Lawless – Episode 19&20

RECKLESS 2

Lawless – Episode 19&20

→ Chain•Of•Obsession ←

[Book 2 in The Untamed Duet]

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Copyright © 2026

Naomi Cindy B.

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★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

“You’re very stupid,”

The response came out of Thiago’s mouth almost immediately, but Louis’s expression remained calm.

“And?” He probed.

Thiago leaned closer to the camera before talking again….”I want to tear you limb from limb, tendons to tendons, grind your bones to dust and make you desirable as a dog’s meal. And you think you have the right to request an apology?”

“But you captured I and my mum, and you had the opportunity to kill me. I was nearly thrown out of the plane, but my mum only had to threaten you with her life, and you fell flat like a dry leaf. You’re not very strong, are you?” Louis said.

“Your mum’s life is mine. It has always been, but yours? I wouldn’t care less, so next time you fall into my hands, you’re cooked.” Thiago gritted.

“My mum’s life is yours? You sound too dumb for a 31 years old man. Do you think she’s a horse? Or a hen to be owned and sold? You actually think she’s a commodity, and that’s why you impregnated her despite knowing your family curse! Yeah, you impregnated her intentionally. Why? Cos you wanted to humble her.”

Thiago frowned, deeply.

“I read her MISTAKES diary, and it’s too funny that you’re the MISTAKE. Inside it, I read that you impregnated her the night you forcefully took her at the cemetery house. You were smart enough to know the fertility and curse of your fluid, and I’m sure you were aware she was gonna get pregnant, but you still went ahead,”

“And then after she knew about my presence in her womb, you tried to abort me. I’d have been dead by now, but I guess one of your rogues—Ten, was the one you sent to get the abortion syrup, and he diluted it to reduce it’s effect, that’s why I’m here today, and that’s why Ten is so protective of me!”

“You know too much, it’s making your aliveness more and more undesirable.” Thiago said stiffly.

“You said it earlier that I was abusing your cursed gene in me, are you already getting tired?” Louis smirked again, leaning closer to the screen. “I told you to go to BBC, not because I expected you to actually go, cos I know you’re avoiding public appearances presently, ex-jailbird. And even if you weren’t avoiding the public, it’s something you can do… you’d go to BBC and make a fake apology on your knees with plans to deceive her like you did that year,”

Louis smiled bitterly.

“But she’s not that naive silly noodle anymore. She’s got ambitions now, and you’re not part. You know what you’re gonna do? Go back to Australia, go swim in the pool of madness with your family, and leave I and my mom alone! Don’t show your face in front of us, ever.”

“I have plans to kill you, but I can’t do it right now anyways. After all, I’m nothing but a cigar ash compared to you right now, but await my glow up in the future, and as you await it, know that your death is drawing near. I’mma kill you just the way you killed your own dad.”

The statement hung in the air like a threat just the way it’s supposed to be, and Louis ended the call.

Thiago sat in bed, holding the laptop with an hand as the last few words rang in his head.

JUST THE WAY YOU KILLED YOUR OWN DAD.

[11 Yrs Ago – Back To The Last Day In Nightfall University]

After seeing his 99 score instead of hundred in computer statistics, Thiago drove out of the campus park in blind anger which clouded his sense of reasoning.

His only purpose: Go home, kill Shelby. End of story.

Shelby is different behind it.

He didn’t care what consequences might me. Has he ever thought about consequences?

He drove into the X Castle, and the castle guards had to run out of their posts to avoid getting hit as he was driving too wild.

But this time, it’s not about Thiago’s driving anymore. It’s about the car. It’s refusing to stop.

The wheels aren’t listening to him, the brakes aren’t listening.

Nothing is working in the car anymore. It’s just moving on it’s own.

He lost the control totally.

For the first time in his life, he lost control of something.

He lost control of his car.

This ain’t computer, so he knows next to nothing about it.

His eyes were wide, and his fingers watered as his eyes shot forward.

The car has crushed three guards to their deaths already, and it’s now driving towards the gazebo where Nathan is seated, taking fresh air that hot afternoon.

Nathan heard the screeching of car tyres first, and he looked back, but that was the only action he could pull before the car rammed into the gazebo violently.

“Father!!!!!!!” Thiago screamed, his throat nearly tearing as the car drove over his father, killing him on spot.

Thiago stayed in the car, unable to come down. He stayed there, holding the wheel tight as his father’s blood wet his cat tyres.

It felt like his soul has left his body, and his body has stopped functioning in every humanly way possible.

The Syndicate members, Scientists, Granduncles and backers filled the accident area before he knew it.

Then reporters.

