HAPPY WEEKENDS, GUYS! I HOPE YOU LIKE THIS CHAPTER:)

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CHRISTINE's POV

I smiled as I looked at the packed food that I prepared early this morning. For some reason, I felt excited to see the kids at our meeting place again. It has been almost a week that I haven't seen them because we went to New York for a couple of days.

"You look so excited." Jace commented as he threw me a glance. We're on our way to our company and Jace was the one who's here with me today.

"Well, I don't know why but I am really excited to see them. I just hope that they will like the food that I prepared for them."

"They better like it. I don't know why but I can't help getting jealous of them for a little bit. I mean, you looked so happy while you were cooking this morning for them. I've never seen you looking so happy like that everytime you cook for me. I can't help but to think that you're just cooking for me because you're obligated to do so." I looked at him in disbelief.

I faced him and then raised an eyebrow at him. "Are you serious? Of course, it wasn't like that." I explained. He kept quiet for a couple of seconds and I thought, he really was serious and feeling sulky but then, he suddenly burst into laughter.

"I'm just kidding, mi amor. Of course, I know that when you cook for me, you do it with all the love in your heart because you love me. You pour all your love that's why your food tastes so delicious." I gave him a deadpan look because I knew that he wasn't talking about an actual food which made his laugh louder.

"Let me guess. You're not referring to a food. You're thinking of something perverted again." I said in disbelief. His laugh became louder.

"You really know me, mi amor."

I smacked his arm in irritation. "You're really crazy sometimes. I thought you were serious about being jealous of the kids!"

"Well, I just wanted to tease you a little bit because you look like a mother who hasn't seen her kids for a long time." That made me smile.

"I don't know why I feel like this but I'm really happy of the thought that I'd be seeing them again, especially Neo." Jace's forehead wrinkled.

"Neo? He's the younger boy, right?" There was a hint of curiosity in his voice. I already told him everything about Cade and Neo and he seemed to be interested in them too. He told me the result of T's investigation on the kids' parents and I couldn't help but to be surprise.

According to him, they don't have any criminal record at all. In fact, they're active in helping others through charity works. I should feel relieved of that news because the kids are safe, but for some reason, I wasn't convinced at all.

Even Jace was the same. He said that there's something weird about them and he promised to do everything to know about them further.

"Yes, he is. I don't know why but I felt weird when I saw that boy for the first time in person. Even when I saw his picture for the first time, the feeling was the same. The only difference is; when I saw him in person, those weird feelings became stronger and clearer. I can't explain what I'm feeling."

"Now, I really want to meet these kids in person. I'm really curious about them, especially about Neo, because whenever you're talking about him, you look very happy and alive."

"Yes. Somehow, remembering about him gives me comfort. It makes me calm too." I answered fondly with a smile. Jace continued on driving until we finally reached the place.

As usual, the Mexican food truck was already open. I looked around, looking for Cade and Neo, but to my disappointment, they weren't there. My mood changed. Suddenly, I felt sad.

I looked at the packed food that I brought for them. Before Jace and I went home to New York, I told the vendor at the food truck to give food to Cade and Neo if ever they come in the morning. I already paid in advance too.

"It looks like they didn't come today." Jace said while looking around. When the vendor saw us, he approached us.

"Hi, Mrs. Montejo. I'm glad that you finally came here. The two kids came yesterday, and they were looking for you. Just like what you told me; I gave them food. While they were eating here, a man suddenly arrived and then forced them to go with him.

"The kids seemed to be scared but eventually went with him quietly. I wanted to report what happened to the police, but I heard them calling the man papa." Ronaldo, the owner of the food truck informed me.

"Papa?"

"Yes, Mrs. Montejo. I've been thinking about what happened since last night. I couldn't sleep because something's telling me that I made a mistake by not reporting it. I should've reported it to the police. I feel so bad not doing anything. I don't know why but I feel like there's something weird with their father." Ronaldo answered while shaking his head confusedly.

"Thank you for the information, Ronaldo." I then turned my back and then walked toward the parking lot. The worry inside of me was indescribable.

"Mrs. Montejo, you forgot this." I looked back and saw him waving the rest of the money that I gave him.

