CHAPTER TWELVE

But their beautiful moment was ruined by the breaking news on the television. "We interrupt this broadcast to bring you a missing persons report. 29 year old Anna Yeon Cheung is still yet to be found. It's been over a month since she left home and hasn't returned. She is 5'4 in height, long black hair, brown eyes, and weighs about 114.64 lbs. She is an artist and an antiquity consultant. She's married to Maurice Cheung of the Unijack Steel and Construction. The police are investigating her disappearance, but the family has promised a reward of 500,000 yuan to anyone who will provide any useful information about her whereabouts."

Anna initially thought the news presenter was talking about another Anna Yeon. But when she saw her wedding picture in which Maurice was cut off, her heart skipped. Anna had no idea that she was missing until now. "Her husband, Maurice Cheung, has expressed his pain and frustration about the scenario. Being convinced that his wife's disappearance was a kidnap, Mr Cheung has stated that he is willing to pay the sum of 500,000 yuan for the safe return of his beloved wife." The reporter continued.

Anna watched in disgust as the reporter spoke about things she knew nothing of. 'If only the world knew what I went through in that miserable house, these reporters would be more respectful.' She thought. Ji-Hoon couldn't hide his shock. "What's going on Anna?" That's a question Anna has no answer to. She opened her mouth to say something, but no words came out.

"Why would your family think that you are missing?" Another question Anna couldn't answer. But she loathed the fact that Ji-Hoon called the Cheungs her family. "They are not my family." Anna corrected him. "No. I am not talking about the Cheungs. I am talking about your brother." Ji-Hoon said quickly as he saw Anna's facial expression change.

"I live with my brother Ji-Hoon. This is the work of Maurice and his coffin-dodger grandfather. My uncle sold me away like sheep to those people who treated me like a reject. Now they are looking for me because my brother is out of prison and a famous inventor. Go figure!" Anna said sarcastically.

Ji-Hoon exhaled. "It's quite unfortunate that many men don't know what they have until they loose it. I am terribly sorry for all you've been through Anna. Your heart is in safe hands now. I will treat it like a rare gem." Anna smiled. "Thank you Ji-Hoon. I will treat yours the same."

"You know I…" Ji-Hoon paused as Anna's expression changed. "I think we need to get out of here Ji-Hoon" "What? Why" Anna pointed beside them where other guests were pointing at them and taking pictures. Ji-Hoon knew then that if they stay any longer, things will get ugly. 500,000 yuan can solve a lot of problems.

"Yes you are right. We need to leave now." Ji-Hoon got up from his chair, grabbed Anna's right arm as she stood up, and they both quickly left the restaurant. Unfortunately, some people still followed them out of the restaurant, enthusiastic with their devices. 

But the scary part of it was that some of them came out of the restaurant armed with penknives and nail cutter blades. Ji-Hoon quickly opened the door for Anna, shut it and got in himself. Before the people could get any closer, he turned on the ignition and sped off.

Anna took in deep breaths and exhaled. "I thought they were going to attack us." "They were, if they had gotten any closer. I didn't know your husband and grandfather in-law liked to play dirty." Ji-Hoon said. His words made Anna feel embarrassed. "He's not my husband. Not anymore. And I would appreciate it if you stop associating me with those people whenever you speak. It brings back painful memories that I have chosen to forget."

Anna's words snapped Ji-Hoon back to his senses. "I am very sorry for my utterances Anna. I didn't mean to offend you." The entire commotion distracted them enough not to notice the black Honda civic following them.

In his office, Maurice watched the video of Richard and Yu Yan spending time together contemptuously. It was all over the internet that there was something lovely going on between Richard Yeon and Yu Yan. Maurice watched the part where Yu Yan smiled as Richard spoke to her, and became furious. 

'She didn't smile like that when I took her to one of the most expensive restaurants in Shanghai. She also forgot to smile when she ate food worth over 800 euros. What does Richard Yeon have that I don't? If I can't have Yu Yan, no one else will. Especially not Richard Yeon.' He concluded in his mind.