It’s like they’re has been waiting for this to happen. They arrived too fast.

Mio led Shelby to the scene too, and Shelby ordered the moving of Nathan’s body to the morgue.

And cops arrived.

The camera flashes of reporters caught Thiago’s face in the car as they started throwing their questions

The Granduncles began cursing in tears, lamenting…

“You shouldn’t have been born!”

“I knew he loved a monster like you too much! I knew you’d end up killing him!”

“How could you do that to your father!!!”

“You don’t deserve the air in your lungs!! You should have been long dead!!!”

“You’re a monster!!!”

As the curses poured, Thiago stayed in the car, not moving since the car is surrounded already.

“You’re under arrest, Thiago X, for the murder of Nathan X.” The cops raised the arrest warrant which seems to have been prepared before today too. Everything’s fast.

Mio is stone-faced beside Shelby, but Shelby herself? There’s that usual ghostly smile hiding on her lips.

[Present Time]

Thiago finally dropped his laptop and picked a smoke stick, lit it up and took a drag.

“Do you know why I chose to stay at a repair garage eleven years ago after I escaped Australia prison and came to Los Angeles to lay low?” He asked.

It’s directed at no one in particular, so Ten decided to reply…

“Because you mistakenly crushed your father with a car, and you’re very sure someone messed with the car that day, so you decided to learn the anatomy of cars.” Ten replied.

“And I’m sure it’s Shelby. Shelby messed with the car.” Eleven added.

Thiago just focused on smoking without replying.

They kept quiet till he finished smoking that stick.

“Are you really gonna return to Australia?” Eleven asked.

“My return is inevitable, but it’ll only happen after Shelby receives my gift to her.” Thiago stood. “She relaunched the app when?”

“Yesterday, but the actual date she took the app into the X database was two days ago.” Ten replied.

“Then by evening, she’s going to receive the gift, and I’ll wait patiently to have a great laughter.” Thiago responded, smiling sourly.

“About the engagement next week, shall we just storm the White House and kill Kaylee?” Eleven said. “Stacy is forever yours, her engagement plan between Stacy and her son should be the cause of her death.”

“She doesn’t deserve the stress of storming the White House,” Thiago faced his rogues. “Dorian himself is in this city, isn’t he? And he wants me to write him a song? Set a meeting for us, and I’ll write him that song. He’ll perform for me, just that he’s gonna perform without a dîck.”

“You’re gonna castrate him like us?” Ten smiled. “He’s welcome to join the no-D gang.”

“What about Jeremy?” Eleven asked.

“You seem concerned about him than I am about him.” Thiago said, facing Eleven alone.

“That Copycat deserves death for what he did,” Eleven muttered, staring at Thiago’s bloody tummy bandage. “He has been overstepping his boundaries for long, and it’s time for his death, I think.”

“What’s the name of the boss he worked for in jail again?” Thiago asked, sitting back.

“Kazuma Ryuzaki, boss of the Japanese mafia who shifted his base to Macau last year. Jeremy killed ten criminals for him in jail, and all of these criminals were guilty of killing children.” Ten explained.

“T, Kazuma was your father Nathan’s best friend!” Eleven gasped. “This should be so easy!”

“Set the meeting today… between Kazuma and I.” Thiago said.

“But your tummy! Your wounds!” Ten said worriedly.

“With my wounds, I can still take out sixty men on my own. Do what I ordered,” Thiago glared.

“Yes, Your Excellency.” Eleven replied happily, leaving the ward.

Thiago gave Ten a suspicious glance, and Ten bowed before following Eleven out.

—

[Montana Family Hospital]

Jeremy is now settled in his bed with a pillow supporting his back.

He’s held a bowl of medicine which he plugged his nose before drinking.

Anita spread her palm to take the bowl from him, but he dropped the bowl for Matteo instead.

Anita scoffed. “You still hate me? Cos of Stacy who locked you in this hospital? She’s the reason you’re even in this hospital!”

Ignoring her, Jeremy faced Matteo.

“Dad, where’s Stacy?”

Matteo’s eyes widened.

Did he just call him….dad???

“I….um…” He stuttered, confused. “Um, yeah. I mean… she’s got a photoshoot with Vogue, so she went for it, but I’m sure the doctor already called to inform her of your consciousness.”

Jeremy looked at Matteo’s feet again, staring at his different shoes before sighing, facing Anita.

“Where did you get the capital to start your haircare company?”

“This question again?” She smacked her lips angrily.

“If you’re not ready to answer, then stop coming to see me, but just know that if I find evidence connecting it to Stacy’s father’s death, It won’t be funny.” Jeremy said.