"Keep the change, Ronaldo." He smiled and then thanked me. When I reached the car, I opened the door and was about to get in when Jace finally spoke.

"What do you plan to do now, mi amor?"

"Let's go to Cade and Neo's place. Something's telling me that they're in trouble." I got in and then sat on the shotgun seat. Jace went to the driver's seat and then closed the door. But instead of starting the engine of the car, he faced me.

"Listen to me, mi amor. We can't just go to their house." I furrowed at him.

"Why not?" His lips parted, wanting to say something but not a word came out of his mouth. He raked his fingers through his hair in frustration.

"Answer me, Jace. Don't tell me that you know something that I don't?" I could tell that he was keeping something from me judging from the expression on his face. "You didn't tell me everything." I continued with certainty.

He heaved a sigh. "You're right, mi amor. I'm hiding something from you, but this is for your own good. Besides, I'm not sure yet if my suspicion was right. The report that T gave me isn't confirmed yet, but I will confirm it myself and when that time comes, I will tell you everything. I don't want you to get stressed out of something that it isn't sure yet." He

My eyebrows creased. "What are you talking about? You're making me nervous. T investigated the background of Cade and Neo's parents, right? I thought, their records were clean and that they're not bad people?"

"That's what the records say but me and T aren't convinced at all. Please, mi amor. Don't stress yourself out too much about this. You know that stress is not good for you. Let me handle this. Just trust me." I looked at him in disbelief.

For some reason, I suddenly remembered the past. He told me the exact same thing before that horrific incident happened.

I shook my head vigorously. "No! You told me the exact same thing years ago. You kept a secret from me and chose to deal everything on your own. Look what it brought us? You promised not to do the same and will open up to me no matter what." I couldn't help but to chide up at him sullenly.

"Mi amor..." He tried to hold my hand, but I didn't let him. I saw the pain that registered on his face because of my rejection. I opened the door and stepped out of the car. He followed me.

"If you really love me, you won't keep anything from me."

"Mi amor, please, listen to reasons. I don't intend on keeping this form you. Just for now." I shook my head before I turned my back on him. I was about to walk away when he hugged me from behind.

"Sorry, mi amor. I know that I'm being selfish again, but I don't want this to affect your condition. Just like I've told you a while ago, I've never intended to keep this from you. Just let me verify everything first before telling you about it, please? Can't you at least wait for a little bit longer? I promise not to betray your trust." His voice was begging.

I could feel that he was having a hard time. I could feel the turmoil inside of him. I heaved a sigh.

"I'm worried about those kids, Jace. I can't explain why I feel like this, but I won't stop until I see with my own eyes that they're not in danger. If you won't tell me anything, I won't ask you to anymore but don't stop when I decide to do something about it."

"No!" I didn't expect his reaction. To my surprise, he made me face him. I almost gasped when I saw the panic and anger on his face. "You will not involve yourself with this, mi amor, and that's final. All of my effort will be washed down the drain if you do that. I knew that you would get mad at me for not telling you everything, but I did that for you and our baby. Besides, this is just for temporary.

"Please, listen to me, mi amor. This isn't just about us anymore. Remember that you have our little one inside of you now and I don't want something bad happen to the both of you because I won't be able to take it. You're my life and I will do anything to protect you and our unborn baby. Just give me a couple of days to do what I need to do and after that, I'll tell you everything. Please?" He was staring at me with puppy dog eyes.

I bit my lower lip. I don't know what's happening to me. I know that I shouldn't be pushing this too hard because of my condition but I can't help myself. There's something telling me to do something as soon as I could before it's too late.

I've never felt this way before and I didn't know what to do. I heaved a sigh.

"Fine." His face brightened. "But I will only give you three days to do whatever you need to do and after that, tell me everything." He nodded his head.

"Of course, mi amor. Thank you for understanding me." He then pulled me by the waist and then enveloped me into a tight embrace. After that, we proceeded on going to our company. I thought, Jace would stay with me the whole day but Viper came and Jace left.

JACE's POV

I pounded my fist on the steering wheel in frustration and anger. Our mission was just finished. Yes, we managed to destroy another hide-out of the Alta Hama Group, but their leader wasn't there again. I couldn't believe how good he was in hiding.

