3

I feel bad for Zebastian's wound. The doctor in the mansion didn’t treat it, probably because Papa ordered so. That’s why I cleaned it up, removed the bullet, and treated the gunshot wound on Zeb’s arm.

He looked pale today, so I visited his room. I didn’t make him work for me so Zeb could rest.

I held the syringe for Zeb’s wound and slowly opened the door.

He is indeed a good butler, or maybe because that is his job to fulfill as my butler.

But for now, I need to inject his wound before I take him to my acquaintance to get a blood transfusion.

“Zeb, are you still with me?” I gently tapped Zeb on the shoulder, and he responded. I looked behind me, saw no one, but I felt someone’s presence.

“I will inject your wound, and we will meet someone I know to transfer blood to you since the bleeding is weak, but it still bleeds.” I explained and took out the syringe.

I injected Zeb’s arm, and he closed his eyes and smiled. “I am okay, Mi lady—”

“Shut up, you stink,” I said softly, and Piattos appeared.

He was looking at Zeb, and I stood up.

“Piattos, can you help me with Zeb?” He just looked at me hesitantly. But I can’t move Zeb without the help of a big guy; Zeb is big compared to my 5’7” height.

“Please?” Piattos took a deep breath as a sign of defeat. Zeb leaned on him, and I supported Zeb on the other shoulder.

“What happened to Zeb?” Piattos asked. I paused, thinking what to say. Should I say I tried but Zeb stopped me, but he still got shot?

“Just bring him to my car. Come with me,” I said, clarifying with Piattos.

Gossipy man.

“Three million pesos prize money to someone who can locate Nova.” I stopped walking as we passed Papa talking to Arthur.

“Miss Vivianne?” I snapped out of my trance and walked down our grand staircase.

I don’t know why, but I’m starting to get annoyed with Arthur, especially now. He’s gotten even clingier to Papa since Nova disappeared and their engagement got postponed.

He wasn’t like this before, or maybe he is eager to marry Nova, that’s why he’s making such an effort to find my sister.

I don’t want to overanalyze people around me; it makes me sick, ruins their image with me, and I don’t want that. I have to observe and wait longer before judging people, as Papa said. He once noticed I tend to judge people without knowing what they really want.

They can’t blame me; it’s instinctive.

The maid opened my car door for us, and Piattos and Zeb were in the back.

“I’ll drive. Just assist Zebastian in the back seat.” I got into the driver’s seat and started my car.

“Mi lady, please drive slowly,” Piattos reminded me, and I just smiled.

Piattos also turned pale when getting out of my car, and Zeb was unconscious, so I hurried.

Someone met us carrying a wheelchair where Zeb was seated.

“My God, Vivianne. How long will you keep bringing people to my clinic who are fighting for their lives?” Barbara said, looking at Piattos.

“I thought the bleeding would stop, but it still bleeds.” We walked into an abandoned building, and Piattos seemed uncomfortable there.

I have a friend whose family is powerful and has an organization too, but they’re neither allies nor enemies of Papa; they just avoid each other.

I met Barbara because we had a common target. We did rock-paper-scissors to see who would handle the target, she won, and in the end, I showed Papa proof with my own eyes.

After that, we became friends when we met again at a weapon shop, and that’s where it started.

Zeb couldn’t be taken to a normal hospital easily. Barbara’s family owns a hospital for those of us working in the underworld.

“Seriously, how many times have I shown you the medicine and dosage to stop the bleeding, and you still can’t remember?” Barbara teased while they quickly treated pale Zeb.

“Come on, I was raised to kill people, not cure dying people,” Barbara pinched me.

“Idiot, what if you got shot during a mission, huh?”

“Then I’d be dead?” Barbara got angrier and tried to stab me, but Piattos stopped her, and we just laughed.

“The butler with you is so serious,” she giggled and rolled her eyes.

“Don’t worry, we’re just playing around. I won’t hurt him. I won’t do that to pretty faces. I only kill ugly ones.” Piattos stepped back and stood behind me.

“We transferred blood to him, gave him anti-tetanus, painkillers, and nutrients because of your neglect, but he will be fine.” Barbara showed me the wound.

“We just need to stitch it; it’s a bit deep. Luckily, he has strong muscles, so it didn’t get worse. But you’re good that you removed the bullet.”

“Of course, I’m good at pulling things out.” Barbara and I exchanged glances and laughed together.

Rude.

“You’ll leave him here for one week. Then it’s your turn,” she pointed at Piattos.

“Yes, you’ll stay here too. I’ll give you a serum,” Barbara said, and Piattos nodded to me.

