4:10 pm

Stefan's Manor

O L L I E

Stefan was true to his words. He toured me inside The Phantom's headquarters. The entire area was huge and I was blown away by the number of high-tech machines and equipment. I can tell at first glance that they were very expensive. There were others who are developing new advancements in spy cameras and spy mics.

You might think that The Phantom is like any security company, but the real HQ is underground. According to Trevor, the HQ has three areas. The main area consisted of a kitchen, entertainment area, living space, and rooms for the agents.

The left wing is where Devon trains his men with close combat and long-range tactics. It's also where they try newly-developed weapons and gadgets. Aside from that, Devon has a private office where he can create and develop security devices and software that will strengthen the security of Stefan's estate.

The right-wing is Trevor's domain. His team of ten members manages the flow of information. Trevor even let me see additional pieces of evidence that we will use against Elena.

After the tour, both Stefan and I snuggled in the gazebo. I am straddled on his lap, my head was resting on his chest. His left hand was rubbing soothing circles on my back while his right was squeezing my thigh. "Baby, did you have a good time?"

I nodded and inhaled his manly scent that never fails to make my head spin. "The HQ is so awesome, Stef. It was incredible," I giggled and he hummed.

All of a sudden, I felt him tense up. I sat straight and examined his expression. "Is something wrong?" My hand caressed his cheeks and he closed his eyes.

He glanced at me hesitantly and sighed. "How would you feel if someone so close to you lied, causing you to get hurt?"

I scrunched my face and stared at him in confusion. "Hmm... it depends on the gravity of the situation. Did you lie to me?"

He shook his head furiously and I nodded. We promised that we would be honest with each other so I trust him. I slid my hand around his nape and gently massaged it.

He closed his eyes for a bit and when he opened them again, I can see the worry swirling in those green orbs. "Baby... it's so hard, and I'm so mad," he muttered and buried his face in my neck, then wrapped his arms around me. I sucked a breath when I felt a warm liquid trickle on my neck as he gasped in shallow pants.

Something inside me broke when I heard how crushed and heartbroken he was. My throat clamped and I bit my lips to stop my tears. Why is he crying? Who hurt him? Who hurt my precious daddy?

I clenched my teeth and embraced him protectively. I won't forgive anyone who hurts Stefan. No one gets away with hurting someone I love; even if it's a relative of mine.

****

Bedroom

9:15 pm

Stefan's Manor

Stefan was in his office when someone knocked on the door. I had just finished my shower. We had a very enjoyable dinner. Jesse was excitedly sharing stories that made us laugh and also embarrassed. God, my BFF is naughty.

Trevor had to drag him upstairs for oversharing, while Anna and I snickered when Jesse fluttered his eyes at Trevor and Trevor almost gave in.

When I opened the door, I saw my grandparents. I smiled at them and hugged them. "Grandma, Grandpa. Come inside. Stef is at his office with Trevor and Devon, doing last-minute checks for the succession ceremony." They both nodded and sat down on the loveseats, while I settled on our bed. "It's been so long since we've been together! I missed you both, so much!"

Elizabeth smiled. "We missed you too, Olive. You don't know how much."

Roman nodded and but his eyes were not as cheerful anymore. I climbed down from the bed and approached grandpa. "Grandpa, are you alright? Is this about what happened to me and my parents?"

He flinched and that confirmed my suspicions. I thought so. Grandpa is still bothered that he wasn't here for mom and dad, and he wasn't able to take care of me. "Grandpa, I told you, it wasn't your fault. These are things that we can't--"

"Yes, it was." I was taken aback at his reply and my brows drew together as confusion slowly filled my expression.

"What do you mean?" He took a shaky breath and I can see the struggle in his eyes. There was something about his nervous gaze and the way he shifted uncomfortably in his position that caused my chest to thump nervously. He opened his mouth and slowly divulged everything.

He told me the real reason why they weren't able to return; about Grandma's health condition; about the call he got from Dad and his investigation; that they knew about my harassment and that Marc was guarding me; and about how he handled the corporate spies among the branches of the empire.

