Humor ME!

Former Friends

(Knocks On Door)

No one answered.

“Knock! Knock! Knock!”

Again No one answered.

The sound of picklocks followed. After a while, the door was unlocked and slowly opened.

Jean quietly entered Bianca’s house and scanned the surroundings.

“Hmmm… looks like they already left.” Jean told himself.

“Yeah they did, but I didn’t!” Elmo exclaimed as he appeared from Jean’s back.

Jean immediately draws his pistol but Elmo was able to shoot his hand. Jean’s pistol was thrown away from him.

“This can’t be!” Jean said surprisingly.

“Afraid of ghosts Jean?” Elmo grimly asked “Sorry man, I trusted you as a friend but you betrayed me. You used me like a puppet in your stage show. But now your play has come to its end.” He added.

Elmo shot Jean in the chest and the latter dropped on the floor.

“I am sorry Jean. But your betrayal is unforgivable.” Elmo told Jean.

Elmo turned his back and started to walk away when suddenly, someone from behind strangled him.

“Don’t worry I have no intentions of accepting your apologies too.” Jean said as he pierced his fingers inside Elmo’s chest wound.

“Argh!” Elmo Screamed.

“Did it hurt? Aww… then how about this?” Jean sadistically said as he grappled Elmo’s hand and broke it. Elmo dropped his revolver and was tossed by Jean to the floor.

Jean unbuttoned his shirt to show Moe what prevented his death.

“You see, Kevlars do come handy.” Jean boasted “Now you are really going to die for real!” he added.

“Jean kicked him indiscriminately as the latter took all of the blows and lied defenseless.

Elmo skid his leg on the floor and hit Jean. Jean lost his balance and fell on the floor.

Elmo quickly stood up and ran away to get Jean’s Pistol on the floor. At the same time, Jean took Elmo’s revolver and fired at him but he missed.

Elmo went upstairs and hid in a room. After a minute there was utter silence. Elmo checked the pistol to insure that it is loaded.

“Perfect this still had 9 rounds.”

Then a group of cars parked in front of Bianca’s house. Elmo peeped through the window to see who it was.

“Damn it! It’s Julie!” Elmo exclaimed.

Julie immediately went inside the house and called out for him.

“Julie wait!’ Exodus called out.

“Moe!” Julie continued as she went upstairs.

Elmo bent on the floor and peeped into the space between the door and the floor and saw Julie’s feet.

“Julie!” Elmo screamed.

Upon hearing Elmo’s voice, Julie approached the room where he was hiding when suddenly Elmo saw another pair of feet appeared behind Julie

“GET DOWN JULIE!” Elmo shouted.

Julie went down on the floor. A sudden exchange of shots followed. Elmo stood behind the door and fired indiscriminately, Jean did the same and fired consecutively on the door where Elmo was standing behind it. Jean was hit on the arm and torso, Elmo continued firing his gun until it was empty. Jean dropped on the floor and there was silence again.

Julie immediately stood up and entered the room where Elmo was hiding. There she saw him lying on the floor after he incurred three shots and the chest and was bleeding to death.

“Oh god! Moe!” Julie cried.

“J-j-julie..” Elmo coughed.

“Hush!” Julie put her finger to Elmo’s mouth “Don’t talk, it will just aggravate your condition.” Julie said.

“N-no… J-Julie… you must listen… I-I may not be able to endure this any longer…”

“Don’t say such things Moe! You will be safe.” Julie started to panic.

“I-I am sorry…”

“Moe please don’t talk! I love you okay? Moe I love you! Don’t worry about PSJ. I-I can start another business.” Julie burst into tears.

“PSJ… PSJ is not destroyed… E-everything just went into my account… I-I insured PSJ to Fujima… E-everything was just converted to cash…” Elmo coughed blood.

“Moe please…”

“I TOLD YOU KEVLARS ARE HANDY!” Jean stood up, “Oh goody goody! This is like killing two birds with one stone!” Jean added as he pointed his gun to Julie.

Then a series of gunfire resonated all over the place.

Luckily, Exodus and his men were able to pin jean down before the latter was able to pull the trigger.

“Quick! (wheeze) Call an ambulance!” Exodus ordered his men.

“J-Julie… I-I am sorry, I lied to you… I only did it because I love you…”

“I love you to Moe. Please hold on!”

“I…I am tired now…”

“Just hold on please? We will still be together okay? Moe? MOE!” Julie cried.

Modest Lies

It was almost noon but Julie wasn’t able to sleep well. The incident that occurred to her was still vivid in her memories. Every time she closes her eyes, the silhouette of Jean’s impression troubles her.

Julie couldn’t settle herself in one place. She often peeks from the window trying to be sure that Jean didn’t locate her.

“Darling, try to calm yourself in a while, here have a drink.” Bianca offered.

“Thanks Auntie. I am just not letting my guard down. After jean tried to attack me, I realized how devious he is.” Julie said.

“When Jean was still in PSJ, it never occurred to me that he had plans to brig the company down. He was industrious and witty. Indeed, a person’s face is the greatest lie of all. You can never tell what’s inside a person’s mind by merely looking at their faces.” Bianca commented.

“You are right Aunt.” Julie exhaled “But above all, I feel very sorry for Moe. All this time he was Jean’s puppet and was used to destroy everything important in his life.”

“Was it truly Moe who made PSJ meet its end?” Bianca asked.

“Yes Auntie. The very business that the three of you founded was bankrupt. A day after it was declared 3^rd of the best in Australia, It was painful to all of us especially on my part.”

“Oh Dear.” Bianca reacted.

“I tried myself to refrain from seeing Moe for I was shocked and furious of what he has done. But after I learned the truth about everything, I felt that the person who was hurt most was Elmo. His past was used by Jean to destroy his future… our future. I couldn’t blame him anymore because even I, if put into that situation, will act according to what I feel… Anger.”

“But do you still love him during those times?”

“My mind was furious and my heart was crying because I felt betrayed. However, despite of that I still love him. Because when Jean told me that Moe was dead I felt like my world was torn into pieces.”

“That’s why you told him that you love him without hesitation when he called?”

“Because that’s what I truly felt.”

“Likewise, he did the same thing.”

Julie went silent.

“My darling princess, I never had the chance to meet the man of my life but as what I saw from Cherry and Marie…” Bianca started to explain, “… we often feel betrayed because we always thought that someone lied to us. Your mother, Anna Marie, thought Fred left her because he never said anything about Cesare’s bribe to his family. Yet when Fred returned to her, she wholeheartedly accepted her. Julie, lying is different from not telling the truth. The former is an action while the latter is an omission. There is only a hairline difference between the two.”

“They are just the same Auntie.”