“She’s a friend of mine, she’s nice, but good luck, happy life,” I smiled and waved at Barbara.

“Send me the bill; I will pay tomorrow—”

“I don’t want money. I have errands for you as payment.”

I shrugged and walked out, leaving Piattos behind.

I remembered the kids at the church. I drove away to check on them since the building was nearby.

At 7/11, I bought bread and goods for the kids. I also brought sisig, microwave foods, and water.

I walked toward the church, but they weren’t by the side. The area was flooded from the rain.

I searched outside the church but they weren’t there. Then I found them in the large parking lot near the church door. The three were huddled under a cardboard cover.

I quickly approached them. They were surprised to see someone and recognized me from the previous week.

“Sis!” The boy had a big smile as I gave them food.

“You’re soaking wet. Do you have any place to go?” I asked, and they shook their heads, very hungry. I felt sorry for them.

I hesitated whether to help them. I know someone who can, but they’re too young.

I sensed someone watching us, someone spying, but I ignored it.

“You want shelter? I can help you.” The boy bit into the bread, eating quickly even though it was hot.

“There’s food there, you’ll be clothed properly, and you won’t get wet anymore,” I said, lighting up their eyes. Then a priest appeared from the big door.

He was big-bellied and fat.

“There you are again. Didn’t I tell you not to come to the door!” The priest shouted, and I quickly frowned, hiding the kids behind me.

“Excuse me, but can you have mercy on the kids? It’s raining, and they have nowhere to go.” I said, and the priest fell silent, looking disgusted by the kids.

“I’ll call the guard now.” I just glared at him and invited the kids to come with me.

“You will regret this,” I said as our last words before we went to my car. I grabbed a bundle of thousands from my car, returned to the church door, and found the priest talking to a guard.

I threw the bundle of thousands at them. They got angry at first, but when they saw the money strewn on the floor, they scrambled to take it all.

Greedy people disguised as prophets of God. It’s disgusting.

“Let’s go to your new home.” I smiled as they ate in my car.

“Where is that, Sis?” he asked. I drove slowly.

I looked at them briefly before answering.

“To my acquaintance. They will take care of you there. They are kind, and I’ll make sure you won’t get wet or hungry anymore.” I explained and parked the car back at the abandoned building.

They followed me until Barbara greeted me again, now with her sibling and Christ beside her.

“Barbara, are you going to make the newly opened hospital an orphanage—”

“Shut up, mind your own business; you’ll take care of the kids.” I licked Christ, who gave me a sour look as if wanting to kill me.

“Let’s talk in my office. I have an important matter with you, Vivianne.” I followed Barbara and waved goodbye to the kids.

“Thank you for many favors lately. I really appreciate it,” I said as we walked into Barbara’s office. She closed the door.

“Have a seat.” I sat on the sofa and took out a cigarette I had bought earlier. Barbara placed a folder beside me and set a glass on it.

She started explaining.

“I don’t want a problem with your family, and I have no issue with your parents’ affairs. But I received some news.”

I lit the cigar and drank the brandy Barbara gave me before looking at her face.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t find your sister. Even we can’t find her. Where is your phone?” she asked, and I smiled.

“This is a new phone. My old one got lost and broken last week. Why?” I rolled my eyes and dropped onto the sofa.

“Never mind, but to start the discussion, I don’t want to interfere in your organization’s problems. But if it affects us, we will strike. Now we’re talking peacefully, the daughter of Vladimir.” Barbara sipped her drink while I looked at the ashtray.

“What do you mean?” I asked, and she pressed her lips hard, like she was holding back telling me everything.

“Just be careful. Since your sister went missing, you’re in the hot seat, and your father’s greed is a big problem.” I closed my eyes briefly before putting the glass down.

“That folder, can you get me some records from Doyle? Don’t ask why, but I assure you I have no ill will towards your sister’s fiancé. I just want the records,” Barbara explained, and I nodded.

“I will try my best, but I need my butler to recover first. I can’t move alone; I need him. He is my only manpower at the mansion.” Barbara smiled at me.

I felt relieved with Barbara compared to Arthur.

Or maybe because she’s a woman, and I don’t trust men at all.

“It’s a done deal, then,” she said before we shook hands and laughed.

“What am I going to do with the kids besides take care of them?” she asked again, and I thought.

“You can train them, but they’re too young to start.” I said, and she nodded.

“How? Papa trained you at the same age,” Barbara scrunched her forehead, and I waved my hand.

“Oh sorry, I know everything about everyone.”

I stood, took the folder, and said, “I’m going home. Call me if anything important or urgent comes up. If not, please don’t bother me,” before leaving.

But yes, if she knows everything, why does she need Doyle’s records?