By the time his story was over, I felt numb and drained. It was as if an invisible force sucked all of my energy as I slowly managed to sit on the foot of the bed. Revelations kept on coming and if this continued, I will go insane. There's so much I can process, and I know my limits. My body ran cold and cold sweat poured on my temples as my mind tried to keep up with the fact that my own family betrayed me. My family, that I'm willing to give up my life for, betrayed me and left me in the dark.

"Olive, please forgive me. I should've chosen a better way..." Roman tried to approach me but I held up my hand.

I squeezed my eyes shut and clutched my chest when I felt a prickling pain. My head felt lighter, my ears rang, and my breathing turned heavy. I tried to control my breaths but they came out as shallow gasps. My lungs constricted and the pain in my chest intensified. I am hyperventilating.

As I tried to catch my breath, I started to feel woozy. I can feel myself being dragged into the deep, cold abyss.

Scary. Difficult. Painful. However, it's silent. Eerily silent, but at least, no one will disturb me and lie to me. I prefer to be dragged into the depths of my mind and stay there. That was until Stefan's face flashed in my mind. I recalled how he broke down earlier. I can feel his hurt through his muffled sobs and the way he held onto me. His newly-bandaged knuckles did not escape my sharp gaze too. That was when the dots connected, and the realization crushed me.

I let the tears roll down my cheeks, hoping that they will wash away the heartbreak and the betrayal. More than that, I couldn't help but feel for Stefan. He was crying for me. He was hurting because of me. I was the reason for his pain. I caused him pain again. How many times should I hurt him before I had enough? Until he's broken like me?

A new wave of anxiety hit me like a bulldozer, crushing me to pieces. "S-Stef... get me Stef." With my trembling hands, I pointed to the emergency button on the wall near the door.

Elizabeth ran for it and pushed the button. Grandpa was at a loss for what to do, as he stared at me in panic. In just a minute, Stefan bursts inside carrying an oxygen mask and a portable oxygen concentrator and slipped them on me. I couldn't make out his expression because of my blurry vision, but I can hear his heavy pants. My sweet daddy ran here to get to me.

"Baby... follow my breathing, okay?" I nodded weakly and I managed to notice how worried he was; how scared he was through his strained voice. I followed his instructions to ease his worries. I inhaled deeply and felt my lungs expand. I did that a few more times until my breathing became steady. I removed the mask and took another deep breath.

When I felt relaxed, Stefan enclosed me in his warm embrace and I savored every minute of it. I slid my arms around his waist and felt his warmth and comfort. He cupped my cheeks and scanned my face with a deep frown. I smiled weakly and gave him a peck on his chin. "I'm alright now, daddy bear. My breathing has stabilized. No need to worry."

He nodded and kissed my temples, relieved that I was okay now. "What happened? Why did you suffer another anxiety attack?" I glanced at my grandparents who seemed to be worried to death, and when Stefan followed my gaze, he nodded.

He licked his lips for moisture and stroked my cheeks. "I understand. I'll give you some privacy but I won't be far. I'll wait by the door--'

"No!" I strongly protested and grabbed his hands. Stefan blinked and squeezed my hands in return, then sat beside me. I turned to my grandparents but averted my gaze right away. I feel so betrayed. Even if they did it for my sake, it felt nothing like it. In the end, they hurt me and those few months of terror won't be soothed by their cheap-ass rationalizations.

What was at the forefront were anger and hatred, and before I do something I would regret, I should cool my head first. No good decision can come from being overwhelmed by emotions. "Grandma, grandpa." Their expression lit up when I called them, only to be disappointed when I asked them to leave first. "I need to think first. I want to digest everything you revealed."

They nodded weakly and smiled apologetically. "We're sorry, Oliver." Elizabeth approached me and kissed the top of my head, while Roman hugged me briefly.

"I will accept everything, Olive. I will be here -- no. We will be here for you from now on." I just gave him a short nod because I can't trust myself and my present mental state: it's easy to hurt someone when you're mad.

They're still my grandparents and I love them, but what they told me was a bitter pill to swallow. In the end, Stefan was dragged into my mess and my sweet daddy got hurt. He shed tears for my pain.

