A/N: I thought, I wouldn't be able to finish revising it but I did it earlier than I have predicted. Anyway, enjoy reading!

🗽©️💞ⓙ 🗽

JACE's POV

My heart beat weirdly just like when I first laid my eyes on his picture upon seeing his face. I swallowed hard and couldn't say anything for a couple of seconds. Even the boy stopped eating the piece of fried chicken in his hand while looking at me with furrowed eyebrows.

I couldn't utter even a single word. I felt like I was staring at myself when I was his age. My heart was beating fast. The familiarity and those tantalizing electric blue eyes...I couldn't be mistaken.

I took a step forward, intending to be closer to him and touch him but he took a step backward while looking like he's in defense mode.

"Who are you?" I was pulled out of my reverie when I heard his voice. Those eyes of his were looking at me suspiciously as if I would do something bad to him.

I couldn't take my eyes off him, afraid to even blink because he might disappear on me. While looking at him, JC's image appeared on my mind. Somehow, my eyes watered, but I did my best not to let my emotion get the best of me.

Now, there was a rising suspicion within me of who he was but I couldn't just assume things just like that without any solid proof. Even though he looked like me and he has JC's eyes. I shouldn't let my emotions cloud my better judgement.

I should stick to my mission and if my suspicion was right, I would surely hit two birds with one stone if I'd succeeded. For now, I shouldn't do anything that could give me away because a lot of lives are at stake.

"Mister, I'm talking to you. Are you a thief?" I couldn't help but to chuckle when I heard his question, especially his tone. I drew a deep breath and then smiled at him.

"Thief? What about you, buddy? Why were you stealing food here?" I tried to sound as friendly as possible. I could feel an invisible connection between me and him and my suspicion was getting stronger with each passing second.

He evaded my gaze and didn't answer. Suddenly, he looked scared. I noticed that his clothes were old. There was even a hole on the lower right part of his shirt. My hands formed into fists as overwhelming anger started rising within me.

How did everything turned like this?

If he really was the one, I would kill everyone who took him away from us for treating him this way! I felt like my entire body was shaking in so much rage, but I couldn't just fly into a fit of rage without thinking of the consequences of just one single mistake.

I sat in a squatting position before him in order to level our heights. I felt the strong urge to hug him so badly but I held myself back. It took me everything I got not to give in and it was so hard to do so.

"Don't worry, buddy. I won't tell it to anyone. You look so hungry. Haven't you eaten anything yet?" My throat tightened as I uttered that question. He looked at me in awe as if he didn't expect what I've said.

"Really? You won't tell what I did to papa?" I felt like a cold bucket of ice cold water pour over my head because of what he said. Yes, how could I forget? He has a father figure now and that b*stard doesn't deserve to be called 'papa' by anyone, especially JC, because he doesn't have the capability to love anyone, especially kids.

"Papa?" I pretended that I didn't know who he was talking about. Deep inside of me, I was wishing so hard that he's really JC. Just the fact that he's adopted was adding to the possibility.

"I saw you talking to papa a while ago. I thought, you're one of his minions."

"Your father is Doctor Baron? What do you mean by minions? Whatever that is, I'm not one of them. I'm just here for the auction because I want to donate to Mr. Baron's Foundation to help people in need." I said even though it felt like I would lose myself just staring at him.

My heart already confirmed that he's JC but my mind was still doubtful just because of lack of proof aside from his strong resemblance to me and the way my heart was beating weirdly.

He went quiet as he looked around us, probably looking if someone was there listening to us.

"You ask a lot of questions, Mister. They said that I shouldn't trust people like you who ask a lot of questions, especially if they're stranger." I got surprised of his answer. He's so young yet he talks like a grown up already.

Such a smart kid. I couldn't help but to be impressed.

"Who said so?" He shrugged his shoulders.

"They said that during our training." I felt like my breath got trapped in my lungs upon hearing what he just said. Training? Don't tell me...

"Training? What training is that? Are you referring to an activity in your school?" I questioned, hoping against hope that he wasn't talking about that.

"School? Is that the place where teachers teach children?" He asked curiously. Looked like I got his interest now because he was indulged into our conversation already.