“At first look, indeed you are right; but if you examine them thoroughly you will realize that there is a difference. Like any other things, lies do have their kinds and forms. The two I mentioned differ from the intent of the liar. Typically, lies pervert the truth, just like what Jean did. He lied to change the truth. On the other hand, Elmo lied to you in such a way that he refrained from showing you the truth. He did this not because he wanted to pervert it but rather to clarify the lies that intertwine your situation. In that sense, the truth about his love for you remains genuine. These type of lies is what I prefer to call modest lies because no matter how logical these lies are, it always humbly submits itself to the genuinity of the truth. These lies are made to make the truth clearer to you. How tall people emphasize his shorter contemporaries when the two are together.”

“I think I am getting the picture.” Julie scratched her head.

Bianca giggles, “One good example of a modest lie is when our parents scold us because we have done something wrong. Sometimes, because of their anger, they tell painful things to us. Your parents know that you are not that kind of person but why did tell you otherwise? It is because they want you to realize that they care and love you more than their lives. If you continue your wrongdoings, you might end up hurting yourself and that is something that no parent could accept. That is the genuine truth behind their uttered lie.”

Julie smiled.

“Elmo may have done and told you a lot of painful things but by judging how he has cared for you these past years, I am confident to say that the lies he told you are modest. He has his reasons to do it but the truth that he loves you never withered.” Bianca ended.

Julie burst into tears and embraced Bianca.

“Thanks Auntie, it is clearer to me now.” Julie said.

“Oh don’t cry my dear princess. You should be proud that you have someone like him who loves you.”

“I do…” Julie answered.

“Here have some tea.” Bianca comforted.

***

That Afternoon

(Phone Conversation)

“Bianca! It’s me Exodus! Set your phone to speaker so that Julie could hear me too.” Exodus started “Listen very carefully. After this call pack your stuff immediately so that when we arrive, everything will be quick. We cannot risk you to stay longer there for Jean may already know your whereabouts Julie. He still have no idea that Elmo is still alive. Both of you will be joining me on my van while Moe will secure us from any tailing.”

“You mean Moe is not coming with us?” Julie asked.

“He will, but he will be driving another car. We decided that he would prevent anyone to come close to us and follow our location in case Jean’s path and ours cross.”

“I see. Exodus can I talk to him?”

“Apparently, he is outside preparing everything.” Exodus answered.

“Okay.” Julie sounded sad.

“Don’t worry Julie, in a while you will see him again.” Exodus assures.

“How about Jean?” Bianca interfered.

“Moe and I will plan it after we take you to a safer place.”

“Okay. Please hurry up.” Bianca said.

“Don’t worry, we’re on our way.”

(End of Phone Conversation)

***

“Moe are you up?” Exodus called out.

“Better ask that to yourself gramps.” Elmo Joked.

(Laughs) “Okay let’s go save your future wife.” Exodus tapped his shoulder “ALRIGHT MEN LET’S ROLL!” Exodus ordered his men.

Release

It was almost dusk, Julie and Bianca remained on the living room waiting for Exodus and Elmo’s arrival. Every second seems forever, as Julie felt nervous at every tick of the clock.

(Door Buzzes)

Julie stood up with Joy and immediately attends to it.

As she opened the door, she was surprised by who she saw.

Julie shed tears “Moe! It is truly you!” She uttered.

“Oh Julie, I am so glad you are fine!” Elmo embraced Julie and kissed her. “Julie I am so sorry.” He added.

“No Hon, it is I who should apologize.”

“ I am sorry.” Elmo insisted.

“Julie! Moe! We better hurry!” Exodus interrupted.

Elmo helped Julie and Bianca carry their stuff. Inside the car Julie embraced Exodus and Mavy. At first Julie was hesitant to talk to Louise but eventually, she was able to express her thanks for saving Elmo.

(Radio Conversation)

“Is everything clear?” Exodus asked.

“Everything is crystal sir.” An agent responded.

“Okay… Moe is everything good back there?” Exodus beeped.

“Yeah, nothing unusual here.” Elmo answered.

“Excellent. Okay, let’s go! We can’t afford to let Jean see us!” Exodus ordered.

The three cars slowly drove away from Bianca’s house making a beeline as they cruise the streets. Exodus’ Men went first followed by Exodus’ van and tailed by another van driven by his men.

“I am so happy you are awake.” Julie exclaimed.

(Laughs) “I told you I am not an easy kill.” Exodus boasted.

“I just can’t believe that Jean is the reason behind all of these.” Julie sighed.

“No one saw it coming.” Exodus answered.

After a moment of silence, Julie turned to Louise.

“Ahmm… Louise… I am sorry about what I told you before. I was just being protective of Moe because I know how your break up affected him.” Julie apologized.

“It’s fine Julie. I understand. Besides, I know that it is my fault. I just want to settle things with Moe.” Louise answered.

Louise and Julie embraced each other.

“I am happy that he has already found the person who can love him unconditionally. You take care of him always okay? He may be a smart person but sometimes he doesn’t know what he is doing.” Louise stated.

“Yeah, very true… Thanks Louise!” Julie smiled.

Exodus opened his radio

“Moe! Good news for you! Julie and Louise finally settled their differences! Isn’t that great?”

No one answered.

“Hey Moe! Are you there?”

Again no one answered.

“Shit! Brian! Is there a car following you?” Exodus called his men in the third car.

“None sir. There are only three of us since we left the place.”

“Damn! There should be four of us! TURN AROUND TURN AROUND!” Exodus ordered.

All of the three vehicles stopped and made a sharp U-turn.

“Go! Hurry!” Exodus added.

“What happened?  Why are we turning back?” Julie worriedly asked.

“Moe is not with us! He was still in Bianca’s house!” Exodus answered.

Suddenly a thought struck Julie I am sorry Julie Moe’s voice echoed.

“He intended to remain there.” Julie realizes.

“Argh Moe! You are so unpredictable!” Exodus shrugged his head.

“We should hurry! Elmo’s life is in danger!” Julie begged.

***

At Bianca’s Abode

Elmo took his magnum .357 and loaded it with bullets.

Elmo’s POV

Julie, I am very sorry but I have to do this. I have to clean the mess that I did. This is the only way I could compensate the wrong things that I’ve done to you. I am sorry that I never told you everything… I didn’t truly destroyed PSJ… I only did it because I couldn’t accept the turn of events. I know it is too complicated to explain, but I do hope that soon you will understand. Forgive me for my lies. The truth is I love you and I can’t live my life without you. This is the payment that I should make. It is only me who could settle my past. I have to act in the present for I hope that in the future I will be in your side again. Julie, I love you that is why I have to stop Jean.

