Fashion Show Ruckus

At the Innovare Headquarters, Marie sat at her desk, her eyelids heavy with fatigue after a long day of reports and paperwork. The office was quiet, and the soft hum of the computer was the only sound breaking the silence. Marie closed her eyes, trying to stave off the exhaustion, when Amy breezed into the room with a bright smile that seemed to light up the space.

"Marie, I have some exciting news!" Amy announced, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm.

Marie opened her eyes, squinting slightly. "What's up, Amy?"

"I asked Mom if you could join me for the Fashion Show tonight," Amy said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "She agreed, so I'm thrilled to have you there with me."

Marie raised an eyebrow. "But what about the tasks assigned to me? I have quite a bit to finish."

"The Fashion Show is just for one night," Amy insisted, her tone reassuring. "You can handle the tasks tomorrow. It's a chance to unwind and enjoy a bit of glamour."

Marie hesitated, her professional mindset struggling against the allure of the evening event. "If you say so," she finally relented, her curiosity piqued by Amy's enthusiasm.

"Oh, and I heard Brian will be there since Vanessa is one of the models," Amy added with a mischievous grin. "I'm sure she'll cause quite a scene."

Marie's lips twitched into a small smile. "Sounds like it'll be quite an evening."

Later that night, the lobby of the upscale hotel was abuzz with excitement. The chandeliers cast a warm, golden light over the elegantly dressed guests as they mingled and admired the opulent surroundings. Marie arrived, her eyes scanning the crowd for Amy, who was already waiting in the lounge area.

"You're just in time," Amy greeted her as Marie approached. She then turned her attention to a pair of figures making their way toward them. A tall, muscular man and a slender woman, both exuding an aura of confidence, approached with smiles.

"Ryoma, Rio!" Amy exclaimed, her face lighting up. "It's great to see you both here!"

"Aside from Rio and Gou handling things here, we're also here to support you, Amy," Ryoma said warmly, placing a hand on his cousin's shoulder.

"Now you're making me nervous," Amy replied with a nervous chuckle.

"Don't worry," Rio said soothingly. "I'll be right behind you during the show."

"Amy, Marie!" A cheerful voice called out from a short distance. Kagura, a lively young girl with an effervescent personality, bounded over and embraced Marie.

"Kagura!" Marie greeted, returning the hug with a genuine smile.

"Let's head to the holding area so we can rehearse before the show starts," Amy suggested, leading Kagura and Rio toward the backstage area. Marie and Ryoma remained in the lobby, where they continued their conversation.

"So, how's everything going with you?" Ryoma asked, leaning casually against a nearby pillar.

"Everything's fine," Marie said, trying to sound upbeat despite her lingering thoughts. "Just handling the usual workload."

"It's been a while since we last saw each other," Rio interjected, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. "Ryoma and I have been busy with the Intelligence unit and our roles at the Marino Corporation."

Their conversation was interrupted when Jasmine arrived in the lobby, accompanied by Rafael and their sisters, Kyoko and Rina. Jasmine's authoritative presence commanded immediate respect, while Rafael's casual demeanor contrasted sharply with his sisters' more intense attitudes.

"Marie, where's Amy?" Jasmine asked, her eyes scanning the room.

"She's already in the makeup room, Ma'am," Marie responded.

"I assume everyone's getting ready for the show," Rafael remarked, glancing around.

Eugene arrived shortly after, accompanied by his wife Casey. "Has the show started yet?" he inquired, taking in the bustling lobby.

"Not yet," Rafael answered.

Casey smiled at Kyoko. "You haven't aged a bit, Kyoko."

"Neither have you, Casey," Kyoko replied with a flattered smile. The pleasant exchange was soon overshadowed when a familiar figure entered the lobby.

Kanna Fontierra, accompanied by her own bodyguards, entered the space with a commanding presence. The Marino siblings, including Kyoko and Rina, couldn't help but notice her arrival.

"Well, look who's gracing us with her presence," Kyoko said, her tone laced with sarcasm. "Bringing her own security team, I see."

"Fancy seeing you here, Kanna," Casey added, her voice tinged with both surprise and curiosity.

"It's always wise to be prepared," Kanna replied coolly, her gaze flickering over the Marino siblings and then landing on Rafael. "Hello again, Rafael."

"The pleasure is all ours," Rafael replied, trying to maintain a courteous tone despite the tension.

