"Thank you for the honesty," Out of all the pain, Collet managed to thank Darryl of all the good and bad things that he told her without doubt and hesitation. Her heart ached so much but she could simply do nothing with it anymore. She'll just leave it broken, perhaps they'll heal someday.

"I need some details Collet," Darryl's tone and demand remained consistent that Collet could only sigh from it. If Darryl wasn't desperate for answers, he'll never visit her at all, she knew.

​​

"Would this make you forgive me?" She asked once again.

"No. I already told you no. But I will thank you for it. Who knows in the future, I can forgive as well" Darryl replied.

"I'll hold on to that," Collet smiled bitterly and stood up ready to leave. Her visiting hours ended and the jail guard entered the room once again to fetch her. "I don't know much about him except the fact that he once worked under your uncle Franco," Collet looked thoroughly then, memorizing every angle of the man she willingly ruined her future for. "Goodbye, young master. I do love you, very much and I apologize for everything"

Collet then turned to leave with the jail guard but before they completely vanished to the next room, Darryl chose to say something as his way of saying goodbye to her completely.

"Collet," Darryl called for her and Collet titled her head toward his side to give him one last gaze, "You were special to me because you were my childhood best friend, and you always have that place in my heart— not until you killed my son,"

With what he said, Collet's tears started pouring again, but then she smiled with a little relief. "Thank you for telling me"

Collet then left with so much regret in her heart. If she wasn't so stubborn and selfish, she should have always had a place in Darryl's heart as his best friend, but through her own doing, she even lost that part.

***

Xhemin didn't know where Darryl was going and what he had learned from Collet. All she knew was that Darryl needed to see someone related to Winter's case and she insisted on tagging along. They flew in his private jet to Hampshire and hit the road to exit the town with a car. They were traversing a dusty road toward a small town that only came alive during the night. It was late afternoon by then so the place looked a bit abandoned and solemn. Darryl stopped the car in front of what looked like a small hotel and they both disembarked from the car. Seeing that his wife was following him without protest, Darryl went straight to the reception where a woman, probably a receptionist stood at her back.

"Excuse me," Darryl called for her attention.

"Good morning and welcome to Hotel—"The woman slightly turned with her greeting but when her eyes landed on Darryl's face she stopped midway as she instantly recognized him. "Ohh"

It was obvious that she was surprised at Darryl's visit and was stuck looking at him, not able to do anything but just looked through Lagdameo heir's face. Darryl never once showed up in there so the woman simply wasn't sure what to do.

"Franco Lagdameo" Darryl said the name and woman seemed to have woken up from her shock then immediately grabbed the phone then press the numbers aggressively. Then she announced, "The Lagdameo heir is here,"

The receptionist mumbled a few more things but before she was able to put the phone down, someone appeared from the door. A bald man of big built and inked all over. He approached Darryl and bowed, "This way President. Your uncle is waiting for you,"

Darryl didn't say a word but immediately hurried to the direction the man pointed. Xhemin tailed behind Darryl and the man followed. The direction the bald man pointed led them to a series of stairs and so they climbed up aiming for the top floor. While on the stairs, Darryl suddenly stopped and said something.

"Eyes on the floor Lumus," Darryl said it like it was a warning to the man behind them, "I want no eyes scheming at my wife,"

"Yes, President Dee" The man answered, his voice was shaking a bit as if he had been struck hard. He certainly didn't think of being caught as he was at the back and certainly didn't expect the beautiful woman tailing the President was his wife. Xhemin, on the other hand, chilled at the thought that she was being observed thoroughly but before she could feel any fear she felt Darryl's hand wrapped on her fingers as the latter dragged him to her side. His hands felt very assuring so Xhemin didn't protest anymore especially that she knew the place was dangerous.

Soon, they reached the top floor and were led to a sunlit floor full of hanging herbs and indoor flowers. Franco Lagdameo was sitting on a white round metal table waiting for them.

"I heard you brought your wife so I ask them to bring you here in my garden so we can have tea," Franco welcomed them with thorough sarcasm. He thought Xhemin was someone not used to seeing blood and violence so he spared her of seeing the real activities inside the hotel. "The view here was far more decent than what is inside my other rooms,"

"She's tougher than you thought," Darryl answered and guided Xhemin to sit on the other empty table.

"Really? I heard she just cried after seeing her son's murderer," Franco remarked to Xhemin's insult. However, he didn't intend it to hurt Xhemin intentionally, it was a courtesy of warning to her, telling her that there were far more violent and worst things that she may encounter in her search for justice so she should strive hard on being strong, especially emotionally. "Here have some tea dear, you look thoroughly pale. This will help you feel better,"