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Rafael didnât reply. He was still watching Thersa walk away.She held the baby seat softly and gently smiled... âIsnât thatâŚ?â Celesteâs voice was low, her brows narrowing.âIsnât that the son of a murderer? A Mondragon?â she hissed through clenched teeth.Rafael turned sharply. Diego was now inside, adjusting the blanket over the babyâs small legs. His wife, Thersa, just a step behind him.Celeste started walking toward them.Rafael reached for her arm. âCeleste, not here.âBut she twisted out of his hold. Her eyes burned into his.âI need to have a word with him. Even if itâs the last thing I do today.âAnd before Rafael could stop her, she marched forward.âDiego Mondragon!â she called out, her voice slicing through the lobby.Diego stopped mid-step, the baby still cradled in his arm. Thersa stepped aside, confused and protective all at once.. He turned slowly as his jaw clenched.âWho dares call my name like that in public?â he said coolly, dark eyes locking on hers.Celeste st
Rafael stood silently at the graveside, his eyes fixed on the cold, grey stone that read : Henry William Wood1962 â 2009He said nothing and showed no emotion. The only movement was the bouquet of white lilies in his hand, swaying gently in the wind. Suddenly, a memory flooded back.Years ago in Japan, snow fell softly as young Rafael, wrapped in a thick coat, ran through the grounds, his boots crunching on the frozen snow.."Uncle Robert!" he shouted, spotting the familiar figure stepping out of a car."Kiddo!" Uncle Robert greeted, arms open as Rafael rushed into them. The boy didnât waste a second."Whereâs my father? He said he'd come this time. You promised!"Rafael ran to the car and peeked inside, but it was empty.Uncle Robert didnât move. He just stood there, his eyes weighed down with something heavy. His silence said more than words ever could.Little Rafael turned back, confused, then scared."Theyâve killed him⌠havenât they?"His voice trembled, as tears welled in his
Thersa rushed out of the baby's room, her heart pounding. "Where is my baby?" she asked frantically, grabbing the attention of the nearby maids as she hurried down the staircase. She nearly collided with Mom Camilla, who stood poised at the bottom, arms folded tightly across her chest. "What do you think you're doing, running around like a madwoman?" Mom Camilla snapped. "Mom... my baby isn't in his room!" Thersa said breathlessly, eyes wide in panic. Camilla gave a small sigh, not the least bit alarmed. "You mean baby Diego?" Thersa looked at her and nodded. Camilla offered a smug smile. "His father took him to a board meeting. He thought it was time the future heir saw where he belongs." Thersa stared at her in disbelief. "What? Heâs just one month old!" Camilla raised a brow. "And?" "Heâs too small for that... he needs rest, warmth, care!" Thersa protested. Camilla stepped forward calmly. "People like you will never understand the pressure that comes with legacy. When I
Rafael rushed into the hospital, out of breath carrying a bag with essentials for Thersa, blankets, food and baby supplies. He hurried down to the room where he'd left her. But it was empty.. A nurse was cleaning the bed and folding sheets.. "Excuse me," Rafael said, sounding confused. "Where is the patient who gave birth in this room? She was here just an hour ago." The nurse turned to him gently. âOh, sir... you just missed them.â âMissed who?â Rafael asked, stepping forward, the bag still in hand. âHer husband and a personal doctor came just after you left,â the nurse said. âThey said she was to be transferred to another facility under their care. Doctor Olivia, I believe?â Rafael's eyes darkened. âTransferred?â he repeated slowly, the word heavy in his mouth. âShe wasnât stable enough for a transfer.â The nurse shrugged nervously. âThey signed the release forms. The nurse shrugged nervously. âThey signed the release forms.â âNot again,â Rafael muttered, clench
Mr. Mondragon wasn't having it in the morning. After receiving the news that Rafael had survived the crash.. He stood by the window of his office, a half-empty glass of scotch in his hand.... The door burst open and his financial manager hurried in, looking nervous and holding a thick file tightly. âSir⌠we have a problem,â the man muttered with a shaky voice.. Diego didnât even look at him at first. âSpeak,â he said. âAnd make it worth the interruption.â The man swallowed hard. âThree billion pesosâŚis gone. Transferred out yesterday. Marked under emergency expenses.â Diego finally turned to face him, eyes narrowing. âWho authorized it?â The manager hesitated. âTechnically⌠Mr. Rafael Wood. His share gives him executive authority under the emergency clause. He claimed it was tied to the accident.â Diego blinked, the words hitting harder than he expected. He slowly set his glass down on the table beside him. âThe one he was in?â he asked quietly. âYes, sir,â the m
âI didnât think youâd have the guts to show your face here,â Diego Mondragon muttered as he caught sight of Rafael stepping into the company lobby. Rafael didnât even flinch. âI still hold a share in this company, Diego. I have every right to be here.â âThis company carries my name!â Mondragon snapped, his voice echoing. âI never said it didnât,â Rafael replied coolly. âItâs still under âMondragonâ... I just happen to own part of it now.â Mondragonâs jaw tightened. âYou manipulated a man who worked for my father for decades. That old fool didnât even know what he was doing.â Rafael stepped closer, locking eyes with him. âHe knew exactly what he was doing. He made a choice maybe because he saw something in me that this company desperately needs.â âSaw something in a William Wood?â Mon scoffed. âThat must have been out of pity.â Rafaelâs voice dropped low and sharp. âIs that why you shot to kill?â Diego froze. The accusation hung in the air like a blade. He took a step