"Hope you have a good night," Kanna said with a hint of irony before turning to enter the trade hall. The Marino siblings watched her departure, their expressions a mix of irritation and intrigue.

"You should've seen that confrontation," Rina said to Jessica and Sahoko.

"I'm not interested in those childish quarrels," Jessica replied dismissively as they proceeded to their seats near the catwalk.

"Maybe you should have kept your eyes on the show instead," Rina whispered with a smirk.

Rafael muttered under his breath, "I'm surrounded by devils. You should've taken my eyes."

Marie took a seat at the back, her gaze wandering over the stage. As the show commenced, Ryoma settled beside her, trying to strike up a conversation.

"Your eyes are locked on Mrs. Almeida," Ryoma commented, noting Marie's fixation on Kanna.

"I remember the kindness she showed me at the hotel," Marie admitted, her voice soft. "It's as if we've met before."

"We tend to remember those who've been kind to us," Ryoma said with a thoughtful nod. He watched as Rio took to the catwalk, followed by Amy.

"The quality of Madam Peng's designs hasn't diminished," Jasmine remarked, her eyes fixed on the runway.

"Decades of hard work and dedication," Kyoko added, her gaze fixed on Kanna with an intensity that spoke volumes.

"They've earned their reputation," Eugene agreed. "Their skill in both fashion and entertainment is unparalleled."

Casey nodded in agreement. "All that experience and discipline is evident on the runway."

As the event drew to a close, the Marino and Ojedas groups waited in the lobby for Rio and Ryoma to emerge. Marie, standing behind her bosses, noticed Kanna descending the grand staircase. Kanna paused at the bottom, her gaze lingering on the Marinos.

"What are you looking at?" Kyoko snapped, her irritation bubbling over.

"I have eyes, so I can look wherever I please," Kanna shot back defiantly, her tone provocative.

"Kyoko, stop it," Jessica intervened, her voice firm. "We're in a public space. Kanna hasn't caused any trouble."

"Let's give Kanna the benefit of the doubt," Rina suggested, her tone calming. "She's here for the show, not to start a fight."

As the Marino siblings begrudgingly accepted the truce, the atmosphere remained tense but manageable. Marie observed the interaction with a mix of curiosity and concern, knowing that the night's events were far from over.

----

The once tranquil lobby of the hotel was abruptly disturbed by the echo of gunshots. Panic ensued as the Marinos and the Ojedas sprang into action. Marie, who had been conversing with Ryoma and Gou, followed the others backstage, where a chilling scene awaited them. A hulking figure, Wei Xing, held Amy and Kagura hostage, his men surrounding the area, their faces set in grim determination.

"Wei Xing!" Kyoko's voice rang out, filled with shock and anger.

"It's been a while, Kyoko," Wei Xing replied with a menacing grin, his eyes gleaming with malice.

"I killed you years ago!" Kyoko retorted, her voice tinged with disbelief.

"That's what you thought," Wei Xing sneered, his grip tightening on his captives. "But now, I'm taking the girls."

"You bastard!" Kyoko roared, drawing her pistol. Jasmine, acting swiftly, shoved Kyoko aside just as Wei Xing fired, sending a barrage of bullets toward them. The sisters dove for cover, and Wei Xing's men seized the opportunity to herd the hostages and their captor out through a locked door.

"They've escaped!" Kyoko's frustration was palpable as she surveyed the armed men now encircling them. Her gaze swung to Kanna, who stood with a look of genuine confusion.

"Why would I be involved if they've taken my own niece?" Kanna retorted, her eyes narrowing. "Perhaps you should reconsider your accusations."

"Aunt Kyoko," Ryoma said, his voice steady but concerned. Kyoko was visibly shaken, but just then, a young woman, Astrid Lim-Hong, appeared with a lawyer by her side.

"I'm Astrid Lim-Hong, the hotel owner," she announced with authority. "If you don't leave now, I'll have to call the authorities."

The Marinos and Ojedas, now aware that their presence was no longer welcome, retreated to the Marino mansion, their thoughts focused on the crisis at hand. At the mansion, Kyoko, still reeling from the night's events, faced an intense interrogation by the police. Rafael and Jasmine stood by, offering their support.

"Madam, we saw him die years ago. How can he be alive now?" the chief of police questioned.

"That's exactly my point!" Kyoko exclaimed. "We killed him, and yet, here he is!"

"What's our next move?" Rina asked, looking at her sister.