Surprises

Three days after PSJ’s Bankruptcy

“Julie, we fear that this is now the end. The 17 years of PSJ’s existence has now come to halt. All of our clients have already withdrawn after they learned our tragic fate. We also have to lay off our employees and pay them of what was left to us.” Von Benedict said over the phone.

“Kindly settle everything for me please. I-it’s just that until now I couldn’t accept what just happened… I hope you understand.” Julie tearfully answered.

“It’s okay Julie, we know how important to you the company is… we understand. Is there anything you want us to do?”

“Nothing that would be my last directive for the pioneers. Mr. Von Benedict, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Einhard. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome Julie. Thank you too.” Von Benedict said in behalf of the other pioneers.

End of Phone Conversation.

Julie’s POV

Weeks ago we were enjoying our heights and success. But now we are all weeping because of the pain of our downfall. Sometimes I just wished that we never achieved these heights so that our fall wouldn’t be that painful. My life could have been more peaceful if I just started my own business or practiced my profession. Now look at yourself Julie, a great failure. Without Elmo, I wouldn’t achieve anything… hence when he left all of us crumbled to dusts. Mom Cherry, I am so sorry… mother… I am so sorry… Julie sobs.

***

That Evening…

“Knock! Knock! Knock!”

“That’s odd, why didn’t he used the buzzer. Oh only one person does that.” Julie told herself.

Julie opened the door and saw Jean “Just as expected, the only person who doesn’t know how to use the buzzer.” Julie joked.

Jean smirked. “May I come in?” Jean plainly asked.

“Sure!” Julie welcomed Jean.

The two entered the house

“Do you want anything to eat Jean?”

“Just some bread please.” Jean smiled.

Julie went to the kitchen

“I heard about what happened to PSJ lately…” Jean opened up.

“Yeah… we suffered a terrible loss (tears)… A-after Moe has left us…” Julie started to cry again.

“Oh he is too bad…” Jean stood up.

“Actually it was my fault… I blamed him for something.”

“Don’t worry, soon you will be joining him.” Jean suddenly whispered to Julie as he held her hips.

Julie scrambled away from Jean after being surprised by the latter.

“What’s the matter Julie? You look scared?”

“Jean w-what’s wrong with you? Y-you seem to act differently…”

“Oh Julie this is my true identity. By the way did you enjoy my little play about you and Elmo? Moe surely bit my trap and was furious to you. Poor fellow he is on the ground now. No one’s going to save you now!”

Then Jean took his pistol

“What did you do to Moe?” Julie bent backwards trying to get something to defend herself.

“Oh nothing… I just provided him an easier way to see his family again.”

“Jean stop this…”

“Stop? Now that I am an inch nearer to my goal? Ha! Julie you are as pathetic as ever!” Jean said as he peeped into what Julie was holding behind her.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you. I have a gun you know? If you want to live longer, you better drop whatever you are holding.”

Julie hesitated.

“You know Julie, resisting me will be pointless. So be a good girl okay?” Jean said as he points the gun to Julie.

Julie slowly dropped the knife in the floor. Then suddenly Jean rushed into Julie, tackling her as He gripped her neck.

“By the way Julie do you remember the night you called me and ask for Moe’s Whereabouts? Well it was really me. I just lied so that I could hear your sweet voice.” Jean chocked Julie.

“J-jean (Gasps) I-I can’t breathe!” Julie weakly said.

“You know what I thought, I could kill you immediately but now that I am seeing you this close I might as well entertain myself first.”

Julie kicked Jean between the latter’s legs and managed to release herself from Jean.

“Ohoho! I like that Julie! I want it rough!”

“Help! Someone help!” Julie screamed.

“No one’s going to hear you Julie! Judging the surroundings its seems that your neighbors are not around. Luck is not on your side now Julie.”

“Jean we trusted you! Moe trusted you! How could you do this to us?”

“Because Julie I also have my own ambitions. I am already sick and tired of being part of the oppressed and penniless. My family suffered the harshness of being left behind. Our company became bankrupt after a lot of corporations have competed against us. PSJ was one of them! So I promised myself to return the glory of my family and be powerful!”

“You sacrificed our trust in you just to obtain your objective? You are truly greedy Jean!”

“Ouch! That hurts Julie. FYI, I am not greedy. I am just expanding my capabilities to get what my egoistic nature desires! Julie don’t be naïve! WE ARE ALL EGOISTIC BY NATURE! Everyone of us desires to improve his life! It is natural for us to do things that will make us happy! However, we humans have different sorts of happiness and sometimes my Ambitions may coincide with you ambitions and thus men view others as his opponents. This is the reason why laws are made Julie, we both know this. But what law school haven’t taught us is that Laws are just human creations. If you have power laws don’t mean a thing! He who is on top rules the lives of those below him! That my beautiful Julie is what I want! I sacrificed nothing Julie because I never trusted any of you. You just say that because you felt betrayed. Your ego was affected. Betrayal co-exists with trust. Don’t trust anyone and you will never feel betrayed.”

“That is still greed Jean, B-because you only consider yourself! You never cared for the feelings of others!”

Jean arrogantly sat on the sofa “Julie, have you encountered the saying ‘never decide when you are happy or angry?’ do you know the reason behind that? Ordinary people always say ‘decide what your heart says’ but I beg to disagree, emotion is a very strong force that can control even the wisest person. It is so strong that sometimes it renders anyone incapable of thinking logically, just like religion as to scientific improvements. If we always consider everyone’s emotions, it might as well hinder us from achieving our full potentiality because, no matter how strong emotion is, and it is also the most unstable force of all. So why should I consider your feelings if I myself do not tolerate mine? You should have talked to your dead boyfriend more often for you to understand this.”

“No! Moe was a different person!”

“Really? Is that why he chose to destroy you and your company?”

Julie went silent.

Jean stood up again and slowly walked towards Julie.

“For the past years I’ve been observing you Julie. How the innocent Julie bloomed into a beautiful flower. I promised myself that before I get rid of you, I’ll first taste Anna Marie’s Daughter!” Then Jean quickens his pace to attack Julie.

Julie was rammed to the wall. As Jean was about to violate Julie, Julie took a fork from her pocket and stabbed Jean’s leg.

“Argh! You bitch!” Jean indiscriminately fired his pistol but missed Julie.

Julie tried to run away from Jean. As she was nearing the door, she slipped and hit her head on the floor. Julie scrambled and tried to regain her balance. Then suddenly Jean grabbed Julie’s leg.

“Oh don’t go anywhere Julie, you still have to satisfy me!”

“Let go you pervert!” Julie kicked Jean’s face.

Jean went down after Julie’s blow. Jean lost his pistol and snarled all over to look for it. Julie took a vase and went near Jean.

