I furiously trudged down the path leading to the Santorini's backyard, fuming inside. I didn't even bother waiting for Alex cause I felt he was against my decision, though he kept his mouth shut. But that's not really the reason. That anger inside my chest keeps building up and I don't know how long I can hold it back. I don't want him to be the receiving end of my uncontrolled anger. And why Claire is on me because of him, yet again, I don't want to regret later on if I said something that would hurt him, and me at the end.

I felt a little pain on my backside due to that fall, but it's nothing compared to the anger I felt for the person I thought who care so much about me. I quickly released my teeth after clamping it so hard, I didn't even realize.

Ugh, Claire! If you think you can drag me down, then you are clearly a dumb dumb!

I have lowered my standards of getting friends, thinking they can be trusted, but what a bunch of lying bitches.

I sneaked inside the mansion successfully without getting dad's or his friends' attention, or perhaps they saw me but I wasn't looking at them as I headed straight inside without bothering to throw a glance at their directions. My mind still reeling on Claire and Tabitha.

I met with one of the staffs. With so many of them, hard to keep track of their names.

"Ms. Valiente!" A young lady of mid twenties stopped in front of me, her head tilt slightly forward, acknowledging me. Her curly black hair was neatly tied in a bun. Her smile is as bright as her face.

I nod my head back, returning her a small smile. "What's your name?" I asked.

"Skylar, Ma'am," she replied shyly as she dropped her eyes to the floor. Her eyes trained on the floor.

"Bell," I corrected. She looked up looking confused. "Call me Bell," I repeated.

She nodded her head, an embarrassed smile crept out of her cute face. "Would you mind showing me the way to any telephone available?" I asked.

I need to call Sid. I need him to pick me up.

"Sure, Ms. Valiente," she replied. Her warm brown eyes twinkled with innocent happiness.

I followed her to the kitchen, passing a few doors down. As soon as we walked into the busy room, the delicious smell of food assaulted my nose. My stomach made a growling sound in response. I realized I skipped lunch. I ignored the tempting aroma of whatever is in the two big pots. The room feels hotter too.

Everyone was frozen very briefly when they noticed my presence. And followed by bright smile plastered on their faces; a welcoming smile.

I smiled to no one particularly.

My eyes darted to the lady that's approaching. The thudding sounds of knife meeting the cutting board filled the room once again, interwoven with the sound of the ventilated fan. The smell of food and fresh herbs is like teasing my belly as the time passes by. I could hear it calling for my attention, and I'm glad that the noise coming from the vent drowned it out.

Mrs. Simon, the lady that runs the Santorini's house has a very bright and warm smile as she walked towards us. On her hands were some bottles I'm not familiar with, coming from the pantry room.

I suddenly felt a warm sensations creeping to my cheeks and rushing down below my belly. My whole body suddenly felt tingling as I remember Alex's demanding kisses in that room.

"What does Ms. Valiente need, Sky?"

"Clara Bell," she smiled at me, her eyes twinkled with adoration. "What can I help you with, Clara Bell?" she asked.

I quickly shook the thoughts off and faced Mrs. Simon, trying to tamp down that heat that rushing to my cheeks. Chubby, not so short lady with a warm color. Her face is warm and inviting. She has the most contagious smile I've ever seen.

I was smiling back at her.

"She asked for the phone, Ms. Simon." Skylar replied with such vigor before I could respond.

"Sure. Lead her, Sky. I'm just gonna make sure everything is in order here," she said but smiling at me. "I apologize, Clara Bell," she smiled apologetically at me.

I waved my hand. "No, I apologize for interrupting everyone, Mrs. Simon," I replied.

She shook her head, still smiling. "Nonsense."

"I better make this call. Nice to see you again, Mrs. Simon," I smiled at her and she nodded her head before turning back to her post and I, followed Skylar heading to where Mrs. Simon came from.

The phone was mounted on the wall, the wall that connected between the pantry and the kitchen. An average size table with two brown ledgers, an iPad on top of the ledgers. Folder holders was placed next to the ledgers and a pen holder.

There is also a bulletin before the telephone, where they posted what it looks like recipes and grocery lists.

