At the Hospital
Humaira stood near the hallway window, her phone pressed tightly to her ear, her lips curved into a triumphant smile.
"Yes, Jabar," she said excitedly. "Mission complete."
A soft squeal escaped her as she laughed under her breath. "Finally, I've humbled that fool. I'm so happy."
"You did well," Jabar replied. "This is your first mission that ended so quickly. Once you return, we'll celebrate."
"Of course," Humaira said smugly. "I've already made a reservation at a hotel. I'm going to drink until I'm completely drunk. I've finally put an end to Mauja's lineage. It's because of Mauja that my mother was kicked out."
There was a pause.
"I've heard rumors," Jabar said slowly, "that Alex might have an older sister somewhere. You should be careful."
Humaira scoffed. "Come on, Jabar. If I could kill a tiny bird without a stone, then who exactly is this so-called sister?"
"Be careful with your words," Jabar warned. "Even your shadow leaves you when it gets dark."
"Yeah, yeah," Humaira replied dismissively. "Nothing good ever comes out of you, especially when you start preaching."
"I can tell you're already drunk," Jabar said flatly.
Humaira giggled.
"Call me later when you're in your right senses," he added before hanging up.
She stared at her phone. "Oh? He hung up on me?"
Humaira slipped the phone into her pocket and headed toward the exit, laughter bubbling out of her.
"Today, I killed Alex," she murmured to herself. "The boy who claimed to be tough. My aunty's so-called heir. Mauja's only son."
She hummed lightly as she walked away, laughing to herself.
Later That Day — At the Cliffside
The wind howled softly as Alex staggered along the rocky path, his vision blurred, blood trickling from a wound on his head.
"Bro!"
Alex looked up just in time to see Damien running toward him.
"I knew it," Damien said, grabbing his arm. "I had a feeling you'd get out of that prison sooner or later. Congratulations—you're finally free from that witch Sherylyn's clutches."
"Yeah," Alex muttered, lowering himself onto a rock. "Thanks a lot for putting me in a lot of trouble."
He glanced around. "And what the hell are you doing living under a cliff?"
Damien shrugged. "Sherylyn's men are after me like crazy. They caught Jeremy and the others. I'm the only survivor. Of course I had to hide here."
He grinned. "Besides, living under a cliff isn't that bad. And I did just save your life. You're welcome."
Alex sighed.
Damien's smile faded when he noticed the blood. "Dude… you need to go to the hospital. You're bleeding badly."
"This is nothing," Alex replied coldly. "Compared to what I have in store for Humaira. She just made the wrong move."
Damien frowned. "Who the hell is Humaira? Wait—don't tell me. Sherylyn got you adopted?"
He laughed. "The almighty Alex? What happened to working for her?"
"Damien," Alex said sharply.
His eyes turned cold.
"I need your help."
Damien froze. "The almighty Alex… asking me for help?" He gulped.
Alex leaned forward. "Back at the orphanage, Mrs. Devika once mentioned my mother's name—where I came from. Humaira also mentioned her. That's what made me want to know more about this woman called Mauja."
Damien listened carefully.
"According to Devika," Alex continued, "Mauja was on death sentence. I tried finding the police station where she was held, but it was shut down years ago. The employees are either dead or missing."
He clenched his fist. "I heard there was a policewoman who was friends with my mother. Her name is Akira. I don't know where she is yet—but if I find her, I might finally learn the truth about Mauja."
He looked straight at Damien. "If I find her… will you follow me?"
Damien didn't hesitate. "Of course, bro. I've got nothing else to do apart from eating and hiding."
He tilted his head. "So… what about your new home?"
"I already got permission from Mrs. Safeera," Alex replied. "As for Humaira—forget her. I'll deal with her in due time."
His lips curled slightly. "This is payback—for everything she caused. Including the trouble you got into at the orphanage."
Damien laughed nervously.
"I'll stay at your place tonight," Alex added. "Tomorrow, we go back to mine, grab my things, and start the search."
Damien nodded and pulled out his phone. "Doctor Patrick? Yeah, it's me again. Can you stop by? My brother's about to die. Same place as usual. Thanks."
He hung up and helped Alex to his feet.
Together, they disappeared into the fading light