“I love this vase because it was bought to me by Moe, and this was expensive.” Then she threw it to Jean hitting the latter in the head. Jean was able to endure the hit but was weakened.

Julie immediately ran out of the house screaming for help. However, no one responded. Because of her fear and panic Julie runs as fast as she can.

 

Julie’s POV

Help me please anyone help me! Where am I going now? It can’t be, Moe is dead! What must I do now? Where should I go? God please save me!

 

***

Somewhere in Victoria

“Julie… Julie… JULIEE!” Elmo suddenly woke up.

“Bad dream huh?” A man said.

“Exodus?” Elmo exclaimed “Agh! Where am I?”

“Well considering your sins, I could say we are in hell. I am here to welcome you.” Exodus joked.

Almost Dead

“Moe! Welcome to hell!” Exodus joked.

“Exodus? I thought…”

“Dead? Nine lives baby!” Exodus joked further.

“I still prefer you dead Exodus.” Elmo joked back.

“Well, technically you can’t do that because we are still on our sick beds.”

“Sheesh! Yeah right… By the way, where am I?”

“We are now at Louise’s house. Moe she saved you when you were shot by Jean.”

“Louise?”

***

The Day When Elmo was Shot

“Louise… I appreciate your efforts but I already have moved on.” Moe told Louise as he went to his car.

“Moe wait!” Louise exclaimed.

Louise POV

Moe all I want is to settle things with you! My conscience is also bothering me almost every day for I know you have done nothing wrong to me. Moe I am really sorry. Try to understand why I am being so persistent. I know that you already moved on. You are already free from me. So please give me also the chance to be free from you. Please forgive so that I could also move on.

Louise decided to follow Elmo again hoping to have another chance to talk to him.

***

At City Centre Albany

“That person looks familiar to me…” Louise told herself as she stalked Elmo and Jean.

***

At the Woods

“Whew! Those two surely had a joy ride. Where are we anyway?” Louise thought.

 Louise continued to follow Elmo and Jean, when suddenly Jean shot Moe.

Oh my God! Moe! What must I do? Oh no!

Louise took out her mobile phone and recorded everything that transpired that day. After Jean has left the scene. Louise called Mavy and asked for help.

***

Present

“You were still lucky Louise saw everything. Jean’s shot was truly fatal. Without Louise timely help you could have been dead.” Exodus explained.

“Yeah…” Elmo felt awkward.

“Maybe you already suspected this now but it was Jean who killed Dr. Shiller, and shot me. Maybe he was even the one who attack me at St. Vincent’s.”

“Yeah he implied it. It makes sense now… but I never thought it would be Jean. I really thought it was Cesare all along.”

“After I watched the video that Louise recorded, I felt like we were all controlled. Just imagine how long we’ve been playing Jean’s game?”

“It’s hard to imagine but it happened”

Then Louise and Mavy entered the room.

“Louise… Ahmm… thanks for saving me.” Elmo tamely said.

“You’re welcome Moe. How are your wounds?” Louise asked.

“They are still fresh but I can manage, Thanks.” Elmo answered.

“Moe, before Dr. Shiller was shot, he admitted to me something…” Then Exodus asked Mavy to give Elmo a letter.

“That is the true letter of your mother’s loan documents, Dr. Shiller gave it to me after he confessed that during the PSJ elections 8 years ago, everything was already a set up. Jean planned the snap election to urge my mother to give her votes to Julie in order to bring me down. Dr. Shiller wanted to tell me everything about what was really going on. He was already being bothered by his conscience after Jean’s plans were slowly becoming to be realized. Hence, Jean killed Shiller.”

Elmo read the letter that Exodus gave him. There he saw the same content of the documents he got from Cesare. The only difference was that it was not just signed by Julie but also by Jean and Cherry.

“Julie was acting under Jean’s orders. Julie didn’t make a direct transaction with your mother. It was Jean…”

“That lowlife son of a… and now I have become a bad person in Julie’s eyes… I should have known this earlier… Exodus I am sorry, I destroyed your mother’s company.”

“Well, you should tell that to Julie not to me. But Moe we should act fast Julie’s life is also in danger.”

Then Mavy joined the talk “I kept on calling her phone and mobile but she’s not answering.”

“Shoot!” Elmo suddenly stood up “Argh!” His wounds bleed again.

“You shouldn’t force yourself first. It is not good for you” Louise advised.

“But Julie needs me!” Elmo insisted.

“Don’t push yourself. Let me handle this for you.” Exodus volunteered.

“Yeah? What do you think you can do if both of us are still weak?”

“Oh don’t compare me to you Moe, despite of what happened to me I can still stand and defend myself. Worry not I already sent some of my men to go to your house and look for Julie.”

“Thanks… I hope she’s fine…”

***

At Burkhart Place

“Knock! Knock! Knock!”

Bianca opened the door “GOODNESS GRACIOUS JULIE WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU? Quick come in!”

“Thanks Aunt Bianca.” Julie said.

“Julie what happened to you?”

Julie began to cry and embraced Bianca “It was Jean… Jean attacked me… he killed Moe!”

“Oh my god! Jean Olivar? I didn’t expect that person to do such things.”

“Auntie I am so scared, all of the people who cared and protect me are now gone…”

“It’s okay sweetie you are safe here with me. Here have some tea, I’ll get you something to eat, wait me here.”

“Thanks Aunt.”

***

(Phone Conversation)

“Sir, Ms. San Jose is not here.” An agent said “The whole house is a mess sir, it seems that a commotion just happened here.” He added.

“What? Look for something that we could use to locate my sister.” Exodus ordered.

“Sir, her mobile is here, and the other parts of the house was also ransacked.” The agent informed.

“I see, continue your search and update me later.” Exodus ordered.

End of Phone Conversation.

“So what did they said?” Elmo asked.

“Julie was not there and the house was a mess. Looks like Jean already made his move.”

“Shit! Come on Exodus! We must do something!”

“Moe we don’t even know where she is!” Exodus scolded.

“Damn! I just hope she’s safe…”

Then Mavy’s phone rang.

“Hello?” Mavy asked.

“Mavy it’s me Julie! How is Exodus? You should transfer him to another hospital, Jean was the shooter! He killed Dr. Shiller and Moe! He tried to attack me last night!” Julie spilled out.

Then Exodus overheard Julie on the phone and asked for Mavy’s mobile.

“Julie? Is that you?” Exodus inquired.

“Exodus?! You’re awake! Oh thank god!’ Julie cried.

Upon hearing the conversation, Elmo immediately took the mobile from Exodus.

“Julie! Julie! It’s me Moe! Oh thank God Honey you’re okay! Where are you now?” Elmo excitedly asked.