"I left a tracking device on Sahoko's brooch," Kyoko said, determination clear in her eyes. "We can track Wei Xing and put an end to him."

In a separate part of the mansion, Marie, Ryoma, and Gou were busy tracking Wei Xing's location using Amy's earrings, which had hidden tracking technology. Marie followed Ryoma to the tatami room, where he was searching for a red button behind a portrait.

"What are you doing here?" Ryoma asked, startled by her presence.

"I want to help," Marie replied firmly.

Ryoma watched as Marie found the button, which triggered a hidden compartment revealing an impressive array of weapons and equipment once belonging to Karl Marino and his children.

"This is incredible," Marie marveled. "We have so many resources here."

"Grab the radar and radio," Ryoma instructed. "They might be crucial."

With their gear ready, Marie, Ryoma, and Gou rushed into a Lamborghini, speeding toward the location. Meanwhile, Jasmine and Rafael arrived at the mansion, heading straight for the tatami room.

"Shit, he knew about the weapons," Jasmine muttered, signaling Rafael to keep the Ojedas from entering.

"Let's follow them," Rafael suggested.

Jasmine looked at Eugene, who pleaded to join them. Jasmine, her gaze lingering on Eugene with a mix of admiration and mischief, responded, "For someone with a beautiful wife, life's too short to waste."

Rafael, annoyed by his sister's comment, gave her a firm nudge. "Stop leering. We need to focus."

The arrival of Emily Takashiro, who had been searching for Rafael and Jasmine, added a new dimension to the scene. Rafael's eyes lingered on Emily, her timeless beauty still striking.

"It's good to see you after all these years," Rafael said, his gaze inadvertently drifting to Emily's figure.

"Rafael," Emily said softly, her eyes filled with concern. "I thought I would never see my son again."

Jasmine's eyes narrowed at Rafael's lingering gaze. "Shouldn't you be paying attention to her face rather than... elsewhere?"

"Yes, yes," Rafael said, snapping back to reality. "We need to see if Jasmine will arrange for reinforcements."

"I'm already on it," Jasmine replied curtly.

"What's going on?" Emily asked, her confusion evident.

"Your son is risking his life to rescue his girlfriend and cousin from a drug lord who's taken them hostage," Kyoko explained bluntly. Emily's face turned pale, and she sank into a chair, overcome with emotion. Moments later, Bianca and Daigo arrived, their concern evident.

"I heard what happened," Bianca said. "These kids are really risking everything."

"Yeah, they've inherited that bravery from all of us," Daigo agreed.

Jasmine interrupted with a smirk. "Don't ask why the girls are dealing with this. They're proving their worth."

Megan arrived, her expression serious as she joined her siblings. "This is what young people are doing these days," she said, sitting beside the Ojeda couple. Rina arrived shortly afterward.

"The Fontierras are on their way," Rina informed her siblings.

"What are they going to do? Wage war here?" Jessica asked. "I'll call the rest of the siblings."

"Should we call Gaku too?" Rafael asked, prompting a burst of laughter from the room.

"Enough jokes. Get the flashlights and let's move," Jasmine ordered, leading her siblings out. "These aren't just any flashlights," Bianca boasted as they headed for the car.

Past midnight, Marie, Ryoma, and Gou arrived at the townhouse where Rio was being held. Gou used his shuriken to eliminate two guards, allowing Marie and Ryoma to enter. They searched the rooms frantically for the hostages.

"Ryouma!" a voice echoed from the staircase. They turned to see Wei Xing, towering and menacing, holding Rio.

"That's right, and now you'll all die here!" Wei Xing declared, calling his men to arms.

Gou shot back, "A coward always resorts to such tactics." Marie bit one of the guards, grabbing a pistol in the chaos. Gunfire erupted, forcing them to take cover. Ryoma shielded Amy and Kagura while Gou and Marie continued their search.

"Men, eliminate the Marino Clan!" Wei Xing ordered as he made his escape with Rio.

"Let's follow them," Gou urged, and the trio pursued Wei Xing into the mountains.

Wei Xing stopped, shoving Rio aside and preparing for a final stand. Ryoma, Gou, and Marie readied themselves for a fight.

"Marie, get Rio to safety!" Ryoma commanded before charging at Wei Xing with Gou.

Wei Xing threw a band at Marie, binding her and Rio. He then overpowered Ryoma and Gou, leaving them struggling.

