Chapter 23: Six Years Ago pt. 17

Alfonso Garcia, Xander's older brother and rival in the company's ownership clenched hist fists in frustration after receiving the news of his brother's escape.

"We failed to track him sir as he disappeared that night. We thought he was the one we are going for but it turned out that it was the one he was with." Is what the caller from the other line told him.

"What a tenacious fool." He cussed as he continued smoking the tobacco roll on his hand.

"I don't care if you turn that city upside down as long as you finds him. Send more people there, money isn't a problem." He said firmly.

"But he might be already on his way back there. The last time we saw his companion was at a port. They must be departing at that time."

"You already know that he plans on coming back, then why did you let him go away!" Alfonso roared his dissatisfaction.

"I am paying you enough money so make sure to never let him set foot on this country ever again. Kill him, throw him to the ocean, I don't care!" He took a deep breath as he stopped the gritting of his teeth.

He then hung up the call.

Standing at the top of G&G Incorporation building makes him feel like he's the king and the one below him are mere servants of his kingdom.

And his monarchy is threatened by his only brother, not a half-brother but a real one.

Looking back, he started getting jealous of him when it was known ro him that the woman he liked since he was a kid have her eyes on Xander.

From then onwards, his envy grew stronger and stronger that it became an extinguishable flame of hate. Until one day, he finds himself reaching out to one of Spain's most dangerous gangs—the Bardales, paying them to hunt down Xander who was swept up in some shady business in the underground world.

You may call it a crime of passion of sort or it may only be one of the reasons to just get rid of him.

"It was all going well. Lillian and I have gotten much closer without him. Fuck it! Why can't he just give up on his life and die?" His brain was filled with thoughts as he stared outside the glass where he can get to view the beauty of Madrid at night.

Liliana Sanchez, daughter of Mr. Sanchez who's a well-known politician and is currently holding a position in the government.

She grew up closely with the Garcia brothers as they lived in the same neighborhood for years until they entered the university.

Their family have close ties. It was Lilian's father that helped the Garcia's and Galvez's acquire their business permit faster than any other merchants in the area.

"Alfonso!" Lilian waved as she took her steps toward Alfonso who was playing with the kids at the orphanage.

On her way to him she was greeted by some of the other kids who came to her wearing innocent smiles on their faces.

"You're here." Alfonso greeted her.

"How were you kids?" Lilian energetically said as she started playing with them.

"Alfonso, come and join us. It will be fun with many people." She shouted at him who was standing under a tree.

"Okay", he smirked.

It was already lunchtime and the orphanage's manager started calling out everyone for lunch.

"Thanks for inviting me here." Her face was brimming with happiness as she wiped the sweat off her nose and forehead.

Alfonso chuckled, "I know right, I know you liked playing with kids."

"Yeah", she sighed as she slowed her steps. "It made me temporarily forget about Xander." Her shoulders dropped after saying this showing worry on her eyes.

Alfonso's jaw tensed. He clenched his fist as he stared down at her.

"Do you think Xander's okay?". Lilian turned and looked up at him.

He quickly avoided her gaze. He cleared his throat, "Don't worry too much, I've already sent my people to look for him." He barely said.

Lilian sighed as she continued walking along Alfonso at the pathway. Visible in her eyes were deep concern and anxiety for Xander whose news of disappearance was made known to her after 17 came to her house last night.

It was daybreak when the it was made known to Alfonso that 17 managed to return.

"The situation is getting more and more out of hand now. Xander should be taken care of immediately before 17 manages to bring him back. He's one bold bastard coming straight into the company and publicly asking me for help to find Xander. He's like a dog without an owner now. He should be wiped off with him too." Alfonso brooded over it as he dropped off Lilian to her house.

"You'll soon forget him once he's gone Lilian. Then, you'll realize that I'm the person who's always there for you. You'll be mine in no time." He whispered as he waved goodbye before driving the car away.

Alfonso parked the car by the roadside, picked up his phone and dialed some numbers on before hitting the call button.

After a few rings someone picked it up. "Take care of him within the next three days and I'll double the promised amount. If you fail to do it, I'll make sure to ruin your gang that you won't attempt to do your business anymore." He threatened without letting the other person speak. After that he disconnected the line and drove again.

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"And here comes the birthday celebrant!" The emcee said as people began clapping their hands at Aunt Yula who started climbing the platform.

The surroundings was so lively. I didn't expected that many visitors would come.

Xander and I is seated in one table . There were also other visitors seated with us but they soon left after they felt awkward around the silent Xander who isn't much a fan of these kinds of occasions.

Xander kept looking around. It must be his first time attending this kind of parties were lots of kids are loitering everywhere and the people are actively interacting with each other.