"Yes, it is. Why? Haven't you attended one before?"

"No. I've never attended school before." My heart sank. I was almost certain what these people were making him do and my blood was boiling. I could already imagine his sufferings at such a young age because these people took his childhood and his life.

"I thought you don't trust me because I'm a stranger. Why are you answering my questions then?" I asked and then gulped inaudibly because that invisible lump in my throat felt bigger now. I felt like crying.

He shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know. Maybe because you're not one of papa's minions and you said that you won't tell on me to anyone for stealing food." He then finished eating the fried chicken that he was holding.

Just watching him eat like he was eating the most delicious food hurt me so much. Just thinking the possibility that he might be JC and he's deprived like this was so much to take as a parent.

Just thinking that Christine and I could eat whatever we want to eat while JC couldn't even have a decent clothes and food to eat was too painful.

I cleared my throat. "That's right, I won't. Do you want some food? I have a food for you so that you don't have to steal food from here." I offered, wanting to talk to him longer. Christine made home-made burritos and told me to give it to the kids if ever I saw them, but I forgot it in my car.

His face brightened.

"Really, Mister?" He asked excitedly but then the excitement on his face instantly disappeared. "But how? You don't have a food with you. I can't go outside with you either."

I looked around. I wanted to take him with me but I knew that was out of the question. I could mess everything up if I'd do that. Besides, Even though my heart was already certain, I couldn't just be reckless because I could put him in grave danger in just a single mistake.

"Wait here. I'll ask someone to get the food in my car for you." I stepped away from him for a couple of feet and contacted Viper.

"Bud, I need your help."

"About what? Where are you anyway? Doctor Baron seems to be looking for you already." I let out a curse.

"Forget that for now. I need you to get the burritos for me from my car and delivered it to here ASAP. The car is just near the gate. When you get there, call me again so that I could press the unlock button for you."

"What?! Didn't you eat before coming here?! And what's with the burritos again?! Why didn't you get it before you went inside that fùcking house?!" He asked in disbelief.

"I'll explain to you later. I know that you're now outside so it's easier for you to get it for me."

"Fùck! What do you think I am? A food delivery boy?" I rolled my eyes.

"Well, for now, sorta."

"Damn you!" The line went dead. I wanted to laugh because he sounded so pissed off, but I knew that he would do it anyway.

"The food is on its way. Let's just wait, okay?" The little boy nodded his head. This wasn't what I've expected. Christine mentioned to me before that he was such an untrusting kid. Apparently, he doesn't trust people easily, especially strangers.

But Christine managed to do it and now, I made him stay and talk to me as well. Was it a sign that he's really our son? I raked my fingers through my hair in frustration.

I didn't know what to do anymore.

"Why are you being nice to me?" He then suddenly asked and my body went still for a moment. For some reason, I couldn't answer right away. I then heaved a sigh.

"Because I can see that you're a good kid." Because you might be my son...

"Even if you saw me stealing food?" I couldn't help but to chuckle and then ruffled his hair. But then, he suddenly took a step backward as if he got threatened by what my touch, but when he realized that I didn't hurt him, his lips parted as if he was surprised.

"Stealing is bad. If you want food, just call me and I'll give you one." I wanted to tell him to come with me but I didn't want him to feel uncomfortable. I should get his full trust first before saying anything like that.

He shook his head. "I can't. Besides, I don't have a cellphone." He suddenly looked sad.

"Why don't you have your own cellphone? Ah, I know. You're still too young to have one." I deliberately said that so that he might spill some beans. He shook his head.

"No. I don't have one because I don't have money. Besides, it's hard for me to escape let alone have a cellphone."

"Escape?" I asked with knitted eyebrows. He was about to answer when we heard footsteps. He looked at me in panic.

"Hide, Mister!" He said as he pushed me away from him.

"Why?"

"Just go away and hide!" I quickly hid behind the open door while the little boy remained on his spot, looking nervous.

"What are you doing in here, Neo?" I heard the stern voice of someone. Doctor Baron.

"I-I'm sorry, p-papa." I could hint the nervousness in Neo's voice. From where I was hiding, I could see them clearly but Doctor Baron's back was on me that's why he couldn't see me.