“Oh my God Moe you’re alive! Jean told me that you are dead!”

“He tried to but luckily Lo… (Pauses for a moment) Louise saved me.”

“Louise? Oh… but still Moe I am so happy to know you’re safe…”

“Julie listen to me, was it Jean who also attacked you?”

“Yes, he even tried to assault me sexually…”

“That sick! Where is he now?”

“I left him at our house after I escaped.”

“Okay… where are you now?”

“I am at Aunt Bianca’s abode… Moe I am scared.”

“Don’t worry Julie… Just wait me or any of Exodus’ men to fetch you and Bianca. Remember don’t immediately let anyone enter the house you must first assure that he is not Jean. That person will not surely give up until you’re dead. Okay?”

“Okay Moe… please hurry…”

“Don’t worry. I’ll be there as fast as I can…”

“Take care Moe… I love you…”

Elmo pauses “I love you too Julie.”

End of the Phone Conversation.

 -

“Don’t you think Julie should also call the police?” Louise asked.

“Julie can’t easily get out of Bianca’s house for it will be too risky on her part. Same goes with Bianca. Julie’s safety should be assured first before we tap the P.D. Who knows Jean may also have his hands under their tables too… ” Exodus answered.

“I see.” Louise reacted as she nodded her head.

“Thank God Julie is fine!” Mavy exclaimed.

“For now.” Exodus commented, “So what are you planning to do?” Exodus Asked Elmo.

“Jean believes that I am already dead so this could be our advantage. We need to rescue Julie and Bianca first then we have to sack him.”

“Okay I’ll call on my men to fetch them immediately.”

“No Exodus, I’ll go there personally.”

“Huh? Can’t you see yourself? You can’t even stand straight.”

“Jean and I have something to settle Exodus.”

“Fine I’ll be going with you too. I’ll call my men to assist us. It is better to be sure than sorry you know. Jean is a very devious person.”

“Agree. But we should make haste. Time is of the essence!”

***

Jean’s POV

You may run away from me Julie but you can’t hide forever. You don’t have any friends now, so hunting you will be that easy. Poor Bianca, she has to join my game suddenly. Well, she is not innocent anymore so I might as well kill her afterwards. Oh Julie! Just so you wait… this game is truly turning me on!

Guys! Please accept my apologies if I wasn’t able to update right away. I know My Bad and I’m so sorry…

Btw, I’ve read your TA’s at this very moment and I’m so overwhelmed seeing your comments and it really gives me an indescribable feeling. It’s just so WOW! :D

Thank You for all the appreciation you’ve given to AGTML. Hope you’ll stick with us ‘til the very end as it will take its final lead soon! Few chapters are left and Hope we can give you a Blast Ending. ;)

For those who were asking for an update. Of course I’ll give you two chaps tonight and expect the remaining chaps tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. Again, My heartfelt THANKS to all of you! Teehee! :)

Enjoy Reading!

___

*Guys! For the first time, I badly need help! Waah! See the 2nd TA? Try to ponder on it please? Can someone help me what to do with it? Yay! ;)

*Message for Anonymous (2nd TA)- Hi! Ahmm…What do you mean by your TA? Do I have to register my tumblr in Portuguese so that you can comprehend my craft? Is that what you’re trying to say? ;) Hope to hear from you soon!

True Face

At Alfred Hospital

“Ms. Schevank! Ms. Shevank!” The Doctor woke Mavy up.

“What is it Doctor?” Mavy groggily asked.

“Exodus has regained his consciousness…”

“Oh God! Thank you! Thank God! Thank you Doctor!”

Because of her excitement Mavy immediately went to Exodus’ exclusive room.

“Still kicking hasn’t I?” Exodus weakly said.

“Oh Exodus! I was really worried about you! You’ve been in coma for three months!” Mavy cried.

“Yeah the doctor also told me that a while ago… sorry I made you worry…”

“Exodus I am so happy to see you this jolly again.”

“Wipe those tears honey, I am not dead yet. (Weak laugh)” “By the way honey where’s Julie and Moe? Are they good?”

“I haven’t heard of them ever since you were transferred here. You see, when you were confined someone attacked you and caused your coma. Julie and I decided to transfer you here secretly. For your safety.”

“No, Mavy it is not I who is in danger here. We must find Julie and Moe immediately!”

“Huh? No stay here Exodus! You just regained consciousness. I’ll just try to call them okay?”

“Thanks Hon.“

***

“Whew! That old man sure is generous.” Elmo said as he checks his bank accounts. “So… 200 M from PSJ plus 136 M from Cesare’s down payment… Ahmm… I hope this is enough. Better sell that mansion someday.” He exhaled.

Elmo decided to take a walk in the country to contemplate. He went to Rockhampton, Bundaberg and Port Macquarie and was mesmerized by the beauty of the said places.

“God, I never enjoyed these scenic until now. Simply breathe taking.” Elmo told himself.

“Ahmm… Elmo?” A lady approached.

“L-Louise? What are you doing here?” Elmo surprisingly asked.

“I’ve been looking for you since yesterday, I saw you earlier at Rockhampton so I decided to follow you. I just want to talk about something… is your girlfriend with you right now?”

“N-no… what is it that you want to talk about?” Elmo enquired.

“Ahmm… Moe…” Louise looked around and stared nervously “… about what happened to us… Ahmm… I am sorry that I hurt you that time, it wasn’t really my decision to broke it off…my parents didn’t want me to have relationship with someone whose mother went insane. They feared that insanity is hereditary.”

“You know what Louise, you just aggravated my misery that time because I thought you are the only person who will be on my side during those times. But you left me; you left me because of your parents’ mandate. I don’t blame you with that, but the only thing I couldn’t accept is that you never came back to me. Never had you allowed me to talk to you. Never that at least know where I am or what happened to me. You left as if I was never your boyfriend.” Elmo shoot up.

“Moe that is why I am here, to ask for your forgiveness… my conscience has been eating me up ever since that day. Before that night where we met at Mavy and Exodus’ dinner, I was really hoping to fix things between us. But I saw you with Julie so thought everything was already late for me.”

“Louise… I love Julie; she was the one who brings my hope and love back when the time I’m at lost. She is the person whom I thought who I was helping but in the end she was the one who helped me.”

“But I heard that you already broke up with her 3 months ago?”

Elmo went silent “It’s complicated Louise.” He managed to say.

“You never change Moe, you are still secretive until now…”

“Just leave me alone Louise…”

“But Moe…”

Then Elmo’s mobile rang. Elmo excused himself to Louise and answered the incoming call.

“Hello?”  Elmo answered.

“Moe it’s me Jean! Where are you?” Jean panicked.

