CHAPTER 8: The Guilty

A Week later, the classroom was filled with chatter and playing as students waited for their professor. A girl with wavy brown hair went to Nate's chair. "Hey, New boy," she began, "I'm Lisa. I'm hosting a home party this weekend and I want to invite you. You must come... handsome And bring your friends too." She said with flirty tone and winked at him.

Nate nodded sweetly and smiled back at her, but his mind was elsewhere. Is that necessary for me right now? he inquired. Then a second thought struck him. What if Evangeline arrives at the party? while with the same confusion.

Mike's pal Jake revealed to them, "Lisa is the one who organizes those popular monthly parties. Everyone loves them because she exudes a cheerful, easygoing demeanor. She understands how to make people feel comfortable, and that's what makes her parties so successful." He elaborate her party incidents.

Nate glanced at Evangeline's side, laying a palm on his strong jawline for support. The energy in the room was palpable; everyone was eagerly looking forward to the first party of the year.

When the lecturer entered, the room immediately became quiet. Everyone listened closely as the teacher started his favorite lecture. Nate pretended to be paying attention, but his mind kept going back towards the party, planning his next move.

Later that afternoon, Max sat in a conference room, pretending to attend the meeting. His attention, however, remained drawn to the confident woman seated across the table. She had a natural grace, with a calm presence and a brilliant grin that made everything else seem insignificant. Max thought she was different.

"Does anyone have any questions?" the presenter said, interrupting Max's thoughts.

Max smirked, raising his hand to face the woman in front of him. "Yes, I do." Why are we clinging to the current material? "Investing in higher-quality components may increase costs slightly, but it will significantly improve the product's efficiency and duration."

"That's true sir, but the production costs would increase circularly, and this one makes everyone affordable."

Max approaches with confidence, saying, "Quality always pays off in the long run. Let us focus on the fact that it is worthwhile.

That woman looks at him and nods to his statement. "He's got a point," I said gently.

The room shifted, discussions beginning to buzz with excitement as everyone agreed on his point. As the meeting adjourned, people stood up, gathering their things. Selena stood too, and Max couldn't help but notice the way she moved nimble but positive, like someone who knew exactly where she was going.

She walked over to him, offering a smile, " I liked your idea," she said, extending her hand. "I'm Selena."

Max shook her hand strongly. "Max. Nice to meet you."

Feeling a strong connection, Max suggested, "I'd like to discuss your company sponsoring us. Please reach out anytime." Just as he was about to share more ideas, Selena's phone buzzed in her pocket continuously.

She glanced at the screen, her expression shifting slightly, before excusing herself with a polite smile. "Excuse me for a moment," she said as she stepped aside to take the call. 

Max watched her leave, he could smell her scent after she had gone, a smirk on his lips as he pondered what had happened. This will be interesting, he thought, anticipating their next interaction.

Later that evening, Nate sat back on his chair, reflecting on the invitation he had received and melody music playing in his room. "I was invited to a party by a classmate," he said, his voice thoughtful. "I think it's the perfect chance to talk to Evangeline and gain trust. What do you think Kim?"

"Yes, it's the perfect opportunity and you don't have any idea how to dress and impress her." teased him with an innocent smile.

Nate sarcastically, "Hey KIM!!!!!! May you be older than me, but in flirting with a woman I am a senior to you."

"Gwenchana, Gwenchana", Kim smiled and he was busy watching his phone.

The room grew quiet for a moment before Nate's tone shifted to confusion, his hand on his temple. "Still, something feels off. My dad gives me this mission without a proper explanation. Why me? He could've sent anyone. It's like there's something he's not telling me."

Kim immediately opened his laptop, looking proud. "Surprise" he smiled "I've got some data on Ethan's background," he said, turning the screen toward Nate. "Ethan has two kids. The eldest is Maximilian and he is 23, the same age as you. Runs five companies, owns two villas, and has a net worth of 20 billion." 

Nate raised an eyebrow. "Twenty billion? Just him?" 

"Yep," Kim said with a nod. "And Ethan and his wife own 12 companies together. Then there's the youngest, Evangeline. She doesn't do much yet; she's still a student. Probably planning something big for the future." 

"That's crazy," Nate said. "We need to find a way into their company." 

Kim shook. "Yeah, but we can't rush this. We need the right opportunity." 

"First, we need to know more about their past," Nate added. 

"Agreed," Kim said. "I'll dig into their history, but it'll take some time." 

Nate glared. "It's okay, Take your time. The more we know, the better prepared we'll be." 

Kim returned to his laptop, focused on uncovering more about Ethan and his family. Nate gazed absently at a family photo on the desk, his thoughts clouded with doubt and determination.

Meanwhile, Emiko carefully laid Damien's suit on the bed. She glanced at her husband, who was standing by the window, his shoulders tense and his gaze distant.

"You've been quiet lately," she said gently, walking over to him and hugged him gently. "Is something bothering you, honey? I can tell. I'm your wife, Damien. You can talk to me."

Damien looked up at her, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek. "I know, sweetheart. You care about us, about this family. But things are complicated right now—work, Nate's mission... it's all a lot."

Emiko folded her arms, her tone calm but questioning. "Do you think you're doing the right thing? You always said family comes first. Now, it feels like…" She hesitated. "It feels like you've changed, Damien."

Damien's expression darkened and grew angry in his voice and wearing his watch roughly. "Don't bring her up, Emiko. She's a cheater and a backstabber. She's not family anymore."

"I know it was hard to accept but She's still family," Emiko said quietly with sadness. "She made a huge mistake but how did her daughter get punished for her mother's mistake Let her go, Dami. Just let her go. We have everything, We have a beautiful family and that is all we want."

Damien stood silent, He grabbed his briefcase without a word, walked to the door, and stopped without watching Emiko, "I will be late today, don't wait for me" he said deep, loudly, and left the room.

As the door clicked shut, Emiko took a deep breath. "One day, he would understand himself. She was like a sister to me. We're all responsible for what happened. And no matter what, I want this family to find its way back together—like the old days." She said with guilty tears and recapped her old memories