Chapter 401 I Know Your Father's Secret!
With James at his side, Antonio managed to rise to his feet, passing the bomb detonator to the awaiting police. A casual smile played on his lips as he said, "I appreciate your cooperation, Jason."
Antonio's involvement in the high-stakes gamble with Jason had been a strategic move, a ploy to buy time. This tactic had allowed James the opportunity to leave Antonio unattended.
Their plan had hinged on Antonio's prior revelation of the casino's layout and operations. Without this crucial information, the police would not have been able to seize control of the casino as swiftly as they did.
Bomb disposal experts were promptly on the scene, working diligently to disarm the explosives strapped to the three children.
"Daddy!" Harper cried out, rushing into Antonio's arms the moment she was freed. Her tears flowed freely, unchecked.
"It's okay, baby, Daddy's here," Antonio soothed.
Sarah, clutching the hands of the two other children, watched the scene unfold. She had never imagined witnessing Brian in such a dire situation, especially not alongside Antonio. Yet, in that moment, nothing else seemed to matter.
Antonio's gaze found Sarah, and he pulled her and the children into a fervent embrace. It was a surreal moment, a feeling akin to surviving a disaster. He couldn't shake the feeling of unreality.
Thank God... everyone is safe...
"Sarah, are you hurt? Let me see," Antonio said, his eyes scanning her for any signs of injury.
Sarah shook her head. "I'm fine. They tied me up as soon as I got here. I wasn't hurt, don't worry."
"And the children?" Antonio crouched down, examining each child until his gaze met Brian's.
A moment of stunned silence passed before Antonio glanced at Ethan standing beside him. The realization hit him hard - there were two Ethans before him.
"You... are you Ryan?" Antonio asked, rubbing his head. "Honey, is my concussion acting up? How could I mistake Ryan for Ethan? Or am I hallucinating?"
Sarah found herself torn between laughter and tears. She hadn't yet figured out how to explain the situation, but this clearly wasn't the time nor the place.
"Antonio, stand up, let's go and talk outside," she suggested, her eyes filled with tenderness. She knew all too well that Antonio was pushing through his injuries, forcing himself to stay strong.
Antonio nodded, but he couldn't shake the dizzying sight of the two identical children.
Just as they were about to leave, Jason's voice rang out, "Wait!"
A young police officer quickly restrained Jason. "Behave yourself."
The casino was a hive of activity, with most people searching the premises while others were being escorted away.
Jason, still detained and under police scrutiny, turned to Sarah. "Sarah, I know a secret about Victor."
Sarah's steps faltered. Victor's secret?
A sense of unease washed over her at his words, a strange feeling tugging at her heart.
"Officer, may I speak with him?" she asked.
The officer nodded, his hand gripping his gun, ready for any potential threat Jason might pose.
Sarah turned to Jason. "What do you want to say?"
Antonio stood guard over the three children, his gaze never leaving Jason.
Jason slowly rose to his feet. "Victor has been frequenting my casino for years. The debt he's accumulated is enough to buy half of Valencia Inc. Can you guess why he's so eager to acknowledge you as his daughter?"
"Because of money," Sarah replied, understanding the implications. If she were an ordinary worker without wealth, Victor might not even acknowledge her existence.
Jason's smile was chilling, sinister in the flickering light.
"Indeed, Victor craves wealth," began Jason, his voice laced with a bitter edge. "He's a man ensnared by the vices of gambling and alcohol, already drowning in a sea of debt. I've expelled him from my casino more times than I care to count."
Antonio Valencia, a man of little patience, felt a gnawing sense of unease. "Jason, what are you implying?" he demanded, his voice laced with irritation. "I have no time for your cryptic games."
Jason's demeanor was unsettling, his eyes gleaming with a manic light that was deeply disconcerting.
"Why the rush, Mr. Valencia?" he taunted, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I mentioned a secret, did I not? Surely, you don't expect me to reveal it in such a public setting?"
With a theatrical flourish, Jason raised his hands to his ears, a silent proclamation of his harmlessness.
"If you refuse to speak, then we have no reason to listen," Antonio retorted, his eyes half-closed as he subtly advanced. "It's just a secret, after all. I'm sure I can uncover it on my own."
Jason's laughter echoed through the room, a chilling sound that sent shivers down the spines of those present. "Ah, Mr. Valencia, the mighty head of Valencia Inc.," he sneered. "There's nothing beyond your reach. You could even shutter my casino, a business I've nurtured for years. That's not a feat just anyone can accomplish."
Sarah, who had been observing the exchange silently, felt a wave of intense animosity radiating from Jason. Her brow furrowed in concern, she spoke up, "If you refuse to talk, then take your secret with you to prison."
Jason's response was chilling. "What a shame. I'm not one to enjoy solitude. If I'm destined to die, I want company!"
With those ominous words, he abruptly produced a knife from seemingly nowhere.
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