“Hold your horses, what’s wrong I am at Port Macquarie.”

“Shoot that is too far! Meet me Albany.”

“Why what’s going on?”

‘I’ll tell you once you are here. Just keep it low okay?”

“Sheesh! Okay… you better tell me later.”

Ends Phone Conversation

“Louise… I appreciate your efforts but I already have moved on.” Elmo told Louise as he went to his car.

***

City Centre Albany

“Moe over here!” Jean signaled.

“Jean what’s going on? Hey is this your new car?” Elmo asked.

“Nope just borrowed it, quick! Get into the car.” Jean pushed Elmo.

“Hey!” Elmo reacted “You ought to tell me what’s going on Jean.”

“Moe, you were working with Cesare for three months right?”

“Yeah, what about it?”

“Cesare was found dead this morning. The P.D. said he was shot to death yesterday.”

“What?! But I was just talking to him yesterday.”

“Exactly! That is why the authorities are looking for you now. Moe you are the prime suspect.”

“What? That’s impossible Jean! You know that is impossible.”

“I know that’s why I am helping you. We’ll go to Perth for you to hide.”

“Hide? Why should I hide?”

“Moe use your head! You are working for Cesare for something then boom! Suddenly he is dead who do you think is the suspect? You! What if the police investigates and learns your past cases? Wouldn’t it just aggravate things?”

“It doesn’t make sense Jean.”

“It will soon Moe. Just trust me.”

The two travelled for 4 hours and 45 Minutes. After numerous turns Jean soon parked the car in the woods.

“Ahmm…Jean are you planning to let me hide in the woods? You are going to let me live like a hermit?”

Then suddenly Elmo was shot in the leg. He fell down, scrambled and tried to look for the shooter. To his surprise he saw Jean holding a pistol with a silencer.

“Damn, I missed!” Jean said.

“Jean what are you doing?”

“Isn’t it obvious? I am trying to kill you… in the most painful way.” Jean grinned, “Hold still!”

Jean Shot Elmo in his right arm this time.

“What did I do to you? Why are you doing this?” Elmo coughed.

“Because I have no use of you anymore.” Jean answered grimly.

“What? I don’t understand!”

“You’re becoming dull Moe! Should I put another bullet in you for you the realize?”

“You sick bastard!”

“Despite of your condition you still manage to talk sharp. As expected of Mr. Elmo Magalona.” Jean laughed, “Moe, of all the people who joined my game, you are the best. You are the one who help me actualize my goal. It is you who aided me bring down PSJ.”

“What?! You mean…?” Elmo was astonished.

“Surprised aren’t you? Did you enjoy my acting? I was good wasn’t I? Jean laughs hard. After 7 years of painstaking hardship and planning, at last it was finally realized.”

Elmo coughed.

“So many people sacrificed for this plan Moe, Dr. Shiller, Exodus, Cesare, and you. Don’t worry your beloved Julie will be next.” Jean informed.

“You killed Shiller and Cesare and attacked Exodus! You sick!”

“Whoah! Guilty as charged.”

“Why are you doing this? What wrong have I done to you?” Elmo weakly said.

“Oh I have nothing against you Moe. It’s just that you’re the most suited person for the Job. The moment I took your first case I knew I could make use of you against PSJ. So there it is, after a couple of preparations I intended to let you and Julie meet. The rest is history.” Jean proudly answered.

Elmo coughed and crawled away from Jean. However, Jean stepped Moe’s wound on the leg to stop him.

“Ahhh!” Elmo screamed.

“Planning everything is not that easy you know. I have to be careful in every move, especially in trying to let you be part of Julie’s life. No matter how good you are and how persistent Exodus deviates from my frame-ups, your skills are still the key to my success!”

“Frame up? What do you mean?”

“This shouldn’t concern you, but since you are already about to die I might as well brag my splendor.” Jean arrogantly said, “Elmo, everything that happened to Julie, Exodus and You was because of me. It is I who nominated Julie for the PSJ presidency for I don’t want Exodus to have the top spot. I know I will never win against him during that election, so I secretly used Julie to beat him. However, Exodus continued existence still was a threat to my ambitions that is why I let you help Julie. I realized that my plans will come to realize when I learned that you both fell with each other. With that, letting you and Exodus fight almost to death was fairly easy. All I have to do was to supply both sides with information that will provoke the two of you. However, your reconciliation was not expected so I have to device another way to bring the both of you down. So it struck me, I remembered your past and thus used it against you and Julie. I research about Julie’s past and learned about Cesare. Oh if you could just see Cesare’s face when I told him that I found Anna Marie’s daughter.”

“I-I trusted you with everything! I even see you as my only friend. How could you do this to me? (Coughs).”

“I am already like this before you met me Elmo. Besides, I always see you as a mere tool, not as a friend so it does not really affect me.”

“You…” Elmo is starting to faint after losing a large amount of blood.

“Oh before you die…. After I defended your first case, I already know who killed your family. Guess what, the person who killed them IS ME! I immediately figured it out after seeing the document no. of your mother’s papers. Julie was just the person who signed those papers because she was under my wing before. It is I who transacted with your mother and it is Julie who formalizes everything. I didn’t tell you this because I believe I could use it against you. I framed Julie to use you against her! Ha!”

“B-but… you even showed me that the papers were (cough) r-robbed from your h-house.”

“Evidence is too easy to fabricate Moe. Remember I am a lawyer! It was me who gave Cesare all the information he needed about you. All of you were my puppets!”

“You traitor!”

“No Elmo, I am not. I am just ambitious. I am just following the nature of every man. Ambition is inherent in every man. It is the strongest force that makes our world round. Man will never evolve without ambition! It is my dream to be the most powerful and richest man here in Australia. As I was about to start my business, Anna Marie and Cherry were already achieving heights. I was not able to compete, thus I joined them! However, being part of PSJ will never give me the chance to fulfill my desires, so I thought of bringing them down from the inside. This my friend is the genuine truth behind all our Lies.” Jean looked at his watch “Oh I think our conversation has to end here Moe. Too bad I can’t tell you more of my adventures.”

Then Jean pointed the gun on Elmo’s chest.

“Game over Mr. Magalona.” Jean bid as he shot Moe in the chest.

There Jean left Elmo in the middle of the woods. Elmo’s sight slowly deteriorated until everything went dark.

To Dusts

For the past weeks, Alleanza Assicurazioni took hold of most of the biggest conglomerated shares of PSJ’s partners. Elmo, as the OIC of the former company, manage to get hold most of PSJ’s transactions. It was clear that PSJ is becoming dependent of Alleanza Assicurazioni.