"Thank you, Sky!" I said to the girl before she turned on her back and walked away.

I dialled Sid's number and he connected it right away.

"Hello!"

"It's Clara Bell," I said. "Can—"

"What's going on? I've been calling you. Dad is out of reach too," Sid complained cutting me off.

My face crumpled with annoyance.

"He borrowed my phone this morning, I left it with him before I came here with Alex. I totally forgot all about it after all this happening today. Reason I'm calling with the Santorini's line," I responded. "Can you come pick me up? Like right now."

"I'm actually on my way there. Mom called, she's also worried dad's not answering his phone. I'm just at the corner of their street. Be there soon."

"Thanks."

The line went dead. I put the phone back on its cradle mounted on the wall and eyes wandered across the room. I saw Sky is already busy helping out. I left the room unnoticed. I decided to take the shortcut to the pantry room and come out to the other door where Alex and I had entered.

I felt my cheeks getting hotter as I recalled that short rendezvous. My heart started to flutter, and I felt that strange yet familiar sensations in the pit of my stomach.

As I entered the pantry room, I was welcome with different aromas of herbs, and I ignored my belly seeking attention. I noticed the light in the pantry is brighter which is easier for me to find the door. I passed by shelvings upon shelvings before a table where GP sat unnoticed awhile back, and then I strode towards the door eager to leave the room. I reached for the door and grabbed the lever handle to open. Before I opened it, my eyes unconsciously rest on the wall where I was pinned defenseless and wanton.

I felt my body getting hotter and tingly as the scene played in my head. Alex demanding tongue exploring my mouth, dancing with mine and parring for dominance. His warm, rough palms outlining my curve, stroking it. Warm sensations spread throughout my body and pooled at the lower part of my belly. I felt that strange ache, throbbing desire of pressure building just between my thighs. Familiar tingling sensations burst and coursing down between my thighs, and then I felt a warm liquid seeping through my...

Oh shit! What is that?

I quickly shook the thoughts off and squeeze my thighs tighter trying to stop it before I wet my pants, but I felt it. My thong is definitely wet. And I'm hot and bothered.

I am so embarrassed of myself.

What's wrong with me?

I'm not thinking about it!

I'm not thinking about it!

I chanted in my head like a soul who lost her sanity. I quickly pulled myself together. Giving both cheeks a slap, hoping to knock some sense into my muddled brain. I let out that breath I didn't know I was holding. I just realized my heart was beating so fast, it's all I could hear.

I can't believe I'm becoming a wanton. I've never experienced it yet I felt like my body is so familiar with it. Deny it or not, my body wanted to be touch by him, badly.

No! The sensible part of my mind opposed.

At least let him initiate it first.

Yes. Let's wait Clara Bell.

Looking away avoiding that memorable wall and calmed my nerves before yanking the door open.

I strode out, closing the door behind me and headed towards the front door. I heard rushing pounding footstep heading to my direction. I don't have to guess who is it. And then another rushing footsteps behind me. And that had piqued my curiosity. I was hoping it was my father so I don't have to go back to the loggia and hear his friend's green jokes and cheesy banters. Yes, I love them all but they always talked about how they love their wives. They just can't accept the fact that they are wrapped around their wives' dainty finger.

I stopped and turned to come face to face with Alex. His forehead scrunched up as he obliviously strode down the hall without a care on his scrunched up face. He looked distracted, a worried look marred on his handsome face.

He stopped on his track as soon as he noticed me standing a few inches away. He almost collided against me.

Truly his mind was occupied. I wonder what was it?

"I've been looking for you," came his tender yet worried voice. His rigid shoulders relaxed as he stepped closer to me. My heart then again made that familiar fast beating.

I met his eyes and the time stopped. My breath hitched and I forgot that my brother was approaching and the hallway dispersed from my side view. All that I see is his handsome face. A face I realized I want to spend my life with.

"I was looking for you too!" Sid's deep and cold tone broke the spell that had surrounded me. I absentmindedly shook my head trying to come back to reality before Sid would torment me with his amazing way of instigating.

I love him and I know he loves me to death, but we don't get along. Well because he's a crap for brains, most times.