That hide-out that we managed to destroy this time was located here in Houston. They really have a wide connection. I thought, their main operation was located only in New York, but I was wrong. Even in Houston and in other States, their presence is in there.

Now, I'm on my way home but I still don't have any good news for my wife. I stepped on the gas to add more speed when a car suddenly appeared out of nowhere from the right and I almost crashed into it.

Thankfully, my speed was only 40 kph that's why I managed to avoid the collision with my fast reflexes.

"Damn it!" I hissed and then got out of my car to confront the driver. What a day. I've been feeling frustrated since a while ago because I felt like my efforts weren't enough to catch the leader of AHG and now, this happened.

I walked straight toward that car and then knocked on its window.

"Are you crazy?! If you're planning to take your own life, don't involve me in it!" I yelled in anger. I was about to go back to my car when the car door opened, and a familiar face came into view.

My forehead crinkled upon seeing him. I couldn't be wrong.

"Sorry for causing you trouble. I was just in a hurry." His voice was calm. I carefully scrutinized him with my eyes. Even if his face looked calm, I could tell that his eyes were telling otherwise.

"Doctor Baron?" I questioned and I groaned inwardly when I realized that I just uttered his name out loud.

"You know me?" He looked surprised and I had to think of something believable response quickly.

"I heard a lot about you because of your charity works."

He nodded his head and smiled. "Oh, I didn't know that I've been attracting attention. Our family has been helping people in need for years already and I'm proud of it. Anyway, I'm so sorry for what happened." I flashed a smile.

"it's okay now. I'm sure, you didn't do it on purpose. I'm sorry too for my outburst. I've had a bad day." I answered with a friendly tone.

"I'm glad everything's okay. Anyway, I need to go. They're waiting for me at the medical mission." He was about to get into his car when I spoke.

"Medical mission? I'm on my way to a blood donation program. I heard there's a medical mission there too. Is that where you're going?" I inquired. Yes, I saw that medical mission on the report that T gave me. Thankfully, I still remember it.

"What a coincidence. Is it in Saint Michael's Hospital?" He asked in surprise.

"Yes, it is. I can't believe that we're actually going to the same place. Yes, that's the place. We should hurry up now then so that we won't be late." I tried to sound as friendly as possible. An unknown emotion flashed through his eyes as he scrutinized me with not so obvious stare, but it disappeared as soon as it appeared.

While we were on our way to the hospital that he was saying, I made sure not to lose him while tailing his car. I was only planning to send one of my men on that medical mission to observe Doctor Baron but now, I happened to run into him.

I smirked. I thought, today's not my lucky day, but I was wrong because I've finally met him in person.

When we arrived there, I was surprised because of the big crowd that I saw. I couldn't believe that there were a lot of people who actually attends these kinds of programs.

Doctor Baron approached me when he got out of his car.

"You haven't introduced yourself yet. What's your name again?" He asked. I smiled.

"I'm Slate Montes, Doctor Baron." I introduced myself. I've been using that name in my missions and even if he's going to background check me under that name, he would end up with information that was already made up by the ET VINDEX.

"What a nice name." He praised with a smile, but I could see right through him. "It's nice meeting you Mr. Montes. Anyway, I need to go inside. We also offer free consultation in this medical mission and it's my turn now."

I met his gaze. "I'm glad that there are still people like you who help people in need without asking for money in return, Mr. Baron."

"Well, it makes me happy helping other people. I'll go on ahead now, Mr. Montes. Good luck on donating blood." He then walked away.

To make my act believable, I registered myself as a blood donor because I could feel Mr. Baron's stares in my back.

While waiting for my turn, I was sitting on the chair while furtively observing my surroundings. My jaw flexed when I noticed some men lurking around the area. They were trying their best to hide their real intentions, but I could identify those kinds of people in just a glance.

Mr. Baron already began his charity work and I noticed how people treated him very nicely. They were very grateful of him.

When I finally finished my turn, I just rested for a couple of minutes in one of beds there. Each bed was separated with curtains so that there's still be privacy in each cubicle.