"You stole food again?" Neo slowly nodded his head. Then, my eyes widened when Doctor Baron suddenly grabbed the boy's wrist and tugged him towards him roughly.

"You never learn, do you? Do you want me to throw you into the cell again?"

"N-No, papa. I won't do it again. I-I was just so h-hungry that—" I saw Neo wince in pain as Doctor Baron's grip tightened around his wrist. My hands balled into tight fist and I wanted nothing but to break his neck. B*stard!

I felt like I was losing myself because of so much rage within me. That boy was possibly Christine and I's son but they're treating him like that! My vision was going dark.

Even though I wanted nothing but to charge in and attack the doctor, I held myself back even though I was already in the brink of losing myself.

I was impressed by how Neo handled the situation though. He was still so young but he didn't even cry even though he was obviously hurting. Looking at the pain that was registered on his face made me feel like I was hurting double.

"You really know how to anger me, you little twerp! Do this again and I'll make sure not to give you any food for three days. Do you understand?!" He said thunderously and then little boy nodded his head.

"Answer me!"

"Y-Yes, papa." He then pushed Neo away in a rough manner which caused him to fall on his butt on the floor.

"Just be thankful that you're still useful to me because if not, I would've disposed you right away! If only you're not the boss' favorite, I would've discarded you long time ago!" My breathing became hard as I tried my best to hold onto the tiniest bit of self-control left within me. Seeing Neo hurting like that was giving me this strong urge to kill Doctor Baron with my bare hands.

The helpless look on Neo's face disappeared and replaced by defiant and brave expression.

"I'll tell about this to papy!" He threatened and Doctor Baron's face contorted with anger. Papy?

I thought, Doctor Baron was about to leave, but I was wrong.

He slowly approached the poor little boy and tugged him by the hand to make him stand up.

"Ouch! It hurts!" Neo complained as he tried to struggle from his tight grip because the doctor looked like he was about to detach his arm.

"Try telling about this to him and I'll dispose all your friends. Do you want them to get killed because of you?" Doctor Baron asked like a psycho and Neo got obviously frightened of his threat.

He shook his head and the feisty look on his was replaced by helplessness once again. I could see that he was in so much pain as tears threatened to fall from his eyes. He looked so worried about his friends too.

I couldn't take it anymore. The rage that I was trying to contain inside of me felt like a monster that was ready to attack. I took a step forward and was about to attack him from behind, planning to give him what he deserves, when someone suddenly came in.

Thankfully, I haven't stepped out of my hiding spot yet that's why the new arrival didn't see me.

"That's enough, Stan. Some of the guests are already looking for you." It was Mrs. Baron. Thankfully, Doctor Baron finally let go of Neo.

"Take this kid back to their place." He instructed his wife before walking out of the kitchen.

"What did you do again? Do you really want to anger him all the time? You're really one gutsy little boy." Mrs. Baron said full of displeasure.

"I was just hungry. Papy told me to eat whatever I want but you only give us food once a day." The woman shook her head as she raised an eyebrow at Neo.

She looked nothing like the Mrs. Baron that I saw a while ago because her true color has finally got uncovered.

"Papy? Who's that? Are you really that hungry that you don't know what you're saying anymore?" She tsked three times. "I really don't know what Stan sees in you that he can't dispose you just like the others." Neo remained quiet as he massaged his aching arm.

Seeing him suffer before my eyes was too much to take for me. It was taking all my strength away.

"Go back to your place before doctor comes back here." The woman ordered Neo coldly and the kid slowly walked away.

When Mrs. Baron finally went out of the kitchen, I hurriedly followed Neo. I thought, his room was one of the rooms in the house, but I was wrong because he went out of the house through the back door.

Then, he walked towards a small house that looked like a tool house, located at the backyard and entered there. I was about to follow him until there when I noticed one of the guards, patrolling the area.

I quickly hid myself in the bushes until he finally went away.

Then, my wristwatch vibrated. I looked at the one who was calling before answering it.

"Yes, bud?"

"Open the door for me." I took my car key and pressed the unlock button. Thankfully, I managed to get a parking just near the gate that's why I could still use my key to control my car.

"I have the bag of burritos now. Where are you?"