Anita nodded, grabbing her purse. “Seems you’re fine now, and your ‘dad’ is here with you. I’ll get back to my office and focus on your twin sister, you ungrateful thing!”

She stormed out of the ward, and Matteo shifted closer to Jeremy.

“Does this really mean she’s connected to Albert’s death?”

“I just have the feeling, but I don’t have evidence to back it up yet. I’ll get my hands on evidence soon.” Jeremy replied with a grunt.

“Are you ok?” Matteo gasped.

“I’m fine,” Jeremy relaxed.

“I’m so sorry,” Matteo nodded. “A boy who spent years in my garage is the same person who did this to you.”

“You don’t have to feel guilty, I did something to him too, intentionally using his own skills against him. He must be thinking I still survive by copying skills, but I learnt too much in jail, and if he comes back for retaliation, we’ll just kill each other.”

“But when will this circle stop?” Matteo said. “Going after each other, when is it gonna stop?”

“Whenever he learns to apologize to Stacy. If Stacy still wants him, then fine, and if she doesn’t, he should get lost. If that part is settled, then this blood feud between I and Thiago will be settled too.” Jeremy said.

“But you love her,” Matteo nodded.

“I do,” Jeremy nodded painfully. “I won’t tell lies of not loving her anymore to myself again. I love her, but I love her enough to want only her happiness in this life and protect her with my own life.” He said.

Matteo smiled widely. “You’re a gem.”

“A gem wouldn’t kill people, dad.” Jeremy scoffed.

“The people you killed in jail were children killers, nothing to be guilty about.” Matteo assured.

Before Jeremy could reply, Remo strolled into the ward.

“Remo Lane?” Matteo blinked.

“One and only,” Remo nodded.

“Excuse us for few minutes, dad.” Jeremy said.

Matteo smiled, wishing he could stay and hear the dad word again and again, but he excused them anyways.

“Heard you fought the Pyro, and you actually won.” Remo inhaled, refusing to take his seat. “He was and is still my role model, but I have to accord you some accolades for achieving that. That bastard is a beast who fights to kill, how were you able to pull it off?”

“I didn’t message you for a meeting to talk about him,” Jeremy frowned. “I said I was gonna come meet you at your club, why did you come to me instead?”

“Cos I hate suspense,” Remo frowned back, finally sitting. “We barely talked in uni, and you suddenly messaged to meet?”

“Your dad talked about a video, actually.” Jeremy jumped straight to the point.

“Dad… that bastard is actually more talkative than I expected,” Remo sighed. “But I understand him. He was forced to retire and he has been staying at home. He must be bored.”

“Remo….” Jeremy dragged.

“There’s a video, and I indeed have a extra flashdrive of it, but if you expect me to give you that video that has my nakedness, you’re actually crazy. I’m not the careless Remo Lane anymore. I have dreams now, and I plan to settle down, so tell me who’d want me with my nakedness all-over the internet?” Remo shrugged.

“What do I have to do to get the video?” Jeremy asked desperately. “I’m already gathering evidence against the son, and the video with you is the only one against the mother… please.”

Remo stood, shaking his head. “Try again next time, not now.”

“Dude!” Jeremy shouted as Remo walked out of the ward.

“Remo!!”

No turning back. Remo left.

“Fûck!” Jeremy hit the mattress, and he immediately received another visitor… Angela.

“Angel?” His face squeezed.

“I’ve been lurking around here since last night,” she smiled, sitting on the stool beside him. “How’re you doing?”

“Not bad,” he looked at her.

Angela nodded, quickly taking the register out from under her clothes.

Jeremy took it.

There are 50 names, and they’re all San Francisco girls, but there’s a number 51 column which is empty without a name written.

“I’m guessing this space belongs to the living victim,” he said.

“Exactly,” Angela nodded. “I hope you find her soon. Did MasterD tell you anything?”

“I got a clue, and I’m working on it,” Jeremy said.

“And about these names, the family of the dead people are all in San Francisco, meaning you still have to go back.” Angela said.

“No. I have a network that’s gonna drag the families here to meet me instead. Their daughters were all killed mysteriously, so they’ll never decline a lead.” He said.

“Good then,” Angela nodded.

Jeremy picked his phone and called his helpline, and as usual, he was answered.

“You must be recovering from your deep wound.” Kazuma laughed.

Jeremy looked at his cleanly bandaged stomach and sighed. “I need you to help me lure families of the dead victims to this city, but that’ll be after I take the video of Kaylee from Remo. Remo is being stubborn.”

“Of course he’s stubborn, you should have known that.” Kazuma replied.

