Chapter 3.1: Stay Away

Nathalia’s POV

I’m currently engrossed and focused on my laptop. I decided to gather essential information about Stephen Anderson.

While I used to ignore the news when I heard or read about him before, now I have to get involved. I need to know every single detail about him. I should be aware of who he really is and what he is capable of doing aside from killing and manipulating people.

I sighed and almost buried my face in frustration because most of the articles I read about him were negative. His name is associated with many issues.

There is some recognition as well. But still, it wouldn’t change the fact that he’s indeed a bad person, and it wouldn’t cover his bad deeds.

Just recently, he’s been accused of being the one who killed the well-known businessman, Mr. Choi. Rumor has it that they were fierce rivals in business and recently had a major altercation. People have concluded that he is responsible for the tragic accident. Speculation spread that the accident was intentional and planned.

Another recent story linking him involves illegal activities. Allegedly, he’s one of the major players in a large-scale drug trade in the country.

I was taken aback. Could this be the matter to which the man he killed was referring?

I couldn’t help but shiver when I read that part of the article.

So, I’m not just dealing with a killer, but with a drug lord as well. Who knows what’s running inside his messed-up mind?

Good heavens.

But he managed to evade all those accusations effortlessly. There’s no solid evidence that can pin him down for those charges.

Suddenly, I glanced at my cellphone lying next to my laptop. If the problem is just the evidence, I can confidently say that I have it. Especially if I can get hold of the flash drive he took from the man he killed. There must be confidential files saved there that cannot be revealed.

If that’s the case, I have to get it as soon as possible.

But I must ensure my own safety first once I make a move. Especially the security of my family and friends. One wrong click, and surely everyone around me will suffer. Which, of course, I can’t take a risk on.

Lost in deep thought, I almost fell from my chair when suddenly my bedroom door swung open. I quickly closed my laptop and turned to our housekeeper, Felicity.

“Good evening, Miss Nathalia. I’m sorry for entering. I’ve been knocking for a while, but you didn’t respond. I thought you might have fallen asleep.”

I furrowed my brow. Have I been so lost in my thoughts that I didn’t even hear her knocking?

“You are being summoned by Don Edwin to have dinner,” she invited me with a smile.

I stood up and forced a smile while secretly calming myself. I don’t know why I suddenly got nervous, fearing someone might catch me investigating Stephen.

“I’ll follow shortly.”

She nodded before leaving. I let out a sigh of relief as soon as the door closed.

I briefly tidied up the scattered papers on the table before finally going out and downstairs. But in the middle of the stairs, I heard my parents’ loud voices, as if they were having a lively conversation during the meal.

I gasped, almost stumbling down the stairs, when I recognized a familiar voice.

Why didn’t he inform me the last time we talked that he would be going home today?

When I finally reached the dining room, my suspicion was confirmed. A smile formed on my lips the moment I saw him.

“William!” I called out, silencing them and turning their attention towards me.

His smile widened upon seeing me. Even his eyes seemed to smile due to their playful squint. His mother, Aunt Lou, is half Chinese, which might explain his eyes appearance.

“Princess!”

I closed the distance between us on a run. He stood up and opened his arms to embrace me. I hugged him tightly, almost causing both of us to tumble.

He chuckled, and I felt his lips on my temple. “I miss you, my princess. Don’t worry because I have lots of gifts for you.” He pinched both of my cheeks when I pulled away from our hug.

I frowned. As far as I can recall, I never asked him for anything. I’ve told him several times not to buy me anything whenever he travels to other countries.

But he wouldn’t listen. According to him, he loves to spoil me since I’m like the little sister he never had.

“I didn’t ask for any gifts. It’s enough for me that you’re back. Your wealth keeps diminishing every time you come home.” I pouted and raised an eyebrow at him.

I hate to admit it to him, but I really missed my cousin. He was gone for several months because Uncle Walter had him handle some business in another country.

We have a strong bond. Ever since I became part of this family, he has been my constant companion.

“My cousin is so sweet,” he said again, pinching both of my cheeks. I gave him a disapproving look.

“Don’t worry about my wealth because it won’t run out. In fact, I have so much that I don’t know where to put it all.” He laughed heartily, then Mom and Dad joined in, who I almost forgot were there all this time.

I just shook my head. He’s always been so arrogant.

Sometimes, he doesn’t even care if women are only after his money. He says they both benefit from the arrangement anyway.

That’s why I’m really hoping that he will meet his match soon.

We sat down together and started eating. They went back to discussing business while they asked me about my studies and upcoming birthday. I was incredibly happy that he came home before one of the most special days of my life.

That’s a gift in itself—to spend the special day with my loved ones.

“Thalia, I won’t allow you to have no 18 roses, no 18 candles, and whatever else comes in 18!” he protested when I explained the plan that Mom and I agreed upon for my upcoming birthday.

I rolled my eyes, fully expecting his reaction. “Are you the one celebrating a birthday? Besides, I’m only inviting a few people. I want it to be solemn and private.”

He looked at me in disbelief. “Seriously? What are you actually planning to have? A general meeting? Thalia, come on—”

I glared at him. “My decision is final, Liam. No buts and no more arguments.”

“Oh, well, Liam, let Thalia have what she wants. You know too well that you can’t do anything about it once she’s already decided,” Mom said in a nonchalant tone.

“Besides, we already have a deal,” said Dad happily as he scooped up more rice.

He raised both hands in surrender. “Fine! But I won’t allow myself to miss dancing with our princess, okay?”

That made me smile and nod. Nobody in this family has ever made me feel like I’m not their true blood.

William Sarmiento is four years older than me, but he doesn’t like it when I call him older brother. As time passed, I started addressing him by his name. He’s the only child and the heir to their family business. I understand how busy he’s been, especially now that Uncle Walter and Aunt Lou are gradually entrusting their business to him.

Somehow, my current relationship with my family made me understand my friend’s situation. It’s difficult to hurt and simply turn your back on the people who helped you rise and start anew, especially during times when you almost gave up on life and felt like you had no one else to turn to.

I’ve been there, and I know how painful that feeling is. That one tragic night changed my whole life and left an everlasting scar on my being.

Yes, it was the first time I saw someone killed in that abandoned building. But it wasn’t the first time I experienced danger in my life.

I sighed. The only difference between me and my friends is that I know the family I grew up with has nothing to hide from me and doesn’t engage in any wrongdoing.

Unlike the Anderson’s, who seem to have something hidden under their sleeves.