"Ryouma! Gou!" Rio cried out in despair as Wei Xing tortured them.

Marie, desperate, clenched her fists and charged at Wei Xing, delivering a powerful punch that knocked him away. This gave Ryoma and Gou a chance to regroup.

"What a formidable woman," Wei Xing sneered, attacking Marie. Suddenly, an unknown figure appeared, delivering a devastating blow that sent Wei Xing crashing into the forest.

"Who was that?" Ryoma asked, astonished. Marie quickly freed Rio and went to the hostage room.

"Let's chase Wei Xing," Gou urged, and they dashed outside to the garden where Wei Xing was already kneeling in front of three familiar figures.

"You will never defeat us," Wei Xing spat defiantly. A lady in a white hood stepped forward and drove a knife into his heart, killing him instantly.

"Aunt Kyoko?" Ryoma gasped, recognizing the hooded figures.

"Just cleaning up the mess," Jasmine said casually.

"But who was that guy who knocked Wei Xing out of the mansion?" Ryoma asked.

"We don't know," Kyoko said. "We were tracking them, but—"

As they spoke, Wei Xing, somehow revived, lunged at Kyoko with a knife. Kyoko evaded the attack, and the boys fought to subdue him. Marie and Rio rushed to help.

"I'll ensure you never see the sun again," Wei Xing growled. Ryouma, sensing something amiss, leaped to block the attack meant for Marie. Marie, placing her palm behind Ryouma, channeled a powerful aura, but collapsed as she finished.

"Goodbye!" Ryouma fired a fatal shot, ending Wei Xing's reign of terror. Exhausted, Ryouma fell beside Marie.

"Ryouma!" Rio sobbed, cradling him.

"I'm glad you're safe," Ryouma murmured, weakened but relieved. Rafael and his siblings arrived with Emily and the Ojedas. Jasmine quickly attended to her unconscious secretary, Marie.

"I saw what you did," Jasmine said, helping Marie to her feet. "It's been a while since I've seen such power."

"What just happened?" Marie asked, disoriented.

"Marie, thank you for saving my son and everyone here," Rafael said sincerely.

"Let's give her a break," Jasmine suggested, guiding Marie to a more comfortable spot. As the others celebrated the mission's success, Ryouma and Gou

-----

In the emergency room, Marie sat in front of a mirror, her face reflecting a mix of physical pain and emotional turmoil. The bandage on her head was a stark reminder of the recent chaos. Despite the smile she wore for the Marino siblings, her heart was heavy with unspoken sorrow.

Rina, noticing the sadness that Marie tried to conceal, approached her gently. "I can see by the looks of your face that you are hiding something," Rina observed, her voice soft yet perceptive.

Marie forced a smile and shook her head. "No, not at all, Miss Rina. It's nothing."

Rina's eyes, filled with understanding, narrowed slightly. "Whether you hide it or not, I would still know it. That immeasurable melancholy... it's clear."

Marie's facade crumbled. "I just miss my parents," she admitted, her voice quivering. "I miss what a happy family feels like. I miss those days when we would go to church together, eat meals together, and help in the store."

Rina stepped closer and enveloped Marie in a comforting embrace. "There is always a reason all of it happened. God knows why. Don't question Him, just keep the faith. If you want, you can treat me as one of your family."

Marie's eyes welled up with tears. She clung to Rina, sobbing quietly like a child who had lost their way. "Thank you, Miss Rina. Thank you."

"From now on, you are part of my family," Rina promised, her voice soothing. "And I will never leave you."

Elsewhere in the emergency room, Ryouma lay in bed, propped up with pillows. Rio sat beside her, feeding her rice porridge with a gentle smile.

"Remember what I told you?" Rio asked, her eyes filled with affection. "That I will never leave you? And after what happened, I fell even more in love with you."

Ryouma smiled, her eyes reflecting warmth. "I promised to protect you no matter what happens. Your smile is enough for me to live in this world."

"And you really proved it," Rio replied, her voice tender.

"But most of all, I'm glad that you are alright," Ryouma said.

"It's because you never let go," Rio responded, brushing a strand of hair from Ryouma's face.

As Rina and Marie shared their heartfelt moment, Ryouma, Rio, and Gou approached them. Ryouma looked at Marie with gratitude in his eyes. "Tita Rina, we just want to see Marie," he said.

Rina nodded, allowing them to speak. Marie looked up, curious about what they had to say.

