"I won't kiss you," Emily whispered, her voice teasing. "Not until you stop talking."
August's face gleamed with amusement.
"Oh, I think I can manage that," he whispered back, his lips inches from hers.
Just as they were about to kiss, August's phone rang, distracting the moment.
August sighed, his tone apologetic.
"I'm so sorry, Emily, I have to take this." He said, stucking the phone to his ear.
"Good morning," the voice on the phone greeted."
"Can you introduce yourself,I don't know who I'm speaking with." August asked,with curiosity.
"Juan's mom," the voice said,as her tone barely above a whisper.
"Good morning, ma," August face turned paled.
"Sorry we haven't reached out to you after... everything. We've been busy investigating the case."
"It's fine," Juan's mom replied, "It wasn't your fault. It was some stupid b*st*rd who just wasted my daughter."
She broke down in tears, her sobs echoing through the phone.
August felt sorry for her, as he listened to Juan's mom cry.
"I'm so sorry," he said, his voice cracking.
"She was like the pillar of your family, and now she's gone."
"Yeah," Juan's mom nodded,her voice still shaking. "She was my everything. Her other siblings are still tender,and now they'll struggle to grow without any help."
August felt a pang of guilt and sadness.
"You have to stay strong for them,"his voice gentle. "They need you now more than ever, and please stop crying.
Her voice still sobbing through the phone.
" I want to say thanks for the way you treated her while she was still alive You paid her so much money that would fend us up to a month, thank you."
August nodded, even though she couldn't see him. "It's fine,I'll keep paying the contract until you find something tangible to do."
"Thank you so much," Juan's mom replied, her voice still sober but a little lighter.
"I keep in touch,it will be there tomorrow right?," August asked, his voice pale.
"Yes"Juan's mom replied.
"I'll come to pay my respect to her."
"Thank you," Juan's mom said, her
"May she find eternal rest." August added before the line went off,
August exhaled heavily, his face still on the ground.
Emily walked in, rubbing her hands on her pajamas. "Who was that?" she asked.
August looked up, his face pale and his eyes red-rimmed.
"It was Juan's mom," he replied, his voice low.
Emily's expression turned somber. "Oh, I'm so sorry," she said, her voice gentle. "How is she doing?"
August sighed,
"She's devastated," he replied. "Juan's burial is tomorrow, and you know Juan was like her life."
Emily nodded sympathetically. "I can imagine,It's always hard to lose someone you love."
August nodded, his eyes tearing.
"I know," he said, his voice cracking. "
I feel so sorry for her. She's still grieving, and I can't even imagine because she died my death".
Emily drew closer to August and wrapped her arms around him.
"You're doing the best you can," she said softly. "You're supporting her financially and emotionally. That's all anyone can ask for."
August nodded, his face buried in Emily's shoulder.
"I know,But it's just so hard to see her like this. She was my first and favourite worker, she's always been so strong, and now she's just... broken."
Emily held him for a long time, letting him grief and process his emotions. Finally, August pulled back, his eyes red-rimmed but his face set in determination.
"Thanks, Emily," he said, his voice gruff. "I needed that."
Emily smiled."Anytime," she said. "Come let's go drink something.."
Rodriguez pov
Rodriguez groaned, his body aching from the previous torture session. He had been held captive for a very long time, and he knew what August can do,he was not going to stop until he got what he wanted.
As if on cue, August showed up, a cruel smile spreading across his face.
"Time for another session, Rodriguez," he said, his eyes gleaming with sadistic expression.
Rodriguez tried to move from that particular spot, but he knew it was no use.
August was the king of torture, and he always go at any length to get what he wants.
"Who is your boss?" August demanded, his voice cold.
Rodriguez shook his head."I don't have a boss," he spat.
August chuckled, his tone glinting with amusement. "Oh, I think you will," he said, his voice dripping with anger.
With that, the torture began again.
Rodriguez screamed and screamed, but August was deaf to his scream and continued to inflict pain.
"This is for Juan and Emily that you betrayed". August tone rising with rage.
His determination was charged to break Rodriguez, till he confesses about the saboteur's operation..
Emily pov
"Well, it's time for me to head home," August said, standing up from the couch.
"We can prepare for tomorrow's work.
But first, you have to follow me to the plaza so I can get you a new phone. That way, we can stay in touch even when we're not together."
Emily smiled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Common August, you don't have to do that. But I know you won't listen to me so thanks anyway for the offer. You're really the best friend anyone could ask for."
August gave a little frown, his face jokingly stern. "Which friend? Friends who have intimacy and s*x? He teased ."Okay, so rephrase your statement ."
Emily playfully rolled her eyes. "Silly boy, go take a shower and let me escort you."
August smiled and stood up.
"Okay, okay. I'll go get cleaned up. But don't think you're getting rid of me that easily. I'll be back, and we'll finish this conversation."
Emily smiled and nodded, waving her hands in dismissal.
"Be going to the shower first, I'm looking forward to it."
August pov
August walked into the living room, with his luggage.
Jake looked up from the couch, a sarcastic grin spreading across his face.
"I thought you'd never show up," Jake said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "You would have just disappeared with Emily, Mr. Romeo."