I turned to say hello to him when he suddenly pulled me into his strong arms and held me tight against his chest.

My face scrunched up.

What's going on with him?

"Alex," I heard him said and I pulled away still bewildered of his actions.

"Are you okay?" he asked before I could say the words.

"Yes. I am!" I replied still eyeing him with suspicion.

"Are you okay?" I asked, brows furrowing.

His lips pulled in tightly as he avoided my eyes.

"Where's dad?" he asked instead, looking over my shoulder, eyes resting on Alex.

I narrowed my eyes at him when he briefly met mine. He didn't budged. I should have known that my brothers never taken my anger or Alexandria seriously.

Alex answered behind me. "He's at the loggia, with his friends."

"I need to talk to him," and before I could spat at him for hiding something from me, he's already walking side by side with Alex while I was trailing behind them.

Alex occasionally turn his head to look at me then he would slow down his steps.

"What are they celebrating?" I heard Sid asked. His tone a little frustrated.

I was raging mad as I tried to catch up with them. Sid briefly looked at Alex but he continued walking in long strides with purpose.

I just gave Alex a brief look as I stood next to him. My lower back now is hurting me a bit. I unconsciously winced when I felt a slightly pinch on my lower back bone.

Alex saw it. "Are you okay, babe?" he asked in his tender voice.

His hand rested on my upper back. I met his soft eyes, worries etched all over his face.

"We should at least get you check. Maybe somewhere hurt badly. You may not feel it right now," Alex said and I just nodded absentmindedly. My mind is on my brother who was about to disappear into another foyer leading to the loggia.

"Sid Vladimir!!" I screeched.

Sid stopped on his track and turned to face me. At this moment, my chest feels like it's going to explode. Hands curled into a tight fist.

I gave Alex apologetic look. His eyes crinkled into somewhat a smile. He's amused because this is the first time I lost my temper in front of him.

I shifted my eyes to my brother who was walking back to my direction.

Eyes narrowed as I spoke in a clipped tone. "What is going on?" You tell me!" I demanded grimly. I've never uses them any angry tone, but today, I've been feeling so many emotions, I feel like I'm my chest gonna burst.

He looked at Alex, avoiding mine.

"Sid!" I hissed.

He turned his eyes to me. Lips pressing together and he smiled but it came out as a grimace.

I cocked my head to the side, eyebrows cocking up, gauging him to speak. Gaze like knife grinding on a wet stone gradually sharpening, and as the seconds ticks, my gaze could cut a stone.

My teeth clamped tightly as I waited with less and less patience.

He scratched his neck and then he softly shook his head.

UGH!!! I screamed in my head, razor-sharp eyes narrowing at him. And what is more aggravating is that he didn't show at least a tiny fear. He just stared at me like a fragile porcelain doll.

Losing myself in front of him won't help. So I forcefully drew in a slow, steady breaths. "Sid, please! I know it concerns me. And I'm..." my voice cracked as a new wave of anger coursed through me. I gulped hard, teeth clamped as I stave off that growing frustrations and anger. With a clipped tone, "I'm an adult now, if you guys forget it."

Sid looked a little remorseful but that didn't make him cave in. "I meant to talk to dad first. I don't wanna break my promises, Clara Bell. I promised mom. Can you at least wait for a bit?" His face softened and his shoulders sagged down.

Defeated, he let out a long lungful of air.

He tilted his head back as he looked skyward, then tilted it back straight and met my eyes. He let out a dejected sigh. His hard features softened and it reminded me of a lost puppy and it's not fair.

"No, no, no! Don't pull that looks on me!" I shook my head furiously, holding back the urge to stomp my foot like a petulant kid.

"What's going on?" Dad's voice resonated in my ears and my head snapped to his direction, missing Sid's sly grin.

What a timing and dad had to show up.

"Dad!" Sid approached dad with a haste. My legs instinctively moved and followed him. Alex followed behind me.

"We have a problem," Sid said causing my whole system to freeze. I felt Alex next to me but my eyes was trained on Sid. Dad just briefly glanced at me before he moved it to Alex, then back to Sid. Sid was almost panting.

The suspense is killing me.

"What/What!!" Dad and I chorused.