Hearing the door closed, my lips trembled as I tried to keep the tears at bay. Seeing this, Stefan gathered me in his arms and the warmth and affection he provided got me sobbing softly. Everything hurts. My heart, my head, my body, and my soul.

I settled in the comfort of his body heat and his strong muscles. Despite everything, this is where I feel safe. Stefan makes me feel safe. I don't think I have the courage to leave him ever. We will just both hurt ourselves.

"Baby... I know how your mind works. I won't let you go so stop overthinking." I was startled by his sudden words. He really knows me. I should've expected this of Stefan.

Instead of answering, I tightened my hold around his neck and pressed my body closer to him, placing a soft kiss on his neck. He flinched and hissed, then tightened his grip on me, afraid that if he loosened his hold, I might disappear. "I love you so much, daddy bear," I whispered and lifted my head. His eyes met mine and the intensity of his gaze sent a delicious shiver to my nerve endings.

"I love you more, my baby," he said in a tone full of affection. My heart skipped a beat when he breathed heavily and stared at my lips hungrily. "Can I kiss you?" I was surprised that he asked, then I remembered our current arrangement. He is still in the courting phase of our relationship, but who cares? We love each other anyway.

I bit my lip and fluttered my lashes, then nodded. I heard a low growl of pleasure rumbling from the depths of Stefan's chest, and in one fluid motion, my back hit the soft mattress, his hands on the sides of my head while his knees are on the sides of my thighs.

His strong body trapped mine with no way out. As if I would escape this hunk of a man.

"Baby, you are so sexy," he said hoarsely, raking a bold stare over my whole body.

It so happened that I am wearing snug, cotton shorts, and Stefan's white shirt. I just feel comfy wearing his clothes and being enveloped by his manly scent. It makes me heady and aroused, but at the same time, it brings me comfort.

Every part of my nerves tingled when he leaned down and claimed my lips for a slow, drugging kiss. I opened my mouth to accept him and though it frustrates me how he kissed me like I'm a fragile gem, I love the feel of his lips on mine. The way his tongue moves and caresses the recesses of my mouth, how his gentle lips transport me to another world-- it was so overwhelming and heart-throbbing that I almost burst into tears, again.

When we finally broke the mind-blowing kiss, he pressed his lips on the tip of my nose. "I love you, Oliver. I will make sure that you are happy and safe in my arms," he sincerely vowed, his green eyes glassy and vulnerable as he let his emotions in the open. My throat tightened and I let out a soft gasp when my eyes burned.

Fuck, I'm about to cry again. Don't cry, Ollie. Fuck it, don't you cry. I swallowed the lump in my throat and smiled shakily. "You want me to say yes, don't you?"

He was dumbfounded for a second, and when he got what I was talking about, he exploded into laughter. He buried his face in my neck, still laughing and wheezing, while I just smiled and ran my fingers through his hair and the other on his back.

"Is it a yes, baby boy?" He asked boldly and now it's my turn to laugh. He also chuckled and hugged me tightly.

I just hummed and smiled. "We'll see, daddy bear. We'll see." He groaned and buried his face in my neck. He kissed the hollow of my throat and laid beside me, then have me flushed against his hard frame. I reached for his face and kissed him softly, a smile forming on his lips.

I prefer Stefan like this. Smiling and laughing. Happy. I promise to not bring him grief and sorrow, but oh, how naive I was to think that the world was that kind. Promises are made to be broken, and I will realize that my vow was not an exception. I will learn that lesson later on.

****

Day of the Succession

5:45 am

Stefan's Office,

Stefan's Manor

S T E F A N

Trevor, Devon, and I were doing more last-minute checks to make sure that all papers and documents are nearly prepared and not a single one was out of place.

Later at ten, Oliver will formally inherit his fortune. Last night, I panicked and fear kicked through me when I heard the emergency alarm; that only meant one thing.

Oliver was having an attack. I installed a different alarm for when someone breaks in, which is kind of impossible and just plain stupidity since they would be signing their death warrant if they attempted to cross me, and an alarm for when Oliver is having an attack.