When I finally regained my strength, I was about to get up when I overheard people talking from the next cubicle.

"Doctor Baron, we still need additional donations so that we could proceed on our next charity program, especially the charity auction." A woman said.

"I thought, Mr. Henrick already donated? He promised me to donate a large amount of money so that we could push through with our charity event." I could hint the stress in his voice. I got up and then pushed the curtain aside. I was right. They're just in the next cubicle.

"Mr. Montes?" Mr. Baron looked surprised upon seeing me. He was with a woman who looked like his secretary.

"Pardon my intrusion, Doctor Baron, but I overheard what you two were discussing while I was resting after my blood donation. If you still need some donations, I can give you that. I'm impressed of what you do and I want to help as well."

"Really? You're willing to do that? Mind you, Mr. Montes, we don't get something in return out of this charity works that we're doing. This is not a business." The corner of my lips lifted.

"I'm a businessman, Mr. Baron, and I surely know what charity means. Besides, I just want to help. I can't just go on and pretend that I didn't hear what you two were talking about just now because I could help a lot of people for donating. Let's just say that I want to share my blessings to others because my business is doing good." I answered casually.

"Wow. Hearing a young businessman say that is kinda refreshing nowadays. If you really like to donate, let's make it official. I will host a charity auction in my place tomorrow night. I hope you could come. All the proceeds from that auction will go to our foundation."

"Foundation?" I questioned, pretending to be curious about it even though I already read about that in T's report too.

"Yes, Mr. Montes. My parents founded that foundation and since I was their only child, I decided to keep it because it changes a lot of lives."

"Wow. I'm really impressed by your family's mission. You help a lot of people. I'm sure that your children inherited that kind of goal from you. Well if you have any." I said, trying my best to look really impressed. Thankfully, I already perfected the art of pretending. I've done this a lot of times during my missions before and I've never once got caught lying in front of their faces.

I observed his reaction furtively. He really is good in faking reactions too but his eyes are giving him away. The moment I mentioned about his children, the gleam of his eyes changed. It became cold and cruel.

"Well, I actually have. You'll meet them tomorrow if you decided to come."

I smiled. "Don't worry, Doctor Baron. I will attend the charity auction. I won't miss this chance to help."

"Very good. I don't have an invitation here with me right now but it's okay. Just tell my name at the entrance. I'll inform them about you beforehand. If there's a problem, just call me in my number." He then handed me a calling card.

'Okay then, Doctor. See you tomorrow evening." We shook hands before I exited the hospital.

While I was inside my car, I stared at the calling card before I smirked. Looked like my mission became easier. Who would've thought that I would run into him?

I couldn't believe that I got to approach him without exerting so much effort. Now, I could finally confirm if the children were indeed in danger or not. Christine would surely be happy about this.

I was pulled out of my reverie when my phone suddenly rang. My forehead creased when I saw T calling. I answered right away.

"Yes, bud? Any further development?"

"Yes. It's about the Alta Hama Group. Apparently, some doctors are involved in this group as well. These doctors are the ones responsible why AHG manage to get internal organs from people through hospitals and they always get away with it.

"According to my source, these people really studied medicine just for the sole purpose of helping their organization. They've been members since they were children that's why the group already brainwashed them. Their loyalty with the Alta Hama Group doesn't waver easily because they grew up with them." He informed.

"So, they really raise children to be one of them and then use them for their own benefit?" I asked. I felt like my insides were trembling in so much rage.

"Yes, bud. I sent you the pictures of the doctors that are members of AHG. For now, that's all I could manage to get."

"Thank you for your help, T. I owe you one." He chuckled.

"Don't worry about it. We in the TBG help each other in times of need anyway." That made me smile. When our conversation ended, I quickly checked my e-mail and opened the message that T sent me.

My eyes widened when I saw a familiar face among those doctors. Doctor Baron.

I knew it. The moment I laid my eyes on him, I already knew that he wouldn't do anything good. Yes, he managed to deceive everyone into believing that he's a kind and charitable person but not me.

I smirked as I stared at the calling card that he gave me. Now, I could finally begin my mission. With a lot of information in my sleeves, I know that I would succeed.

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