Enchanting Passion & Retribution

Episode 7

As the steak sizzled in the pan, Blair couldn't help but wonder how Courtney had coped with her absence. She had missed out on so many milestones, birthdays, and special moments. Blair had tried to stay connected through phone calls and occasional visits, but it was never the same as being there in person.

Lost in her thoughts, Blair was startled when Courtney burst into the kitchen, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Aunty Blair, I can't wait to hear all about your adventures! And thank you for making my favorite steak, it smells amazing!" Courtney exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine gratitude.

Blair smiled, her heart swelling with love for her niece. She had missed these moments, the simple joy of cooking for someone she cared about, the laughter and conversation that filled the air. As they sat down to eat, Blair listened intently as Courtney shared stories of her time away, her eyes shining with enthusiasm.

At that moment, Blair realized that despite the pain of leaving, she had made the right choice. Courtney had grown into a strong, independent young woman, full of life and ambition. She had thrived in Blair's absence, proving that sometimes, stepping back was the best way to let someone grow.

As they savored each bite of the delicious steak, Blair couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and contentment.

While Rina diligently devoted herself to her artwork, Collins embarked on a quest to find her. His search led him to the garden, where he discovered Rina engrossed in capturing a breathtaking scene on her canvas. Her flowing blonde hair danced in the gentle breeze, while her delicate fingers skillfully held onto the paintbrush, epitomizing the essence of elegance. In that moment, she resembled an innocent damsel, unmatched in her grace and beauty. Collins pondered the trials and tribulations Rina had endured, each challenge breaking a piece of her fragile spirit.

Suddenly, the intrusion of Collins' ringing phone shattered the reverie, bringing him back to reality. After attending the call, he approached Rina in a commanding yet cautious manner, ensuring his words wouldn't inflict further harm upon her delicate being. "You must complete your current task and inform the butler of your requirements. We shall require his meticulous preparation when we journey to the estate," he conveyed with authority. The resonance of his deep voice stunned Rina, momentarily distracting her from her prior undertaking. However, she managed to compose herself and calmly inquired whether Collins was embarking on a trip, questioning her need to accompany him. Irritated, Collins hastily responded that she had to fulfill her promise, though his true intentions diverged. He wished to conceal the fact that he desired to aid Rina's healing process through their travels, as he needed to oversee his company's affairs and visit his ailing father in the states. Having communicated his intentions, Collins left Rina alone in the

Turning back, Rina hesitated for a moment before summoning the courage to approach Collins. Her hands trembled slightly as she clasped them in front of her, her voice quiet and uncertain.

"Could you please lend me your assistance?" she asked, her tone as timid as her demeanor.

Before Collins could respond, Carlos scoffed loudly, crossing his arms and leaning back against the wall. "Here we go again," he sneered. "Another performance to gain sympathy. What will it be this time, Rina? Tears? A tragic story?"

Rina flinched at his words but didn’t back down. She cast a wary glance in Carlos' direction, unsure if she should continue. Collins, however, silenced Carlos with a single piercing glare. Carlos rolled his eyes but said nothing further.

Collins turned back to Rina, his expression unreadable. "What do you need?" he asked bluntly.

She took a deep breath, her voice faltering as she explained, "I need to go to the city. There's something important I must retrieve. Please... it's urgent."

Collins raised an eyebrow, studying her intently. "And what will you give me in return?"

Rina's breath caught in her throat. She hadn’t expected him to ask that, but she quickly composed herself. "I’ll work for you," she said earnestly. "I’ll do whatever you ask, for as long as it takes to repay you. And—" She hesitated, her voice dropping. "And who knows? If I reach the city, I might even be able to settle Mr. Amiton’s debt."

Both men were startled by her words. Carlos straightened, narrowing his eyes at her. Collins, however, merely tilted his head, his expression thoughtful.

"I’ll give you my answer tomorrow," he said finally, his tone firm.

Rina nodded, her heart pounding as she retreated from the room.