“The reunion is in three days, I’ll try to convince him when he’s drunk, and tommorow, I’ll go to his club to try too, but tonight, I have to meet you about Stacy’s father’s death.”

“I already said I’m not willing to help concerning her father. She has a private investigator working on it.” Kazuma cleared sternly.

“But we both know your way is faster.” Jeremy insisted.

“No,” Kazuma insisted too.

“Even if I come to you with Stacy herself?” Jeremy said.

There was a long silence before Kazuma spoke again.

“Roxy’s Art Skyscraper tonight at 7pm. It’s a dinner.”

“I’ll see you,” Jeremy hung up.

“Meeting Kazuma with your stomach like this?” Angela pointed.

“It’s not only about Stace. It’s also about this list of victims,” Jeremy raised the register. “I need to deliver it to him in person.”

Angela nodded, then stood.

“I should return home now before Dorian will get back.”

She went for the door…

“Angela?” Jeremy called.

She turned.

“Be careful. Dorian might be a foolish Mama’s boy, but he’s dangerous in his own way too.” Jeremy said.

“I know, I will.” Angela smiled before stepping outside.

—

[Battery Sl+t-house – Private Room 4]

When Max’s eyes opened on the mattress, Zendaya has already finished dressing up, ready to leave.

She was sitting and wearing her heels when he shot up, groaning as he fingered his hair.

“You’re… Leaving already?”

“What else is there to wait for?” Zendaya looked up. “Your dead c+k that can’t even enter my hole? It’s like a wet towel…”

“How dare….” Max jumped down from the bed.

“How dare what? Did I lie?” Zendaya stood too. She has finished strapping her heels now. “You couldn’t penetrate me, it kept falling off my center, and I ended up sleeping off cos I was bored!” She laughed. “I’m actually glad that I tried it, cos now I know Elmira has been taking a dead d+k that’s not even worth lusting after! I’m pretty sure Stacy’s son would be better in bed than you!”

She pushed him out of the way, grabbed her bag, and left the room.

Max held his head in both hands, cussing himself inwardly.

“Gawd, I need Kehlani so bad…” He bit his mouth.

In the power room of the clubhouse, Frank and Remo are standing straight in front of the screens, watching the footage of that room with jesting grins.

“Dead c+k? That’s new.” Frank said.

“Don’t get me started,” Remo laughed. “It’s been a while since I stirred trouble. Watch me ruin the reunion with this video.”

Frank chuckled.

—

[Elite2 Hotel]

Elmira is still in bed, still like a corpse, but her eyes are open, and her face is teary.

The sheets is stained with blood on certain spots, and on the floor, her tattered sleep-robe and underwear lay scattered all-over.

Sp×rm, squ+rts, blood.

Dorian just finished dressing up, and he’s already preparing to leave with peak satisfaction on his face.

He placed a big box in bed and opened it. Inside, there are bundles of dollars on a side, and bars of gold on the other side.

Elmira sat up immediately she saw it, her eyes shone with utter greed.

She picked one of the gold bars, and the heaviness made her gulp.

It’s real.

“I’ve always killed my victims, but it’ll be unneeded to kill you cos you were greedy to be used, and I used you. See the way your tears stopped at the sight of gold? You’re originally from a poor background, so it’s normal to be a sucker for few gold bars and cash.” Dorian said arrogantly, leaning on the wall.

“I want myself on Geng magazines. I want to join the modelling family as their top one.” Elmira said desperately.

“Done,” Dorian smiled. “You’re smart. Of course it’s done. I’ll make the call once I get to the car. You should get yourself treated, I used you too bad, and I must say you’re a good crier.”

He was still grinning as he left the room.

Like rubber in a furnace, Elmira’s remaining sadness melted away immediately.

She dragged the gold bars to her chest, laughing at her achievement, but that laughter made urine rush out of her p+xxy.

She froze.

“F+k,I need to get myself treated secretly…” She muttered, getting her phone to call a doctor.

At the hotel park, Angela was already waiting by the car to get Dorian when he came down.

She opened the door for him, and he hopped in, picking the call from his mother.

“You saw the news already. You’re getting engaged to Stacy next week, so you better speed up whatever you’re doing and come back to Washington with Stacy.” Kaylee said.

“I know, and I know what to do….” Dorian sighed and hung up fast.

“Drive me home, I have to go for my TV appearance this morning.” Dorian told Kaylee.

“You have a new message,” Kaylee replied, passing him his second phone. There’s a message from Thiago.

• We meet soon – T.

“He’s smarter than someone I know.” Dorian smiled as Kaylee drove out.

—

[Trinidad’s Place]

The house is still silent like it was two hours ago, but now in a different mode cos breaths are regulated.