 

***

“Little by little, PSJ’s existence becomes reliant to us. I can’t believe that buying all of the shares of their partners was the key to bring PSJ down.” Cesare amazed.

“Nope it is not… it is just the preparation. We need to continue what we are doing because that is the real key. PSJ knows that this is not good for their company but they have no idea of what our real plan is.” Elmo explained.

“You are the most devious person I know. It’s amazing to see this monstrosity in you.”

“I am not the monster Cesare, it is to them whom this ‘monstrosity’ shall be associated. I am just a letting them experience the pain I felt.”

“Hold it, I was just joking, (coughs) I know what feels son.”

Elmo went silent.

“So! What’s our next move?” Cesare opened.

“Just continue what we are doing now. Soon all of the transactions of PSJ will be directed to us and PSJ will be reduced to be our company’s beneficiary. That is where I will strike.” Elmo said.

“Very well.”

 

***

PSJ’s Shareholders Meeting

“Atty. San Jose, over all our company has a steady increase in the profit this month. But the problem is, these incomes were obtained through our partners’ transactions. 70% of our income now came from them and only 30% were directly from our insurance policies. This may look like a good sign for our company but I feel that there is still something wrong with it.” Mr. Von benedict stated.

“Worry not, we are just still experiencing the stigma of Mr. Magalona’s change of shoe. But look on the brighter side… he is still helping us.” Julie assures.

“I doubt that Julie.” Mr. Einhard commented.

Julie’s POV

It is true… this isn’t a good sign for our company if most of our conglomerated income will come from our partners, controlled by Elmo. But my shareholders shouldn’t know about what happened to us or they might as well withdraw from PSJ. I fear the worst but I can’t help myself to think of what Elmo is trying to do.

 

***

Three Months have passed, PSJ’s partnership with the companies bought by Alleanza Assicurazioni continued. Because of this, PSJ landed 3^rd best multi-functional corporation in Australia. Everyone celebrated to this success but only Julie remained silent and troubled.

“Julie, we just hit the highest income margin our company can get in two years! This is really a very good news!” Mr. Rodriguez exclaimed.

Julie forced a smile “See I told you. We don’t have to worry about a thing.” Julie lied.

 

Julie’s POV

Something’s not right… It has been three months since Elmo took hold of the major shares of our partners but until now he has been inactive. I never heard of him since that day. What’s going on?  I am thinking here like crazy trying to prepare myself for your actions. But until now you haven’t move even a finger against us. (Exhales) Maybe Elmo was just trying to pressure me… No, I know he loves me… Argh! I better go home now. I can’t think straight again.

 

***

The Next Morning…

“Ahhhh… shocks I woke up late. My, was I really that tired?” Julie said groggily.

 Julie went to the kitchen to eat some breakfast. Then she saw her phone lying on the table.

I really miss the days were I would see Moe’s message every morning even if we live together before. I miss his sweet and naughty acts Julie sadly chuckled.

Julie bite her sandwich as she sat on the side of the table and took her phone to check it.

“Oh my gosh! 11 missed calls and 13 messages?!” Julie surprisingly exclaimed.

Julie skimmed the messages all of the calls and messages were from the 3 pioneers of PSJ they were all asking to go to the office as soon as possible.

“Oh no… what could it be this time?”

Julie immediately fixed herself and left her house. As she drove her way to her office, chills run down her spine. She felt something went wrong.

 

***

At the PSJ Conference Hall

“Julie! We have a serious problem!” Mr. Rodriguez exclaimed.

“Why what is it? Oh, I thought we will be having an emergency meeting where our partners are?” Julie wondered.

“Julie… our partners… they all withdrew yesterday. They sold their remaining shares to Alleanza Assicurazioni and the latter eventually withdrew it just after you left last night. Julie most of our profit were gone.” Von Benedict gloomily said.

“They can’t do that! We also have a share! They can’t just get everything from us!” Julie enraged.

“Julie, they already gave us our share… but it was not substantial in value… we just learned that for the past months our company became dependent to our partners. Our income dependency became a whooping 90-10 in favor to our partners. We were blinded by the total income we have jointly obtained with them we failed to look into the division of the income. Julie we were taken by surprise…” Von Benedict explained.

“Oh god no!” Julie was shocked “Then what was left for us?” Julie began in tears.

“Julie, PSJ was bankrupt all of a sudden. We cannot anymore pay our policies to our clients… Seafrance also withdrew.” Rodriguez added.

No! Julie thought.

 

***

“YOU MY FRIEND… UNBELIEVABLE! In just three months you brought PSJ down! And the good thing was, they didn’t know what hit them! (Evil laughs) you are so good my Boy! You are truly an ace!” Cesare jumped.

“It’s not finished yet, you haven’t transferred all the shares to my name Cesare.”

“I already did.” Cesare joyfully said as he danced with his cane “By the way why do you want it liquidated? We can still make use of these corporations you know?” Cesare wondered.

“As long as these corporation’s exists, there will be a chance that PSJ may regain them. It is better to convert these shares to money and put them in the bank.”

“Devious as ever Moe, Truly Brilliant! Worry not, any minute now the money will be in your account. Imagine the millions you are holding Elmo! You can now buy whatever you want!”

“Yeah… to each according to his skills…” Elmo blankly said.

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“Nothing, I was just reminded of how our business system runs. We live in a capital society, hence your loot will depend on your own skills; the more skillful you are the greater the loot you have…” Elmo contemplated.

“… and look because you are skillful you now have millions!” Cesare shouted, “I told you didn’t I? I can make your dreams come true!” He added.

“Yeah thanks…”

(Smirks) “So enjoy the rest of the day son, I’ll now take my leave… enjoy the millions!” Cesare bid.

Elmo grinned.

Mom, dad, Elizabeth… tell me what have I become?I can’t endure it anymore. Elmo told himself.

 

***

Cesare rode his Rolls-Royce Phantom and ordered his driver to drive him home. Cesare expression is a happy lot. He felt fulfilled and contented.

“Returning to this house felt never this good!” Cesare exclaimed, “Times like this, it’s good to be alone!”

“I’ve been waiting for hours here Mr. Cesare Castracani!” A man said.

“Oh its you! Haha! It seems our plan went well huh?” Cesare answered.

“True, my brilliant plan was a success, Elmo and Julie’s relationship is now ruined, and PSJ is now gone.” The man said.

“So how can we get rid of them totally?” Cesare asked.

“Leave it to me.”

“Sure, I am already old, I can’t pull the trigger anymore.”

“Yeah I know… you should retire already.”

“Me? Nah! I am still strong as an ox!”

“Seriously, you should retire now.”

“Huh? Why should I?”

“Because your services are no longer necessary.” Then the Man immediately shot Cesare in the head with his suppressed gunfire “Yeah it is really nice to let your victim be alone for some time.” The man grinned.

