Charles stared at the mess on his office table, unsure where to begin. He sighed, slumped into his chair, and rubbed his temples.
He couldn't tell whether Felix had made the right choice by involving the twins—and their brother—with Fuego.
Sometimes I can't read that man's mind. He shook his head while attempting to clean the clutter.
He hadn't slept. Giovane had been keeping him busy—tasks that included spying on those tarnishing his father's name. With the elections nearing, the line between power-hungry ambition and true service would soon reveal itself.
But this was nothing new to him. He had a job to do. Giovane had a plan: take down the warehouse piece by piece, and work with outsiders to make it happen.
Still, Charles knew he had to tread carefully. Giovane was watching. Sooner or later, he'd figure out everything—why Charles was really inside the organization.
It's do or die. And I'm ready. He thought as he brushed his fingers across the weapon at his side.
He took out his phone—the only one that held his external contacts, those outside the organization. Just like his brother Jake, Charles was careful. He knew someone was already tracking him.
First, he would call Felix. He sighed as the phone rang.
"Charles, you called?" Felix answered.
Charles took a deep breath. "How are things inside the organization while I've been away?"
"Are you asking about someone in particular—or about your boss?" Felix teased.
Charles just shook his head in response. Of course, Felix was messing with him again. And sure enough, Felix chuckled on the other end.
"Well, everything's okay. No issues for now. If you're asking about your cousin Chesca—she's safe, for now." Felix's voice turned serious.
"What do you mean, for now?"
"She's still under Giovane's radar. Right now, Mikaela and Chesca are out searching for the two. But you know Giovane—he's just waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike."
"Are you seeing this in a vision?" Charles asked.
"No—but I know your boss. And I know how his mind works. So, tell me—what's your plan for Mikaela? Are you going to use her to get closer to the Fuego family? Are you going to let her get hurt too—just like Jasmin?"
Charles clenched his fists. This is why he hated talking to Felix sometimes. The man always knew exactly how to push his buttons—and this time, he was doing it again.
"Don't get mad, I'm just asking," Felix said lightly. "I trust you won't overreact."
"I'm not a child anymore," Charles replied coldly. "I won't rise to your bait."
"Good. Let's help each other. No more young people should suffer because of wicked souls."
"You sound like the perfect spy," Charles muttered, shaking his head.
Felix laughed. "Just like you, I have someone to protect, Charles. You know what it's like… losing someone you love."
Charles didn't respond.
He didn't need to be reminded. The pain of losing his sibling still haunted him—like a nightmare that never ended.
"Let's focus on the mission, Felix. That's why I called." He changed the subject.
"Fine. Same routine as always—let's meet somewhere secluded."
"Got it."
"Be careful. Someone might be watching. You don't even realize how many eyes are on you, Charles."
"Giovane?"
"No. Someone worse. You know who I'm talking about—the one who hates you more than your boss does."
Charles smirked. "You don't have to remind me. If he wants to play a game of hide-and-seek, I'm ready."
"Hah! I like that confidence. See you soon." Felix ended the call.
Charles immediately deleted the call log and wiped the number from his phone. Caution was everything. Felix's warning about the father of Giovane's men tailing him still echoed in his mind.
He turned back to his cluttered desk. He needed to finish cleaning up. Sleep tugged at his eyes—he needed a short rest.
But just then, his phone rang again.
"Where are you?" said the voice on the other end.
"Mikaela, I'm working."
"I'm sorry—but I have to move now. It's urgent. You need to know I'm taking action."
Charles frowned. "Taking action?" He scratched his head. He wasn't in the mood for riddles.
"I'm going back to the mansion."
"What? Why?!"
"There's something I need to find. Something important."
"Are you insane, Mikaela?" He ran a hand down his face in frustration.
"I have to do this. I'll sneak in. Don't worry—I have someone with me."
"Fine. But don't blame me when your reckless decisions get you into trouble."
Mikaela didn't reply. "That's all. Thank you." She ended the call.
For goodness' sake! Charles thought, exasperated, slumping back into his chair.
He didn't know what was going through her head anymore.
She's not my priority. I need to focus on my own.