"I'm here at the backyard of the house."

"Tsk. You're giving me a hard time. Wait." The line went silent for about two or three minutes before he spoke again. "You should be thankful that the security of this house is kinda crappy. If not, I could get caught just because of these burritos. I don't want to risk the possibility that someone might see me, but I don't have a choice but to just sneak inside again. I'll just leave it here in the kitchen."

"What? You're already in the kitchen?" I was impressed of how fast he was.

"Yes, I am. Easy as pie."

I chuckled. "Thank you, bud. I owe you one." I ended the call and then carefully went back to the kitchen. I took the bag of food and then went back to the backyard. I wasn't sure if I would knock on the door of the small house though.

I was standing in front of the house when the door opened. Thankfully, it was Neo. He looked like he was planning to get inside the house again.

"Mister?"

"Shhh. Don't make a sound. This is the food that I've promised you." I handed him the bag of food and his face brightened up.

"You really brought me food." He whispered merrily.

"Of course, I did. I told you that, right?" He nodded his head as he checked what's inside.

"Burritos? Wow! This is my favorite—Sorry." He whispered the last word when he realized that he was being loud.

"It's okay. Share it with your siblings, okay?" He nodded vigorously.

"Thank you, Mister. I love burritos. Ms. Christine was the one who introduced it to me before." That made me smile. For some reason, seeing him smile made me happy. I looked at his wrist and I gritted my teeth when I saw that it was already reddish.

"Ms. Christine?"

"Yes. She's a very nice and beautiful lady. I like her."

"Really? I'm glad you like her." Neo smiled. I sat in a squatting position to level our heights.

"Neo, I have a favor to ask."

"What is it, Mister?"

"Don't tell anyone that you met me here, okay? Pretend that you don't know me."

"Why?" Neo asked innocently.

"I'll explain to you next time, okay? For now, don't tell anyone about me. I promise that I will take you and your siblings away from here."

"Really, Mister?"

"Yes. That's a promise." I felt my tears threaten to fall from my eyes and it took me all the self-control I had not to cry in front of him. I wanted to embrace him so badly but I held myself together. I wanted to take him with me but it wasn't the right time yet.

Even though, it was so hard for me to let him go just for the meantime, I had to. At least, I knew where I could find him.

I looked passed him and saw that there was nothing inside the small house aside from a staircase going underground. My forehead creased.

"Go inside. Don't worry because we'll meet again. Whatever you hear later, don't go out, okay?" I said as I tried my best to control my tears from falling.

"Okay, Mister. Thank you again." When he turned around, I swiftly attached the small device on his shirt and he didn't notice it.

The strong urge to take him into my arms felt like it was almost impossible to fight. Hang on, buddy. I'll come back for you no matter what happens. I just need to do something first to ensure your safety.

My eyes watered even more that my vision went blurry.

I turned around and walked away from there with a heavy heart, intending to go back to the auction but then, I heard a voice.

"What are you doing here, Mr. Montes?" It was Doctor Baron. I furtively wiped my tears and then readied a smile before facing him casually.

"Oh, Doctor Baron, it's you. Well, I'm just here to breath some fresh air. After I went to the restroom, I felt the need to blow some smoke. I just finished one stick, actually." I answered casually and shove my hands inside the pocket of my slacks.

I could feel his scrutinizing gaze carefully looking at me but he was trying his best not to make it look obvious.

"You should've told me so, Mr. Montes, so that I could've accompanied you."

"No worries, Doctor Baron. I wasn't planning on staying here for long anyway. I was about to go back to the auction, but you came." He chuckled but his eyes were void of any emotions.

"You missed a lot of interesting stuff in the auction. I just hope that you will like the next things that they're about to show."

The corner of my lips twitched. "Well, rest assured, Doctor Baron. Even if in case none of those things could get my interest, I will still donate."

"That's a nice thing to hear then. Well, we should probably get going." I nodded my head and went along with him. During the auction, my mind was full of Neo. I wanted nothing but to get him together with his siblings out of that house, but I knew that I couldn't be reckless.

Just thinking that the boy, who could possibly my son, was just nearby was so hard that I couldn't think clearly. I tried my best to concentrate on my mission so that Doctor Baron won't detect anything wrong.

