Patty rushed after them but collided with Maria in the hallway.
"Move!" Patty snapped.
"I've been looking for you," Maria said quickly. "Madam wants you to buy groceries. The person in charge just called in sick."
"What?" Patty groaned. "Now? When things are getting interesting?"
"You better go," Maria warned. "Madam is in a really bad mood."
Patty sighed loudly. "Just when things were about to get juicy. Curse that groceries guy!"
She stormed off.
Safeera flung open the bedroom door—and froze.
"This… this is unbelievable," she whispered. "Alex? Is that you?"
Her gaze darted from Alex, lying on the bed, to Damien, standing nearby.
Charles stepped in behind her and gasped. "In my thirteen years of service," he said, voice shaking, "this is the first miracle I've ever witnessed."
He smiled warmly at Alex. "Young master, I'm glad you're okay."
His eyes fell to Damien. "And you've brought a friend."
Then he noticed the packed bags. "But sir… why are your bags packed?"
Martha, standing at the doorway, stared at Damien dreamily.
Is it just me, she thought, or is this guy way cuter than the young master? Long lashes, pink lips, handsome face… is this real?
Damien cleared his throat. "I know everyone's shocked," he said quickly. "I met Alex yesterday at the cliffside. He was badly injured. Long story short—I treated him. We came back to get his luggage."
"Luggage?" Safeera snapped. "For what? He just got here. He's still injured. Where are you taking my son?"
"Whoa, calm down," Damien said, raising his hands. "I'm not the bad guy here. I'm Alex's childhood friend—we grew up in the same orphanage."
He tossed a pillow at Alex. "Say something, mate. This is getting awkward."
Alex slowly sat up. "I didn't mean to worry everyone," he said calmly. "I did ask for permission to meet my mother—and you approved."
He met Safeera's eyes. "If it's okay with you, I want to know more about her now."
"But you're badly injured," Charles protested.
"True," Alex replied. "But I'm fine."
Safeera hesitated. "And when will you be back?"
"Half a year or so," Damien said quickly.
Safeera shot him a glare.
"I mean—a week," he corrected.
"We'll be off then," Alex said, picking up his bag. "Please keep this a secret for now."
He turned back briefly. "I'll talk to you all later."
They left.
"Ouff," Damien muttered as they stepped outside. "What a scary woman."
Alex didn't reply. He was staring at his phone.
"So," Damien asked, "where are we headed?"
"Prinna City," Alex said. "That's where the police officer Akira is. She knew my mother."
Damien's eyes widened. "Prinna City?"
"You owe me," Alex replied calmly.
Damien chuckled nervously. "Right… let's go."
They boarded a taxi, the engine roaring to life as the mansion disappeared behind them.
The search for Mauja had begun.