He was still lost in thought when a call came in. He let it ring. The phone rang again and he picked up. "Yes." The man on the other line cleared his throat. "Boss, it's Mao-tai Po. I have found your wife." Maurice jumped up from his chair. "Where is she?"

"She's in the Bund boss. She's in the company of a man, who was with her in the Haomeiwei Chinese Style Restaurant." Maurice was confused. "Man? What man?" "There was a man with her boss. A handsome one at that. And I think he's her lover, considering how they were seated and how they looked at each other in the restaurant." 

At that moment, something snapped inside Maurice. "What did you just say?" The man switched off his Bluetooth headset and raised his phone receiver to his mouth. "I said I think the man with your wife could be her lover, considering how they were looking and touching each other." Maurice bit his lip in anger.

"Where did the man take her?" "He drove her to a magnificent mansion up in Huangpu road, in Hongkou district. I looked up who the house belongs to." Maurice couldn't wait to ask the obvious question, but he also wished it would be someone he could easily crush to dust. "Who does it belong to?" "According to the district records, the house belongs to Richard Yeon." Maurice's heart skipped a beat.

"Who?" He pretended not to hear. "Richard Yeon boss." The name sounded like a pin prick on his ear. "Okay. Thank you Mao-tai Po. I want you to tail that man and find out who he is." "Okay boss. I think he's got a three minute head start, but I will find him." "Okay. Excellent. I will be expecting your feedback." "No problem boss."

Maurice relaxed on his chair disconcerted and disoriented. He felt like his life was collapsing right before his eyes. Lord daddy made it clear that he has to bring Anna back home. But Anna was obviously having the time of her life with another man. The girl he was willing to leave his wife for is probably romantically involved with his enemy.

'I have to put that bastard in his place. I have worked too hard for a nobody to mess it up. I will set the stage for another set up. But this time, I will make sure he doesn't make it to a court room, talk more of a prison. He has no idea who he is messing with. But first, I will pay him a visit to look into the eyes of my enemy.' Maurice concluded. 

It's uncertain whether it was hubris or sheer will, but Maurice believed Richard Yeon was a small fish to fry. But he's about to find out how wrong he is.

He got up from his chair, threw on his suit and dashed out of his office like a wild animal.

It was past noon when Maurice barged into Richard's office unannounced. He had lied to the security guard in the elevator that Richard is his cousin and it was an emergency. With no prior appointment, the secretary refused to let him into the office. So he pushed his way in. 

When Richard saw him, he smiled. As if he anticipated that Maurice would come to his office. "I am terribly sorry sir. He pushed his way in. He claims to be your cousin, but wasn't patient enough for me to verify from you." Richard chuckled. "Cousin huh?" He asked looking at Maurice, who said nothing. "It's okay Julia. You can leave now. I will handle it from here." 

Richard waited for her to shut the door before he looked at Maurice. "You have some explaining to do Mr…?" Richard pretended not to know who he is. "Cheung. Maurice Cheung." Richard lowered his eyebrows. "You do know that a lot of people in China bear that name right? You have to be a little more specific." This infuriated Maurice the more.

"This Maurice Cheung is married to your sister Anna. And he's one of the wealthiest CEOs in Shanghai." Richard nodded. "Oh that Maurice Cheung. Well, it's good to finally meet my brother in-law face to face. Have a seat." Maurice sat down quietly. He glanced at the office space and was impressed with the beauty. 

"What do you want Maurice?" Richard finally asked. "I want my wife back. You took her away from my house without my consent and I will sue you for that." Richard chortled. "Took her away? I didn't take anyone away. Your wife left voluntarily because of how you and your family treated her. Now she's under my care." "Well I want her back." Richard waved his head. "That's not going to happen. She has moved on with her life. I suggest you do the same by giving her a divorce." 

"I will never do that. She's my legally married wife whom I cherish so much." Richard raised his eyebrows. "That's interesting, because she told me that you have your sights on another woman. Which was why you were so eager to get rid of her." 