Trinidad and Trevor sat facing each other on the bare floor, legs folded and eyes unravelling each other as if trying to get under each other’s skin and experience the time they missed each other together.

As if still trying to find each other even when they’re right in front of each other.

Trevor held her hands, caressed her knuckles, but she took out her right hand and brought it to his face, cupping it fondly.

She brought her second hand to cup it too, and she smiled so wide her face nearly broke.

“My kiddo is now so tall I can’t even touch your face without craning my neck in my sitting position. And gawd, the voice….the voice…” She muttered with so much admiration in her delightful eyes.

Trevor slid a piece of her hair away from her face…

“C’mon, the kiddo period is over now….” He frowned, and she chuckled, stroking his jaws, to his ears, hair, back of his neck.

Then…she pulled him into another hug which he reciprocated immediately.

“I stalked the Italian forum like a crazy person, following the news and awaiting the day they were going to post your pictures, but—”

“My mother is a very cunning, self-centered bitch, so yeah…I’m hidden from the world and all I do everyday is work work work… She promised yearly that I’d come see you if I worked harder, so I worked harder yearly, wanting to impress her, but nah….she wouldn’t fulfil her promise, and I was missing you like crazy. She aborted all my mobile connections with you too so I couldn’t call. It was so hard, and it git harder when she got me a betrothed….”

“Betro…thed?” Trinidad muttered, face falling slightly.

“No, that’s what she wants, but not me. I don’t want a betrothed, I want you, and that’s why I insisted on following her on this trip cos I knew I was gonna see you no matter what.” He quickly said.

“Want me? What are you saying?” She stood quickly.

He spranged up too, blocking her way. “Yes, I want you. So all the years I was stacked away in Italy, yearning for you…they weren’t wasted, cos now I’m 22, and I can officially date you. Don’t try to even say you have a boyfriend, I know you don’t.”

“Trevor, … I personally think you should go according to your mother’s wishes and —”

“And you’ll be fine?” He cut in, eyes deadly serious. “You’ll be fine if I get married to that bîtch in Italy? You’ll come to my wedding with a straight face, gift me and wish me happy married life?”

Trinidad gulped, fists balled, sweaty.

As if she’s trying to keep a secret from spilling out of her lips.

“We just reconciled after six years, we shouldn’t banter… Trevor. I’ll make us breakfast.” She smiled faintly and went for the kitchen, but before she could enter, she was grabbed from behind, arms trapped with her body. Trevor hugged both her upper and lower body at the same time. He held her, dearly.

“I don’t want breakfast, it’s unnecessary, just say you’ll be mine. I’m not a kid anymore.” He whispered into her skin.

Trinidad stayed still in the back hug for few minutes. She even raised her hands and caressed his skin tenderly, then she unwrapped his arms from her body.

She faced him, and he reined himself in immediately.

Trinidad turn her face away, so his kiss met her cheek instead.

She stepped back, and her arm slipped away from Trevor.

She could even look him in the eye as she talked…

“I’ll make us breakfast.”

Trevor nodded, giving in.

“There’s still time. I’m a persistent one.” He smiled slightly, entering the kitchen with her.

“Get the eggs and veggies,” Trinidad told him.

“Right on it, Mia Cara.” He replied in Italian, and Trinidad turned away.

As she picked the cooking utensils out with her right hand, her left hand went to her cheek—the spot he kissed.

She touched, and light red flushed her cheeks.

Outside the house, not far from the gate, a red car stood under the falling snowflakes.

Inside, there’s Madame Morano, staring at the house creepily.

She looks like a vengeful ghost, and her stare is too venomous for a building as if the building was her enemy in her past life.

But she knows what’s in. She knows her son is in with that unfortunate girl.

“I hate when he pushes me to do crazy things like this.” She mumbled.

—

[Vogue Vision]

Stacy’s photoshoot session with her son just gut over. They were done at exactly 12, and Stacy returned to the dress room to change with Louis.

Louis would always turn his back whenever he’s in the room when she’s changing, so his back is on her right now too.

“Did you do something with my phone when I was taking my personal pictures?” She asked suspiciously.

“What would I possibly do with your phone? You don’t have games,” he lied.

“I’m done, sweetheart.” She said after she got dressed.

He turned, took her wrists to check the healing process out.

“I have high healing affinity,” she smiled.

“You mean healing tendency?” He looked at her, and she blinked, looking away in embarrassment.

“Whatever,” she held his wrist, and he grinned as they left the dress room.

Her manager will be ready on her next photoshoot, so she didn’t bother with exiting formalities with the CEO or fellow models before she went out of the building.

Thankfully, she’s not seeing any of those sour faces around.