After the auction, I did as I promised to Doctor Baron and gave him a check. When he saw how much I wrote in there, he gaped at me in shock for a second.

But then, he pulled himself together and then thanked me. He said that there was an after party and invited me to join them, but I declined. It was all part of the plan.

During our talk, I made sure to impress him with my words. He kept on saying things that could potentially gave me away if I answered wrongly but I managed to answer them perfectly.

When I told him that I needed to leave, he came with me outside while we were talking about his plans for the money that I gave him.

"You really impress me, Doctor Baron. You seem to have a lot of positive and productive plans to your orphanage. The kids there are really lucky because they have you." He laughed.

"Well, just like I've told you before. We're the lucky ones because they came into our lives. Anyway, I'm sorry that I couldn't introduce my children to you. They're busy in their room, doing their assignments that's why they didn't want to come down. Charlotte is busy talking to our friends so she couldn't say goodbye to you."

"Don't worry about that, Doctor Baron. I understand. I'll go on ahead then. Thank you for inviting me." He nodded his head. I pretended to walk towards my car but then, a motorbike suddenly stopped in front of Doctor Baron.

I saw the rider brought out a gun and pointed at him. He was about to pull the trigger but I quickly approached and kicked the attacker's hand. The gun flew a couple of feet away.

I heard the attacker grunt before he mounted his motorbike and drove away.

"Are you okay, Doctor Baron?" I asked him in fake concern. He looked stunned for a moment before he pulled himself together.

"Y-You saved me."

"That's nothing, Doctor Baron. I just did the right thing."

"I owe my life to you." His voice was slightly trembling.

"Do you have an idea who that was? I think, that's one of your enemies." He shook his head.

"I don't have anyone in mind. Besides, I don't have an enemy." I almost wanted to break his neck tight there in then because of what he said.

"It's better for you to report this to the police, Doctor Baron." I suggested but he shook his head.

"No need. That person didn't succeed anyway. I'll just make sure to take care from now on."

"Are you sure? This is not something to be ignored about." I said, still pretending to be so concern. He smiled.

"Don't worry, Mr. Montes. I'm fine." I heaved a sigh.

"Okay. If that's what you want. I'll go on ahead then." He nodded his head and then entered inside his property. I took the gun on the ground and then went to my car.

I started the engine and then drove out of there. When I reached the first right turn, I took it and then stopped at the vacant lot there. There, I saw whom I was looking for.

"Damn you! You could've at least kicked the gun, not my hand!" Viper hissed when he saw me. I smirked.

"If I did that, he would've surely suspected something."

"Fùck! I can't even feel my hand right now." I almost rolled my eyes.

"Forget about that for now, bud. Our mission is more important that your hand. We should get going now."

"Fùck you!"

"Tone down your voice!" I rebuked as I looked around us. He tsked.

"Fine. Just call your men now. Where are they anyway?"

"They're behind you, jackass." I answered as I eyed my two most trusted men.

"You know what to do." They both nodded their heads. I opened the compartment of my car and took all the necessary things that we needed for our mission. I gave Viper the others.

I then changed into my mission outfit and put a mask on that covers my entire face expect my eyes. My two men drove the motorbike and my car away.

"Let's go back to that house. We need to see what they're up to with those kids." I said.

"Copy."

When we reached the target place, we successfully infiltrated the house without anyone noticing us. The party was already on going.

"What the heck are these creeps doing?" Viper asked while looking at the right side of the garden. Then, my eyes widened when I saw some children, crying and screaming in horror as those men were dragging them towards somewhere.

"Bud, we need to do something." Viper said and was about to attack but I stopped him.

"Wait. Let's observe first and then call for a back-up." He let out a curse but nodded his head. I contacted the headquarters and requested Jinn for backup.

I was right all along. Those children were in grave danger!

🗽©️💞ⓙ 🗽

What do you think of the first encounter of Jace and Neo?

Was it wise for Jace to leave Neo for the meantime?

Is Neo JC or not?

Why do you think Jace saved Doctor Baron?

Who do you think is Papy?

COMMENT, VOTE, SHARE & FOLLOW