Excruciating

3 Weeks After

“It has been a big surprise for the insurance business industry to learn about Mr. Magalona’s shocking resignation in PSJ. Mr. Magalona is known for his great contribution in aiding the said corporation return to its heights. Information has it that Atty. San Jose, Mr. Magalona’s girlfriend and President of PSJ, had a serious misunderstanding with him and thus broke up. Many analysts suggests that this incident is not a good sign for PSJ for their clients will perceive the unstable ground of PSJ regarding how personal matters between its bosses affect the corporation. Worse, it seems that the predictions were right since after the said resignation, PSJ is starting to suffer some loses and their finance becomes stagnant. Will PSJ still able to recover now that they lost another ace?” Cesare read the business journal “…(Laughs) way to go Elmo! That was such a heat! You sure are one of a kind kiddo!” He proudly added.

“Sheesh… we haven’t done anything yet Cesare, don’t count your chicks first before they hatch.” Elmo rebutted.

“Oh, I am 100% sure PSJ will fall. No one’s going to help them now. Exodus is still on his sick bed, and I have the best damn swindler in the country! It’s ours to lose!” Cesare grinned.

“Even if you are old, you’re still such an airhead… by the way were you the one who ordered to attack Exodus?” Elmo inquired.

“Oh that one? No, that was merely a coincidence I think… that person has a lot of enemies you know. Anyway, I am still thankful that it happened to him.”

“Good riddance…”

“Exactly!”

“So do you still plan to sit here in your mansion and laugh your heart out? Or do you prefer to do something more productive?”

“(Laughs) Young bloods… truly hasty… well I give you the honors to drew first blood Elmo, I am here just to give you everything you need.”

“Fine… then I’ll take my leave then. I’ll just give you a call when I need your help.”

Cesare grinned.

***

PSJ Corporation

“Atty. San Jose, Mr. Magalona’s resignation is starting to affect our company already. I knew I shouldn’t trust that person.” Mr. Von Benedict commented.

“Worse, most of our clients were trusting him. Now that he is not with us, who will they trust in our company?” Mr. Einhard added.

“Sooner than we think these clients will withdraw from our services and find another insurance company… Atty. San Jose did you get any word from Brione irons?” Mr. Rodgriguez butted in.

“I know. Everything you said was right. Elmo was a big factor in our company but we can’t just let his resignation affect us. He is not the heart of our company.” Julie answered.

“So you mean that Brione Irons will stay?” Mr. Rodriguez repeated.

“They assured that the stocks I bought from Elmo would remain but the other shares; that they can’t assure.” Julie gloomily said.

“But Julie we should hold on to Brione because they are our assurance in obtaining additional profit…” Mr. Rodriguez insisted

“I know, and Brione also knows it. That is the reason why they are using it against us.” Julie said.

“Julie if we can’t handle our partners anymore we will end up losing them.” Mr. Von Benedict interrupted.

“That is why we should show them that we are still capable even without Elmo.” Julie commanded.

***

After Couple of Days

(Phone Conversation)

“Cesare, I got something for you, PSJ’s partners are already starting to withdraw their attachments to company. Brione Irons is now opening its shares for sale. You better sack all of it before it’s too late.”

“Splendid Mr. Magalona! Just give me the list of those who will sell their shares. May it be an auction or direct transaction. I’ll be handling this part.”

“Okay. I’ll send them to your E-mail right away. Just make sure to buy their shares though, I heard that many corporations will try their luck in it.”

“Then we should just double our offer in order to assure our hit…” Cesare suggested.

“Give them something they can’t refuse… half the price only but use my name as the buyer. These corporations were my former clients and I believe they are selling these shares because of my resignation. In that way, PSJ will have a lesser amount of income but we were still able to sack their shares.” Elmo recommended.

“I like that… very well, then so be it… all of the purchases will be under your name and control. We have just to tear PSJ’s connections first before we cut down the whole tree.”

“Exactly… just make sure they are all deposited under my name for them not to doubt.” Elmo agreed.

***

Shareholders’ Meeting in PSJ

“Atty. San Jose, all of our partners’ shares were already sold to another company. Furthermore, some of our shareholders also sold their stocks already and resigned.” Mr. Von Benedict informed.

“It’s okay, the prices of the sold stocks were not that high but still reasonable. We can still manage this.” Julie assures “By the way, so who will be our new partners now?” She added.

“Actually, there was only one corporation that bought all the shares, it was Alleanza Assicurazioni.” Mr. Rodriguez added.

“Isn’t that Mr. Cesare Castracani’s Company?”

“Yes, but there is a little problem…” Mr. Von Benedict said with dismay.

“What is it?” Julie asked.

“All of the shares were bought by Alleanza Assicurazioni but under Mr. Magalona’s name.”

“What? You mean…” Julie was shocked.

“Yes it seems that our partners will be under Mr. Magalona’s control since he bought the companies themselves while some, a major amount of shares were sold to him.”

“Oh…”

Julie’s POV

What are you doing Moe? Are you really going to carry out your vengeance against us? If you want to avenge your family, destroy me and don’t drag others in our conflict. They have nothing to do with this… Moe you truly have turned to another person. You are not anymore the one that I know and love. I’ll never have another chance am I? You never intend to give me a chance… Despite of what you are doing now, I am not still giving up on you because I know your mind is clouded… I can’t blame you for that… but please at least give me another chance… don’t include those who are not involved.

“Ma’am, Mr. Magalona wants to meet the shareholders. He is now at the receiving room. Should I let him proceed here?” The secretary butted in.

“Yes you may, thank you.” Julie calmly said.

After a few minutes…

“Gentlemen, Julie (Elmo nodded), long time no see.” He greeted.

“Nice to see you again Mr. Magalona.” Mr. Einhard pretended.

“Oh Please Mr. Einhard, don’t make such a folly. I know you dread me.” Elmo frankly said.

“Moe, please stop this.” Julie whispered as she grabbed his arm.

“Oh, Atty. San Jose!”

“Ahmm, gentlemen kindly excuse us for a moment.” Julie announced.

“That wouldn’t be necessary. Don’t worry Julie this won’t take long.” Elmo interrupted “… Members of PSJ, I came here to just inform you that it’s good to be working with you guys again, though I am now under a new company. I hope we can make things work out again and… And… Pioneers, no hard feelings ayt?” Elmo grinned, “That would be all… thank you!” He ended and exited the conference room.

Shareholders of PSJ then exchange conversations with one another. All of them were puzzled as to what Elmo just did. Only Julie remained silent. Julie knows that he is already making his move, but she has no idea how to stop the man she loves.