Elmira and Zendaya.

They’re nowhere.

“When will our pictures be out?” Louis asked.

“Latest tomorrow morning, we’ll be the trending topic.” Stacy winked.

“I’ll be looking forward to it,” he winked back.

Getting to the park, they have a visitor awaiting them surprisingly, and Stacy gasped when she sighted him. “Jeremy?”

Jeremy smiled slightly, holding his stomach with an arm.

“Why are you here? You should still be at the hospital, recuperating!”

“I just had to come,” his slight smile appeared again. “I need you to follow me somewhere later. If you say no, I won’t push it.”

“Where’s that?” She asked.

“I worked for a mafia when I was in jail, and he’s the reason I had that much money to buy the limited edition diary for Louis when you asked. He has been helping me about gathering evidence against Kaylee and his son too, and—”

“Mafia?” Stacy froze.

“Calm down,” he soothed. “He’s only scary when you anger him. He can help gather info about your father’s death faster, and—”

“I’ll meet him!” Stacy snapped.

Jeremy blinked.

“Anything that can connect me faster to dad’s death? I’m involved.” She said immediately.

“7pm then, we meet at Roxy’s Art Skyscraper. Be sure to dress elegantly, he likes it.”

“Roxy’s Art Skyscraper?” She frowned.

“He’s her biggest patron, and he chose that place. I couldn’t say no.” He explained.

“Fine, I’ll even enter the lion’s den.” She shrugged. “But your tummy?”

“He looks fine to me.” Louis chirped.

“Yeah, I’m fine. So far I won’t get hit again, I’ll be fine.” Jeremy said.

Stacy smiled at Jeremy, and he smiled back softly.

Louis looked at Jeremy, then at his mother. He frowned.

—

[Kane’s Place]

Scott crashed here last night with Kane. They didn’t later eat their meals at Baby Treatment.

They took a rain check on the dinner and rescheduled it for tomorrow since tommorow is Friday.

They both spent the night in Kane’s bed, and at 12pm, they were just waking up. Though, Kane woke first, but he stayed in bed cos Scott was sleeping so deep like he hadn’t slept in years.

Must be because of his overworking when Kane wasn’t here, so Kane let him sleep.

At past 12, Scott decided to finally wake up.

He met himself on Kane’s chest, and he inched up, folding his arms and placing his chin on it, so his face is directly on top of Kane’s.

“Thought you were gonna sleep the whole day,” Kane ruffled his hair. “You slept well. Asking would be a fuss.” He smiled.

“I did,” Scott nodded. “Cos of you,” he continued. “Haven’t slept this much in years. You make me feel at peace.”

Kane ruffled his hair again, then gave him a kiss on the lips.

Scott chuckled cheerfully, and Kane’s eyes thinned. “What?”

“You’re behaving like a responsible husband.”

“Aren’t I? Wifey, aren’t I?” Kane poked his cheek.

“Try harder,” Scott made faces, and Kane laughed shortly.

“We should go get breakfast,”

They both got off bed, brushed together and went downstairs hand in hand.

Reid is right there, working on his laptop.

“You both finally decided to wake after ten years asleep?” He exaggerated without looking up from his laptop.

Kane’s eyes wandered to the dinning where a honey bottle is sitting, then he looked at Scott who’s now going to the kitchen. His eyes followed Scott’s butt, several dirty thoughts aligning in his fucked up head.

He reluctantly cooked away.

“Still on Stacy’s matter?”

“What else would I be on?” Reid replied, looking up. “I think I got it already, but tell me why Mio would kill Albert? I don’t understand.”

“Isn’t she Shelby’s eyes? The best Sniper in the world? She might be hired.” Kane shrugged.

“She doesn’t work for anyone who’s not Shelby.” Reid said.

“So why would she kill Albert?” Kane asked confusedly.

“Exactly what I’m trying to figure out before I’ll tell Stacy.” Reid said.

“Good luck. I’m thinking of taking on Dorian’s case though. I’ll work with Jeremy.” Kane stood. “We thought Jeremy was the killer six years ago, but it was all set up.”

“Good luck too,” Reid nodded.

Kane entered the kitchen with Scott, and Reid groaned, remembering Kehlani’s words from yesterday.

I HAVE A FIANCE.

“That’s gotta be the most bitter statement I heard all my life. Who’s the fiance anyways? Is he finer than me?” He muttered.

—

[Australia, Shelby’s Office]

Surprisingly, everything has been running smoothly since the relaunching of OBSCURE yesterday.

Shelby thought something colossal would happen within few hours of bringing the app inside the lab. She expected blasts, but unexpectedly, nothing happened.

