~Sunshine~

Francisco rose from his chair, his presence commanding and confident. As he walked over to Max, he leaned in closer and whispered, "You understand what to do. She must be here for us."

Max, who had a sharp eye for subtleties, looked at Francisco and raised one eyebrow, seeking clarification. "Us or you?"

Francisco's stern face made it clear that the matter was significant, and Max, recognizing the gravity of the situation, got straight to the point.

"Okay, I can handle this. But you know the police are waiting for you," Max said, addressing the issue at hand.

Francisco's response was nonchalant, his confidence unshaken. "They are so daring to come here."

Max couldn't help but acknowledge the audacity of the situation. "It seems so," he agreed.

However, Max received an irritated glance from Francisco, who added with conviction, "If they take me along, they will never be able to imprison me for even a single day."

Francisco turned his attention back to Hazel, emphasizing the importance of the situation. "Just don't let her leave right away. Get her to sign our contract. I am going."

But just as Francisco was making his exit, Hazel's phone abruptly rang. He gestured for Max to take over and left quickly, not wanting Hazel to be privy to the illicit activities that had drawn the attention of the police.

If he could tie her to their agreement, he wouldn't even care if she learned of his true nature. As he departed, Max stepped forward to address Hazel, but she was already engaged in a conversation with her mother.

"Yes, mom I am okay. Now I have to end the call."

Hazel finished her conversation with her mother, assuring her that she was okay, and ended the call with a warm smile. Max, observing the interaction, couldn't help but inquire, "Your mom?"

Hazel nodded, confirming the identity of the caller. "Yes."

With the personal matter addressed, Max shifted the focus back to the task at hand. "So shall we start the procedure?" he asked.

Hazel, with a sense of determination, responded, "Yes, sir."

Max wasted no time and handed her the stack of papers for the contract. It was a substantial document, nearly 20 pages in length. Hazel, aware of the importance of this agreement, began the process of reading and signing. She started by reading a few pages carefully, but as the document stretched on, she found herself signing some sections without delving into every detail.

Max observed her progress with a smile. As Hazel became engrossed in the task of signing, he couldn't help but wonder about the true nature of Francisco's intentions.

What did he want from Hazel? Was it more than just a professional agreement, or could it be a case of love at first sight?

Then Max's thoughts meandered into his own personal concerns, particularly revolving around Diana.

However, his internal musings were abruptly interrupted when he heard Hazel's voice. She had reached the end of the document and announced, "I am done, sir."

Max accepted the signed contract with a slight smile, acknowledging Hazel's prompt completion of the task. "Then you stay here. Francisco will come here anytime," he informed her.

Hazel nodded, her understanding clear.

With that, Max left Hazel alone on the floor, walking away to join Francisco. As he descended to the lower level, his smile gave way to a more stern expression. Despite the calm demeanor he exhibited, there was an undercurrent of uncertainty in the situation.

**

Francisco entered the waiting room, his presence commanding attention. He cast a sharp gaze upon the two men who had inconspicuously dressed in normal attire, not in police uniform.

His bold and often rude demeanor remained undiminished, even in the face of these unexpected visitors. With a tone that exuded confidence and a hint of condescension, Francisco questioned their presence.

"For what reason," he inquired, "are you guys here?"

The two men, who happened to be police officers, were clearly unimpressed by Francisco's attitude. One of them, with a measure of annoyance, responded, "Mr. Francisco, we are here for some official matters."

Francisco, however, couldn't resist the opportunity to employ his characteristic smirk as he prodded further, "Official matters? Are you gentlemen planning to work for my company now?"

The raised eyebrows and exasperated tone of the police officers suggested that Francisco's comments weren't going over well. One of the officers attempted to assert their authority, stating, "Mr. Francisco, we are not here for employment. We are here to conduct an investigation."

Before the exchange could escalate further, a newcomer entered the waiting room, injecting a sense of urgency and significance into the situation. Their interruption was succinct but carried a weight that instantly silenced the room.

"Don't worry," the newcomer reassured, "this time, we have evidence."

Francisco turned to face and spotted Rafael, his face mixed with an annoyance. Rafael bore a mischievous smirk, a clear indication that he held a trump card in this interaction.

Francisco's eyes rolled in exasperation as he tried to maintain his composure in the face of Rafael's smug demeanor. His inquisitive tone and an air of indifference hid his growing unease.

"What do you have, Mr. Sheriff?" Francisco inquired with thinly veiled impatience.

"We've identified some of your men around Mr. James's port," Rafael revealed.

Francisco's eyebrows arched in mock surprise, although it was evident that he had been well aware of his associates' activities. He adopted a tone of innocence, feigning ignorance.

"Oh, really!" Francisco replied with a hint of sarcasm. "I must have been out of the loop."

Rafael maintained his smirk, his lips brushing the surface of a sly smile as he countered, "I know, Mr. Francisco. It's easy to overlook such details."

Francisco's patience was wearing thin, and his gaze narrowed as he regarded the sheriff. His response held a certain edge, a reminder of his position and authority.

"I believe, Mr. Sheriff," he murmured, "you may have forgotten how to communicate with a business tycoon."

Rafael, undeterred, grinned and fired back, "Yes, especially when the tycoon is, shall we say, a criminal."

To be continued.