CHAPTER 17

"That is true. In addition, I need you to gradually abduct all rats in our midst. I don't care if they're my husband's men. It's time to do some spring cleaning. We have important business to attend to right now, and I won't risk anyone finding out and ruining everything. Do it professionally; I don't want anyone sniffing around," Julius was told.

"It's as simple as that. I'll have the kids participate; they should be used to it by now," Julius said, and Lia agreed.

"Start with the guys after I'm gone. I'll be leaving here in three days and returning in two weeks. Make sure everything is finished by the end of the first week so you can come and join me," Lia said, fiddling with her fingers.

"I will inform the men and ensure that everything is in order," Julius said.

He understood what she meant; they had been accommodating these spies for far too long, despite the fact that they ensure they report what they want them to. They made sure to leave them out whenever they were doing serious business.

Because the lady had spoken now, it meant it was time to get down to business. His lady was beginning to take out her enemies one by one in a way that would not bite them later.

He used to be a mercenary, so he was used to it all, but witnessing that little angel being transformed into a little devil was the most difficult thing he had ever witnessed. But, after all she had been through, who wouldn't be a devil?

Julius exited the room after receiving his instructions, passing through a very anxious Miguel who appeared to have lost sleep over the previous few days. This little boy was devoted to Lia and understood why she chose him. He was going to be a wonderful person when he grew up.

Julius didn't have a particularly loving family. He was married to his childhood sweetheart, but his military career ruined his love life. He had a lovely wife and two lovely children, but it all went downhill when he refused to leave his job even after nearly dying.

He loved serving his country. She filed for divorce and took custody of the children. At the very least, he could see them here and there, proving that she wasn't all bad.

After he was honorably discharged from the army, he began doing security work until he met Mark. Mark needed an experienced man to keep his young wife safe, which is how he ended up with the angel until she turned evil. But he was digging her new self; if one is weak, nothing can be done.

He accelerated his pace and exited the hospital.

Miguel was crying in Aurelia's embrace on the other side. He was relieved she didn't abandon him; he didn't want to be alone again. This had already happened twice, and this time it was more serious. He felt helpless; both times he couldn't do anything. He was only a child, with the desire to mature quickly and protect her.

"Come on, my baby, if you keep crying like this, I won't talk to you again," she joked, hoping the boy would stop crying.

"I'm just glad you're awake and well. I don't know what I'm going to do if you leave me," he told her honestly, and Lia smiled.

At least someone cared for her, unlike her rotten family, who didn't even bother to visit her once while she was in the hospital. She was going to settle this score with them one day; all they had to do was wait a little longer.

"I'm not going to cry any longer. Thank you for returning," he said, a smile on his face.

Lia stroked his hair and smiled.

"I want this to be your last time to cry. Can you hear me, baby?"

"Of course, I do."

"Never ever let anyone see your tears; not everyone out there truly loves you. Your enemies may use that against you one day, and I would hate to lose you because you were foolish enough to show your weakness to others. I'm not saying you should hide it completely; you should be yourself every now and then. If that isn't possible, channel those emotions into something productive. Do you hear what I'm saying?"

"I do, indeed. I'll do what you say. What should I do if I want to be able to protect you?" he asked, and she was touched that her boy was taking the first step.

"Are you willing to do whatever I ask of you? Will you still despise me when you're all grown up and mature?"

"I will never hate you, even if you use me, because I know you will never do anything to harm me," he said, smiling at her, and she began to cry.

How can a child have such complete faith in her? She was so moved that she couldn't help but kiss him on the cheek.

"I am thankful to have you in my life, Guel."

"I'm glad as well."

"In response to your question, I will require you to do just two things," she said, and he looked at her intently.

"What exactly is it? I am willing to do anything."

"Take your studies seriously and strive to be the best. In other words, I want you to topple your siblings. Make yourself so well-known that everyone knows your name," she advised.

"I can do it; I will work even harder than I am now. What is the final thing?"

"Join the business and inherit it from your father. Unlike your siblings, you have a pure soul. If you want your family's legacy to live on, you must take action. Only you can save it from the impending troubles," she tried to explain to him in a straightforward manner.

There was no way she was going to tell him the truth about his family's impending doom. She was going to rip it to shreds, then rise again like a phoenix, but this time with someone who deserved it more than those hypocritical beings.

"If that's the only way I can protect you, I'll work extra hard. I don't want to feel the same way I did when I got the call again."

"I will never make you feel that way again, and if it does, you will be there to protect me."

"I will undoubtedly do so."

"And keep in mind that this is our little secret. We don't want Daddy to think otherwise."

"I understand."

"Now this lady can rest. I'll see you tomorrow and call daddy for you," she said.

"All right, I'll do it. Take care of yourself and get plenty of rest," he said as he kissed her on the cheek.

It was the first time Miguel had initiated a kiss between the two of them, and it was heartwarming. He was maturing by the second. It was sad that he wouldn't be running into her embrace by the time he was eighteen. She smiled as she watched her son walk out of the room. She would be alone in this room once more.

She despised hospitals and it was time to carry out the second stage of her plan, persuade Mark to let her out of the hospital and threaten him with a tantrum if he refused. She always wins, which is one of the perks of being the dearly loved little wife.

Mark has had a hectic week. First, he had to give in to Lia's temper tantrum over the discharge issue. He was to blame for her dislike of hospitals. She'd been in and out of the hospital like a sick child since he married her.

The doctor examined her and told her that she was recovering quickly, which was a miracle given her circumstances. What was he supposed to do now that the doctor had firmly given his word?

Lia didn't want to be at the mansion either, preferring to rest on her island. It was her safe haven, and he understood why she needed some alone time. She was on the verge of death and needed to be in a place where she felt safe.

He agreed to let her go because she would return to him once she had made up her mind. It was better than her filing for divorce, which, despite his age, he was terrified of.

He could let go of everything except Lia, which he would never let go of. He'd rather kill her than have someone else take or claim her. She was his vice, Achilles heel, muse, and everything else. He worked well as long as he knew he'd be in her embrace at the end of the day.

Was it such a bad thing for someone like him to want some love?

Mark shook his head as he puffed out the smoke from his cigar. He just missed her so much; he didn't know how she was doing because she couldn't be reached, but he knew she was safe. She had gone to the island with adequate security, and nothing bad could happen to her in her safe environment.