Users kept increasing. The range kept widening. The fame broadened.

That’s supposed to bring relief and joy to Shelby, but it’s doing nothing close to those two.
Thiago doesn’t do anything without a reason, and she’s dying to know what he’s planning.

Why would he come out after six years, surrender the app he loves so much and then fly to Los Angeles?

She ordered her lab in Australia to watch him, and they’ve been reporting that all he has been doing is go after Stacy.

Doesn’t look like he even has her time here at all. She’s going crazy trying to figure it out, and it’s unhealthy.

She hates getting anxious.

The telephone in front of her began ringing again.

“From the US White House!” The robots announced.

“Why does Kaylee keep getting on my nerves!” Shelby angrily flipped the telephone away.

And Mio came in running.

Mio never runs, so Shelby knew there was trouble instantly.

“There’s trouble in the labs!” She reported breathlessly.

“Labs?” Shelby repeated.

“Yes, all eight labs.” Mio replied, leading her out.

The robots followed.

Shelby was like dancing on a knife blade till they arrived there, and when they arrived, it was chaotic everywhere as Scientists and the Computer expert Granduncles tried to contain what’s coming, but it’s gone past containment.

The first sign was subtle.

It came as a flicker across one monitor, then another. Lines of code began rewriting themselves faster than any human input.

Within seconds, the entire X network pulsed with a violent surge. The malicious program burrowed deep, overriding safeguards and forcing every system into overdrive.

Fans screamed on the ceiling, processors spiked beyond safe limits, and power units strained under impossible demand.

Then the screens started popping one after another, glass cracking under heat, sparks bursting from their edges as circuits shorted and cables twitched.

There’s a bug!

A bug in the OBSCURE app that even Shelby couldn’t detect since yesterday.

The bug wasn’t just corrupting data, it seized control of the lab’s infrastructure, forcing hardware into catastrophic failure.

Wires snapped and whipped as currents surged uncontrollably.

Bursts of flame ignited, sharp scent of burning insulation filled the air.

In the chaos, Scientists and the cyber experts shouted over blaring alarms, some scrambling to shut systems down while others stumbled back in shock, hands over their mouths.

But it was already too late—the destruction rippled across all eight labs, a perfectly engineered collapse unfolding faster than they could comprehend.

As the calamity sent on, the robots behind read everything going on for Shelby. Mio helped in the reading too, and Shelby could feel the fire erupting as the first lab caught fire.

“It was a clone of the app. He gave us a clone, fake version of OBSCURE.” Shelby’s voice was low as she talked. “This was his plan from the start. He wanted to start the battle with his own hands, and he’s very welcome. Now, there’ll be no stop. We won’t be the only two fighting, the whole world will feel it!”

“We have to get out and let the firefighters do their job!” Mio pulled Shelby as water began pumping in.

By now, the second lab caught fire already too.

Shelby didn’t move, even when fire caught the hem of her habit.

She stood there, counting her rosary.

“Your Excellency!” Mio grabbed a pipe, pumping water on her.

—

[Los Angeles, Thiago’s Castle – Core Room]

For the past six years, Thiago didn’t witness a thriller like this. He never got to see a spectacular moment, and he missed it so much so this one is cherished.

As he sat in front of his holograms, watching the burning labs in Australia, he leaned forward, elbows on his knees and eyes carrying the glint of madness.

He laughed slowly, like a favoured antagonist, a blessed villain. As he watched the fire burn, his stress dried up, and it seems like the pain from his stabbed stomach suddenly went lost.

He’s too pumped.

“I thought she grew more brains in my absence. Turns out the one in her skull even shrunk.” He whispered.

When the third lab caught fire, his laughter spread again, and despite the fact that he’s not watching the fire direct, there’s the thrilling silver shine in his eyes.

“No matter how good her brains grew, she’s blind…never a match for anyone, but she’s targeting me?” He smirked. “You shouldn’t have messed with my car, shouldn’t have made me kill the only person I respected!”

“Now that I lit the first matchstick, I expect you to retaliate very brutally cos I know you like to play hard. I’ll burn you alive in the end. Let’s get the war started.”

The fourth lab blew, and his snicker doubled on his lips.

Behind him, Ten and Eleven stood, staying silent and letting him enjoy his moment.

“Why do I feel like Shelby didn’t mess with his car?” Ten muttered.

“You said?” Eleven faced him.

“Nothing,” Ten replied.

“Is my outfit ready?” Thiago asked suddenly, standing after shutting the screen down.

“More than ready,” Eleven nodded.

—

[Roxy’s Art Skyscraper]

“Elmira isn’t here?” Zendaya asked, looking around when she entered Roxy’s main office.