August ignored Jake's jibe and walked past him, his eyes on the stairs.
"Hey, August, where have you been?"
James asked, his voice laced with concern.
"I had no idea where you were."
August shut the door behind him and turned back to face his dad.
"I wanted to spend the weekend in a light way and avoid... distractions," he said.
James raised his eyebrows.
"Don't tell me you have been spending the ranch money too much. You know we need to be careful with finances."
August chuckled and shook his head.
"Dad, my ranch, remember? You know you are no longer fit to work again. And if all of this is because you want to change the car, I'll let you. I'll even alert the car dealers to let me know when the latest model arrives."
James expression turned hoarse.
"Not just the car, I also need a lot of money."
August sighed and rolled his eyes.
"Dad, I know your tricks. I've already sent some money to your third account. Jake will help you with the shopping, okay? And stop sounding insecure. The ranch is safe, and we won't go poor. That's your greatest fear, isn't it?" His face lit with amusement
James muttered,but August cut him off.
"Is fine, no excuse. I'm stressed, so I'll go rest."
As August turned to leave, his dad called out,
"August you don't have a fa... friend you're hiding from me, that you're sharing the ranch money with," James said, his eyes narrowing suspiciously.
August turned back to face him, a hint of irritation in his voice. "Of course not, Dad."
'Is it obvious? Emily is trying to suck us dry."
Jake chimed in, closing the door with a loud bang.
August rushed Jake pushing him backward with his shoulder. "You must be suffering from migraine. Excuse me."
As August walked away from the room,
he called out to Jake,
"I'll find something to do with you later. Since you're a pervert."
August grabbed his luggage with annoyance and made his way to his room.
"I haven't even returned,you couldn't wait for me to rest, before starting with your dramas. He muttered.
As he entered his room, he was greeted by the sight of his comfortable bed, and he couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief. He abandoned his luggage on the floor and collapsed onto the bed, feeling the softness of his bed.
"Hey, you chimp!" James yelled at Jake. "Try to control your mouth! If August gets angry, we'll starve. You know you are just a good for nothing useless boy!"
James sneered, adjusting himself on the bed.
"That's how you got me a villain as a masseuse, very useless boy," James said to himself,his voice low but a bit audible.
Jake ignored his dad's words.
"Hey, Dad, please tell August to send my monthly allowance," Jake said, his tone changing to seriousness.
"Besides, he stopped me from coming to the ranch, so I'm not to be blamed." Jake said rolling his eyes.
James waved his hand dismissively. "Get out, let me sleep."
Jake snorted. "No problem, Papa. Have a nice massage in your dreams."
He swung the door open and ran off,
His aiding stick hitting the door with a loud noise as James threw the walk stick towards Jake's direction.
"Silly boy!" James shouted after him, but Jake dodged the hit laughing.
Jake pov
Just as he was about to drift off to sleep, a knock interrupted.
"August, can I come in?" Jake asked, his voice hesitant.
August groaned and sat up, rubbing his eyes.
"What do you want, Jake?"
Jake opened the door and slipped inside, his eyes scanning the room.
"Can I sit?" His voice filled with caution.
August gazed at him suspiciously, nodding for him to settle in.
"I just wanted to apologize for my behavior earlier. I know I can be a bit of a jerk sometimes."
August raised an eyebrow, surprised by Jake's sudden apology.
"What's going on, Jake? You're not exactly known for apologies."
Jake smiled.
"I know. But I realized that I was being unfair to you as my elder brother, and I'm really sorry."
August nodded slightly.
"It's okay, so what do you want.
"August, please I'm running short of money. I came to plead with you to send my monthly allowance," Jake said, his eyes pleading.
August raised an eyebrow slamming his hands together. "I knew it!!" August's voice very loud.
"I know your apology was because you needed money. Jake so you haven't changed.
"We what else do you have me do?" Jake's tone nonchalant.
"Well, for now, I have no money to give to you. I borrowed money to Emily."
Jake cut him off in annoyance.
"I knew it! I was totally right! After all, Emily is just trying to let our ranch go down. And it's so sad you're the one who's the point of contact to execute her dirty plans."
August's face turned sarcastic.
"Yeah, you heard me right! Emily has the money, so do your worst. And funny enough, you'll go bankrupt for at least six months before I release any money to you. At least I wasn't the one who pushed you into being useless and foolish." His voice filled with malice.
"August, I'll make sure I harass Emily wherever I see her. She's a thief!"
Jake yelled with anger throwing a pillow up to the ceiling in frustration.
"Is time up" August said, clapping his palms.
"I want to do some accounting."
"No, I'm not leaving," Jake said, crossing his arms.
"Dad! Dad!" August called.
Jake reluctantly stood up.
"Was I not planning to go? I don't know why you're calling Dad, coward."
August laughed. "You're still here? You would have stayed, so when I call Dad, he'll help you remember how useless you really are."
Jake gave a frowning look before walking out giving the door a hard bang.
August burst out, laughing uncontrollably. August's laughter echoed through the hallway.
"I really love Dad for those words. His right about using that statement,foolish and useless cause Jake is not exceptional."
August spoke out. Before l
aying back to the bed to take a little nap, before resuming for the evening chores....