Hours later, Easther stirred awake as the chopper rumbled with descent. Outside the window stretched a sprawling estate.
“It’s my grandfather’s villa,” Zaki said beside her as they prepared to disembark. “We’ll stay here for a few days.”
The helicopter landed on a broad platform outside a luxurious mansion, its gates lined with guards and servants. An elderly butler stood at the forefront beside a white-haired man whose presence dominated the grounds—the patriarch of the Lee family, Old Master Lee.
“Grandfather, I’ve returned,” Zaki greeted as he stepped forward.
“Hmph. And so you have,” the old man replied sternly, his cane tapping the ground. “How could you be fooled by those Alvarez bastards? Reckless boy.” His words scolded, but his wizened eyes betrayed the affection brimming in h