Maurice wiped the sweat on his forehead. Despite the cool weather, he was sweating profusely. 'I knew Megan and Susan wouldn't keep their mouths shut. Why in the world would they tell Anna that I was eyeing another woman?' He thought. "I don't know what you are talking about. I am not interested in any other woman. I wonder where she got that Idea."

Richard smirked at his disposition- sitting slumped to one side with his spine bent. "Well, I think she said the person's name is Yu Yan Xing. She told me that she's a famous and beautiful person. I know my sister isn't famous, but I am sure she's beautiful. She deserved better." Maurice felt like a grenade exploded inside of him. His heartbeat was faster than normal, and his face turned red. 

It was certain that Richard is making fun of him and he couldn't take it anymore. He pointed his right index finger at Richard as he stood up from his chair. "Now look here you jailbird! You think because you have three minutes of fame, that you are now somebody? News flash man, you are still nothing. And I will make sure I show everyone what a worthless piece of shit you are. Yu Yan deserves to be with a real man, and not a jailbird who got lucky."

Richard smirked. "Careful now Maurice. You are beginning to sound like my sister's story is true. I might be inclined to think that you are a disgusting skank who isn't disciplined enough to stick to one woman." Maurice approached with a clenched fist. But the office table became a barrier to his sinister intention. He stared ominously at Richard for a moment, bit his lip, then exhaled. Richard on the other hand, didn't move a muscle. Maurice nodded.

"Okay. I see you now have wings. But don't worry, I am going to clip them for you. Then I will watch you cry and wail in pain. You have no idea who you are messing with. I am the heir to the Unijack empire, and I will teach you the lesson of your worthless life. But first, I have to get my wife back." Richard scoffed.

"Even if you are high on cheap drugs, I strongly urge you not to go to my house." Maurice snorted in defiance. "Why not?" "Because if you do, I will gun you down like a wild animal." Richard's words melted Maurice's anger like ice. Suddenly, he wasn't so sure about who he was dealing with. Apparently the soft and good Richard Yeon is now a tough guy. Maurice was shocked alright, but he couldn't chicken out now the gauntlet is on the floor.

"It's that a threat?" Richard waved his head. "Oh no no no. It's not a threat Maurice, it's a promise. A threat is… uncertain, may or may not happen. But this, I will certainly do without any doubt or hesitation. So as I said earlier, if I see you anywhere near my house, I will put you down like a rabid dog." Richard said, his voice calm.

Maurice clenched his teeth and glared at Richard for over thirty seconds. He wanted to say something, but decided to let his wrath on Richard do the talking later. He didn't notice Richard press a small button on his table twice. But as he did, the small camera on the digital clock on his table took Maurice's picture.

"Okay. We shall see who's going to get "put down." Maurice finally said with a quote gesture. He left the office, mad as a hatter. He already has a few ideas of what to do to Richard, but he needed to think them through, then make a plan.

As the elevator took him down to the ground floor, he spotted Yu Yan from the elevator's transparent glass going up to where he's coming from. If there was such a thing as dying from anger, Maurice would have joined his ancestors the moment he saw Yu Yan. He screamed and pounded on the glass menacingly. The veins in his neck protruded and his face went pale. He slumped on the elevator floor and waited. Luckily for him, the elevator was empty.

For someone who doesn't understand the meaning of stress, he just got a full dose of it in less than 24 hours.

Yu Yan walked into Richard's office like she owns the place. With her D&G turtleneck, Louis Vuitton leather and suede tights, Ferragamo leather boots, Louis Vuitton checked coat, and an Elizabeth Arden hat, Yu Yan was dressed to kill. When Richard saw her, he was stunned. "Wow! You look spectacular." 

Yu Yan smiled. "I know. Are you ready?" "Oh yeah. I am done for now. I will pick this up later." Richard said, pointing at the stack of files on his table. They both held each other as they entered the elevator, but not before Richard texted someone from his phone.