"Mom found the necklace with the pendant that worth 3 million dollars."

My heart stopped momentarily, my head hurt. How in the hell I didn't know.

"WHAT?!" Dad exclaimed, his face turned grim.

"Shit!" I heard Alex exclaimed.

"That 's why she's trying to call you—"

"My phone is dead. I left it charging in Gio's office," dad replied cutting Sid's words. He quickly strode towards the library and I followed. Sid walked next to him heading to the same direction as they talk and dad.

"Dad, there's a bigger problem," Sid stated trying to get his father's full attention. Dad was walking purposefully with half attention of what Sid was talking about.

"What is it?" I insisted taking long strides trying to catch up with them.

Sid just gave me a brisk stare then, then back to dad. He wrapped his hand around dad's forearm causing dad to stop and stared at Sid with a tight lip and grim face. When Sid was sure he got dad's full attention, he continued explaining.

"Dad, when mom found the necklace, the Police with a search warrant came knocking at the door. Bell's cleaner, Mercy opened the door and the police barged in before Mercy could notify mom. They saw it on mom's hands before she could hide it."

Dad's face turned pale. He was out of words for a while. His eyes bored into me and I saw the fear in his eyes.

"It was Tamera Dominguez!" Alex's said with a steely voice. We all turned to face him. His face is as grim as the two men I adored.

Dad looked at him, lost. The same expression as Sid. I on the other hand was shocked. My mouth agape in incredulity.

Yes, she was there but just briefly. Tammy is my makeup artist and wherever shooting I go, Tammy is with me. But during that day, she did my make up briefly at the Ratskin's living room but she didn't stayed as far as I remember.

"How? Why would she do that?" Dad's found his tongue and stared at Alex with dubiety. The same question that was racing in my mind.

"If you can remember that suit you filed against the Longshoreman team in Santander Port—"

"That was ages ago, I just met their mom," Dad replied without letting Alex finish his sentences as he gave us a brief glances. "And I dropped the charges as far as I can remember and even paid them their severance pay after they robbed me," dad spat drifting his eyes back to Alex.

"One of them was Tamera Dominguez's father, Mariano Santos," Alex said.

Dad was silent for a while, his bushy brows are knitted together as he stared right through Alex's face. He was in deep thought.

His face lit up. "Yes. I remember him. He came a day after he got his severance pay asking for his job back." Dad recalled, shaking his head.

"He wanted the job because Mr. Santos was alone raising his three kids. His wife died when his youngest daughter was just a month old of eclampsia. And Mr. Santos," Alex paused of what seems a few seconds but it felt like hours to me as we all waited with anticipation his next words. " He spent his days drinking alcohol, forgotten his children. And he died of heart attack on his bed a few weeks after you fired him."

Alex stared at my dad, waiting for any reaction but my father was too stunned and probably still processing the news so Alex continued. "And then a few months later, his second son; who was on his last year of of University, but since the father cannot pay his last semester, he tried to sell cocaine and he was caught. And he commit suicide before he goes to jail. Tamera had a hard time raising her sister alone. And then her sister fell into depression. And a few years later, she was hit by a car. It was hit and run. Tamera was left alone. Then she moved here to New York and changed her name to Tamera, Dominguez. Here real name is Maria Corazon Santos. She took her mother's last name, Dominguez."

My shoulders sagged at the sudden revelation. My heart ached for Tammy. I feel bad for her, but I'm also angry at the thought of her setting me up. But then, we don't know if she really did it.

Still, I have no clue why would she do this to me incase she did it. I never thought she could do it. She was so sweet. Like she couldn't hurt even a fly.

"But she's a few years older than me?" I said, confused.

Alex answered briefly. "She was born on Jan 5, 1972."

"She lied about her age." The thought of all these people surrounded me, lied and played me a fool left me fuming inside. A burning anger wanted to get freed.

"Tragedy after tragedy. She's definitely here to get a revenge," Sid commented.

Sid was right, and Tammy changing her name, lying about her age, what is her true intention? But then, I can't also just look over what Tabitha and Claire did to me. Especially Claire, she played me with her hand.

"What about Claire and Tabitha?" I asked.