I hastily grabbed the portable oxygen concentrator and his mask and ran to our room in a flash. I was so worried and scared that I didn't notice Elizabeth and Roman in our room. What matters that time was Oliver and making sure that he was alright.

Thankfully, his hyperventilation subsided and he was able to finally relax. When I took in my surroundings, I saw Roman and the remorse in his expression was enough for me to understand what happened.

Thank goodness he did not cower. It was better to tell Oliver earlier than later. I don't want Oliver to suffer longer. By now, my baby should have probably realized my emotional outburst in the gazebo and the reason why my knuckles are bandaged thicker than necessary.

I'm still mad at Roman, especially. He hurt Oliver intentionally just so he can follow the fucking plan. I want to say fuck the plan and capture Elena right away. After all, we have found our evidence is solid, but the problem is that we are very far along. Straying away from the plan would render Oliver's suffering useless. If the plan will ensure that Elena will not escape her punishments, then I will follow through.

****

Day of the Succession

9:45 am

Private Conference Room

Alexandrei Tower,

Los Angeles, CA

We are currently inside a private conference room in one of the buildings owned by my family. When I say private, it meant that is soundproof, the entire area was checked for some bugs and wiretapping devices, and no one can enter except the people involved.

The room has twelve seats, which will be enough because we have eight guests in total; Roman and Elizabeth included.

Before the accident, Izen and Mara secretly distributed their shares to these guests, which turned out to be the controllers of the empire and helped Roman get the empire on its feet. These controllers consisted of lawyers, economic managers, political advisers, and business managers. They kept the company standing when Izen and Mara died. Overall, they hold 49% of the stocks.

Oliver is seated on the upper right side of the table, while I am standing on his side. My baby looked gorgeous and at the same time, tough, with his Armani dress suit. He was currently reading the documents related to the branches of the empire and what kind of business each branch handles.

I am quite impressed. As a CEO, handling several branches of different businesses is challenging. You need trustworthy, efficient, and loyal individuals that will act as the controller per branch.

Devon and Trevor are outside, guarding and securing the door. Devon's team was deployed all over the building, and Oliver's guards, with the help of Devon's men, were in charge of guarding the controllers and making sure that they arrive here safely. Oliver's guards arrived with Elizabeth and Roman and the protective unit immediately returned to their initial mission: to protect Oliver.

Trevor's team is in charge of monitoring security cameras in and out of the tower and his team serves as lookouts in case something unexpected happens.

In just ten minutes, the controllers arrived with Oliver's grandparents. Roman and Elizabeth greeted Oliver but my baby just nodded to acknowledge their presence and went back to what he was reading. I reached out for his left hand and squeezed it. I want him to know that I will never leave his side. I was then rewarded with a soft smile when he glanced at me.

"I'm okay, daddy bear. Don't worry."

I nodded and did not argue with him. I scanned around the room and nodded to the controllers. The Asian branch has two controllers: Ariadne Chang and Lisandro Mondragon. The European branch has three: Eryk Adamson, Nina Cardona, and Leon Martins. The American branch has also three controllers: Ryce Johnson, Alexandra Davids, and Lawrence Smith.

While Elizabeth and Roman Ainsworth managed the headquarters, which is located in England. Roman mentioned in passing that it was particularly hard to man the HQ when he was in New Zealand. He preferred working in the company rather than do business virtually.

In no time, the meeting started. The first part of the meeting was to introduce what each branch handles.

The Asian branch is dealing with the exportation of raw materials used by famous perfume makers around the world. Aside from that, the branch also delves into cosmetics and skin and hair products which made them popular and established the Ainsworth products as a household name. As of 2018, the annual profit of the branch amounts to 5.6 billion USD.

That's a lot of money. Makes you think how great these managers are. Roman and Izen hired impressive people. I glanced at Roman and rolled my eyes when I saw his subtle smug expression. I could learn a lot from this old man.

The European branch is into the shipping and airline industries. A whopping 3.7 billion dollars was reported to be their profit last 2018. Not bad. That's good management.

Lastly, the American branch monopolizes the steel industries here in the United States. The branch is Dad's supplier for his auto industry. The branch recorded a 4.9 billion USD in profit.