---

The night passed slowly for everyone. Rina lay awake in her room, staring at the ceiling as memories of her past haunted her. The thought of returning to the city both terrified and excited her. If she could retrieve the documents, she might finally have a chance to reclaim what was lost.

Collins, meanwhile, sat in his study, a glass of whiskey in his hand as he mulled over Rina's request. He didn’t trust her, not entirely. Her story was full of holes, and her timing was suspicious. But there was something about her desperation that felt genuine, something that made him want to believe her.

Carlos was less conflicted. He paced his room, muttering to himself about the foolishness of indulging Rina’s whims. "She’s playing us," he grumbled. "I know it."

---

The next morning, Collins approached Rina in the parlor. He stood before her with his hands in his pockets, his expression unreadable.

"I’ve decided to help you," he said, his voice calm but firm. "But on one condition—you must promise to be honest with me. About everything."

Relief washed over Rina’s face, and she nodded quickly. "I promise," she said.

Collins nodded and outlined his plan. They would travel to the city together, along with Carlos and a trusted companion who was familiar with the city’s layout. "We’ll keep a low profile," he said. "If this goes wrong, there’s no telling what kind of trouble we’ll face."

Rina agreed to the plan, her gratitude evident in her tear-filled eyes.

---

The journey to the city began early the next day. The group traveled in Collins’ car, the tension between them palpable. Rina sat quietly in the backseat, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. Carlos, seated beside her, made no effort to hide his disdain.

"You’ve got quite the sob story, don’t you?" he said suddenly, breaking the silence.

Rina looked at him, her eyes wary.

"I mean, it’s convenient, isn’t it?" he continued. "Your parents were wealthy, powerful, and conveniently betrayed. Now you’re the lone survivor, desperate for help. How do we know any of this is true?"

"Enough, Carlos," Collins said from the driver’s seat, his tone sharp.

But Rina didn’t back down. She turned to Carlos, her voice steady despite the tremble in her hands.

"I’m not asking you to believe me," she said. "But everything I’ve told you is the truth. My parents were Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, the owners of VWX Company. They trusted the wrong person, and it cost them their lives."

She paused, her gaze dropping to her hands. "I was there when it happened. I saw them..." Her voice broke, but she quickly composed herself. "I only survived because I found a hidden passage in our house. But even then, I was betrayed by someone I thought I could trust. I ran for my life and ended up falling from a cliff. That’s how the Amitons found me."

Carlos frowned, his skepticism unchanged. "Sounds like a lot of drama for one person," he muttered.

"Enough," Collins said again, his tone final.

The rest of the journey was silent, save for the hum of the car engine.

---

When they arrived at the city, Rina was overwhelmed by a flood of emotions. The towering buildings, the bustling streets—it was all so familiar, yet so alien.

Her childhood home was tucked away in a quiet corner of the city. As they approached, Rina’s heart raced. Memories of her parents, of laughter and warmth, filled her mind. But so did the memories of their betrayal and murder.

The house stood just as she remembered it, though it was now overgrown with weeds and cloaked in shadows. Rina hesitated at the gate, her hands trembling.

"Are you sure about this?" Collins asked, his voice soft for the first time.

Rina nodded. "I have to do this," she said.

They stepped inside, the air thick with silence. Rina led the way, her steps slow and deliberate. She explained the layout of the house, pointing out the hidden passageways her father had designed.

As they searched, Rina recounted more of her story. "My parents were good people," she said. "They built this company from the ground up, but their kindness was their downfall. They trusted someone who betrayed them, and now..." She trailed off, her voice thick with emotion.

Collins and Carlos exchanged a glance. For the first time, Carlos seemed to waver in his skepticism.

, wracked with fury at his heartless demeanor. She couldn't fathom how he failed to exhibit even the slightest compassion towards her fragile mental state. Uttering her discontent under her breath, Rina questioned why Collins couldn't be more like his compassionate friend, Carlos.