“Nope, thought she was with you. I’ve been trying her line but she ain’t picking.” Roxy replied from where she’s rolling weed at.

“I tested her, and she said she was gonna be here.” Zendaya lifted her shoulders slightly.

“We only have to wait,” Roxy shrugged too.

“What’s up with the discussion with your Macau patron? Did he agree to deal with Stacy?” Zendaya asked.

“I swear, that girl is on to something I don’t know, cos tell me why Kazuma told me to not touch her?” Roxy stood, looking dead serious.

“Did you just say Kazuma? The Japanese mafia?” Zendaya gasped.

“I only just heard his name yesterday from Madame Morano,” Roxy nodded.

“The Italian businesswoman? Girl, all kind of big shots come here. What are you? Their mascot?” Zendaya blinked again.

“In fact, Kazuma is still here. He wants to receive visitors at the second call, and he specifically told me to wait.” Roxy said.

“What the—”

Zendaya was still talking when a Japanese guard entered.

“Boss wants you both to come serve at the table,” he reported.

“Me? Serve? Is that a joke” Zendaya scoffed.

“Do you know what that means? Do you know how many people are looking to serve for him? He’s gonna grant you a wish, bîtch! You better not lose this damn opportunity!” Roxy tipped and left with the guard.

Reluctantly, Zendaya followed…to the second room on that floor.

The Japanese meals have already been wheeled in, they only have to set the lacquered table, so…

They got to work.

In just fifteen minutes, they were done. The table gleamed beneath warm lantern light, showcasing an extravagant spread of Japanese cuisine arranged meticulously.

Sashimi glistening on crushed ice, perfectly crafted sushi, beef, and steaming bowls of miso soup.

At its center stood a golden tower of tempura, surrounded by glazed eel and bento boxes, while delicate dishes of soy sauce and fresh wasabi added refined detail.

Even the embellished chopsticks spoke of luxury, and the entire setting radiated elegance, wealth.

They stepped away from the table, and a wave of power blasted the room when Kazuma made his entry with his first visitor behind him.

When Zendaya saw Thiago, she froze.

Why is Thiago here???

Even Roxy froze.

It’s the first time she’s be seeing Kazuma’s face!

He’s really as scary as they say with the scattered white beards and deeply seated eyes with unique nose. Fedora hat, black coat which smells of more tobacco than perfume.

He has no expression.

Thiago is in a moderately loose black shirt and brown slacks which sculpted out his long legs.

His shirt sleeves are rolled to his elbows, and he’s not even looking at any of the ladies as he settled across Kazuma on the table.

“I could have postponed our meeting when you called me, yunno?” Kazuma said casually, relaxing on his chair like he owns this place.

“Why is that?” Thiago gave him a muted stare.

“Cos I’ll be receiving another set of visitors here too, right now. But I’m a busy man, I don’t have that much time on my hands, so I scheduled the meeting together. They should be here any moment from—”

His sentence was cut when the guards opened the door, and the other two visitors stepped in.

Jeremy in a dark blue shirt and brown slacks, slick-back hair.

Stacy in a silk dress which hugged her little hips, defined her waist, then poured down her legs, but not long enough to cover her shinny heels. Minimal makeup, small shinny purse on her right hand while her left arm hung on Jeremy’s arm.

Her hair was styled to fall on one shoulder, and as they walked in with connected arms, Roxy and Zendaya gasped once again, welcoming another shock in their bones.

Did they just set a table for…

Stacy???

What!!??

Stacy and Jeremy acted like Thiago doesn’t exist as they sat beside each other on the other side of the table not far from Kazuma.

Thiago?

He’s already picking his chopsticks, ready to eat. He’s not even looking up at the people who just entered.

“I hope we can all eat in harmony before any discussion. I had my maids prepare the Japanese delicacies to be as delectable as possible.” Kazuma said.

“Thank you, sir.” Stacy smiled at him.

“Stacy Montana?” Kazuma nodded at her. “I hope you enjoy it.”

“I will,” she smiled.

Jeremy picked his chopsticks too, and Stacy unwrapped hers.

On the other side of the table, Thiago is already eating. He was once a lover of chopsticks, so it was easy for him to use, but he’s eating every dish on the table except the beef.

Noticing that, Kazuma lifted the beef dish. “You should try this too, Thiago. Our beef is so damn tender it melts on the tongue.”

He wanted to stretch the dish to him across the table, but his hand was held, and he looked beside him to see the holder is Stacy.

“Stacy Montana?” His forehead pulsed slowly.

“He doesn’t eat meat,” she said, pointedly.

TBC.