"Marie," Ryouma began, his voice earnest, "I don't know what words would be appropriate to thank you for saving not just the three of us but our cousins as well. Marie, thank you very much. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be able to see my fiancée anymore."

Marie tried to downplay her role, her voice humble. "It's part of my service to the people who helped me, Sir Ryouma."

Ryouma shook his head, his tone warm. "Do not call me sir anymore. Rio and I will treat you as part of our family."

"Now it's not just me who will be your family," Rina added, her voice filled with sincerity. "We are all your family."

The following morning, Marie reported for work, her bruises still visible but her spirit undeterred. She sat at her desk, diligently working through the backlog of tasks Jasmine had assigned her. Her phone rang, and she saw Jasmine's name on the screen. Nervously, she answered.

"Marie, could you please come to my office?" Jasmine's voice was calm but authoritative.

Marie's hands trembled slightly as she walked to Jasmine's office. She entered and took a seat on the sofa, her heart pounding in her chest.

Jasmine looked at her with a warm smile. "I haven't really shown my gratitude for saving my nephews and nieces. When we entered this world, it was you who changed our lives."

Marie's eyes glistened with emotion. "I am most thankful because you gave me the chance to work in this prestigious company. I am grateful for the protection and the care you gave me. I have lost my parents and I look to you as my second mom. My life has really changed when I came here."

Amy, who had been listening, stood up and embraced Marie tightly. "Thank you, Marie. It's like we have an elder sister in you."

Just then, a knock on the door interrupted their moment. Marie opened it to find the Ojeda clan standing there.

"Can we fit inside?" Eugene asked with a friendly smile.

"Sure, come inside," Jasmine welcomed them, motioning for them to sit.

Eugene and his family took their seats, while Amy and Laureen stood up. "Aren't you going to sit down, Madam Marino?" Eugene asked, noticing Jasmine's standing posture.

"I just want to stand," Jasmine replied with a hint of a smile. "I've been here since five in the morning."

Eugene turned to Marie. "We're here to thank you for helping Ryouma in saving my daughter. You don't know how much it means to me. We are incredibly grateful."

Marie tried to remain modest. "It's part of my job, sir."

Jasmine, sensing the shift in mood, intervened with a lighter tone. "Everything has ended well, and everyone is happy."

Rio, looking hopeful, asked, "Aunt Jasmine, if you don't mind, I would like to work here at Innovare."

Jasmine looked thoughtful. "That wouldn't be a problem if your parents agree. Right, Chairman Ojeda?"

Eugene chuckled. "I thought it was Chairman Marino," he joked. "Well, as chairman, I would want her to start from a rank-and-file position. Our parents did the same with us. I used to work in the field before getting this position."

Jasmine nodded. "Yeah, I remember working in high school as a warehouse clerk. It's important to start from the ground up. It makes you responsible enough to handle the business in the future."

Bianca, holding up a flashlight, chimed in. "By the way, what's with the flashlight thing that you were carrying yesterday?"

Eugene, lifting the flashlight with difficulty, commented, "Oh dear, it's heavy! It's like carrying ten plastic chairs."

"What's the purpose of this flashlight, Madam?" Gou asked curiously.

Jasmine smiled mysteriously. "You'll find out soon. We didn't have the chance to use it yesterday, but maybe sometime."

"But for now," Bianca said, "let's enjoy getting a well-deserved rest."

That night, at the Teodoro residence, Marie sat outside, her mind racing with questions. The night sky seemed endless, mirroring the uncertainty she felt within.

Gabo and Cynthia approached her, their expressions serious. Cynthia spoke softly, "Marie, we have something to say to you. We should have told you this when you first came here."

Gabo added, "Don't be stunned by what she will tell you."

Cynthia took a deep breath. "Marie, you were adopted by Lita and Tomas. They weren't your biological parents."

Marie's eyes widened in shock, her voice trembling. "You're joking, right?"

Cynthia shook her head. "Lita would have wanted to tell you, but she died. You were found by the couple when the gypsy syndicate that took you was killed in a crossfire."

Marie's mind raced. "If they aren't my parents, then maybe you know who my real parents are?"

Cynthia's expression became evasive. "We don't know, but I pray that you will find them."

As Marie sat under the night sky, the revelation about her adoption left her with more questions than answers. The mystery of her origins was now a significant part of her journey, driving her to seek the truth as she continued her path forward.