Faster than a Heartbeat

The Reveal

Harry's POV

I wonder how's the treatment going?

I constantly checked my watch and phased back and forth.

'Why am I even worried? It's just a cut.'

I looked over to Dean who seemed to be bothered about the phone call he just made.

"Dean, what's your problem? Did anything happen at one of your father's casino?"

"Haha, no it's not that" Dean smiled

"It's just that, Harry we have just committed a big stir-up in the finance corporate and possibly the whole business world." He said while sitting on the chair.

"What do you mean Dean? I'm not following you."

"That girl..." he sighed. "I asked someone to look for any information regarding her and it turns out that she is the daughter of Antoine."

My eyes widened with shock.

'The Antoine's!?'

" Are you sure? I thought that she was sent to Switzerland?"

"I know but according to the info, she never boarded the plane to Switzerland. After that, she was never seen again." Dean replied.

"Yet here she is."

Harry looked over the door and was in deep thought. He furrowed his eyebrows and a look of astonishment came across his face as he turned his head to the person sitting on the chair.

"Could brother have recognized her? Is that what he meant by 'the matter'? Did you also happen to recognize her?"

Dean's POV

As we were asked to go out of the room, I can't help but make a quick phone call. I need to know something about the girl that's been bothering me.

I grabbed my phone and scrolled through my contacts.

---ring---

'Sir! Good morning! What can I do for you?'

The guy on the other line said attentively.

"I need you to look for any information about this girl that I'll be sending to you."

'Yes sir.'

"Did you get the picture? Make sure you utilize all our resources."

'Facial recognition is up and running sir as well as the satellite imaging.'

I waited for a minute and what bothered me the most was finally confirmed.

'Sir. She's the daughter of The Antoine Group, she's supposed to be in Switzerland according to the flight logs but it turns out that she never boarded the plane.'

"Where did she go then?"

'Sir, that's the problem.' a baffled person on the other line replied. 'Right after her supposed plane landed, she didn't come out.'

"You already said that she never boarded the plane so what's the problem there?"

'Sir, I was scanning the satellite to check if she'll appear again right after her plane took off at our airport and the time she should have landed but there was no sign of her anywhere. It was like she was scrubbed away from existence. All our equipments are showing no sign of her.'

I stood there frozen and looked at the direction of the supposedly girl in question.

'Sir? Sir?'

"Yes, I'm still here. Thank you for your help." I quickly replied when I came to.

-- the call ended--

"What is going on?" I whispered to myself.

I went back to where Harry was and he noticed that something was wrong.

'Should I tell Harry?'

Could Ron have recognized her that's why he asked me to go with her to the hospital. He knew that I would do a background check on the girl.

" I can seriously paint your face with black." Harry teased.

I smiled in turn and thought that there was nothing to hide since even his brother had some suspicions.

"I asked someone to look for any information regarding her and it turns out that she is the daughter of Antoine." I sighed.

Harry's eyes widened in shock as he continued to assess the situation we were in. He pointed out the well known fact that she was in Switzerland and he looked to the door and he arrived at the obvious conclusion.

"Could brother have recognized her? Is that what he meant by 'the matter'? Did you also happen to recognize her? Is that why you were the one asked to go to the hospital with me, to confirm her identity"He asked frantically.

This Harry looked aloof and not at all smart but in pressured situations he seems to be able to think clearly.

"Possibly. As for me, I was bothered when your brother asked me to go to the hospital with her. So I did try to confirm her identity and there is no sign of her as soon her plane took off and to the time her plane landed in Switzerland. She was a ghost."

Harry looked at me puzzled " No sign of her? That's impossible, your family have all the means to find someone. Even a rat or an ant couldn't escape your grasp. Now you're telling me that she's a ghost?" Harry chuckled.

"Then my suspicions were correct." A ginger-haired man with a blonde guy appeared.

Harry's POV

"Brother!"

"Did you guys straightened it out with Barcken's?" Dean inquired.

"Yeah, we're good with Hank." The blonde haired man turned his head over to the ginger-haired man and asked " What do you mean your suspicions were correct?"

"Ron, you did say that. How did you know?"

"Hey, hey, what should he know?" The blonde continued to ask.

"Gary, he hasn't told you anything? I thought my brother already told you on the way over or while you were cleaning up"

"Told me what!?" He started to whine

My brother pinched the middle of his brows.

"You should know the answer by now Dean." The ginger pointed out.

Dean's POV

Dean sat there still trying to solve the reason as to how can she have been not detected by their satellites and their softwares.

'What is wrong? Something is not right. Harry is right, even an ant or a rat shouldn't be able to bypass our system so what happened?' I stopped thinking for a while and smiled to my palm.

'Our system. How could I forget. Our system was from the Antoine Group, they basically have access.'

We tried to bypass their system to erase all their access but it was like a firewall. Their security was flawless. We gave up in the end but we managed to mask all our operations from the Antoine Group.

'They could have wiped out and like us masked her identity already. We wouldn't be able to bypass it unless the Antoine Group were to take it down.'

Just as I have solved a ridiculous easy puzzle I can't help but smile. Someone had noticed it and interrupted my triumphant moment.

"You should know the answer by now Dean"

Ron said as he pinched the bridge of his nose from all Gary's whining.

Everyone then turned to look at me anticipating an answer.

"Our system was from the Antoine. They masked her whereabouts during those times. They know all too well that we still haven't been able to remove all their access from the mainframe that's why they were confident that nobody else would know about her whereabouts. Everyone would still think that she was in Switzerland."

Gary's POV

Switzerland? Antoine Group? Whereabouts?

'What the hell were they referring to?'

"I swear to God if none of you would tell me what's going on I'll beat the crap out of --" Just then it hit me. Antoine group had a daughter who was sent to Switzerland. Are they referring to the girl we just met?

"Is she?" Was all I could think of.

"Are you still going to beat the crap out of us? Or do you want me to beat the crap into you?" Harry then proceeded to do a choke hold with Gary.

"Harry, mind your behavior. The girl might come out any minute now. You too Gary. Don't be too noisy this is still a hospital you know." Ron lectured us.

As Harry let go of me I started to clear up some of my curiosities. " so you mean that the girl" I pointed to the direction of the door where the girl was receiving treatment. "Is Antoine Group's heir? She was here in the country all along? You knew when we met her?"

Ron's POV

These guys really are reliable when it comes to these type of situations. One is quick to it's wits, the other on its feet and the other as a distraction.

"I recognized her but it was not enough so I had to let Dean confirm her identity. As we clean up the mess, so as no investigations will be made in that area. It could be troublesome if the Antoine got wind of what happened to their daughter."

Harry and Gary looked at each other. They both knew that Ron didn't utter a single word to Dean about having to confirm her identity but the smart guy with hazelnut eyes was able to deduce that something was wrong and that he needed to do a background check on the girl.

'Man their mind bond is scary.' Gary thought to himself. As he looked at both Dean and Ron.

'As expected of Dean, he was always one step ahead like brother. No wonder they got along well since childhood.'

"Speaking of, Gary, you just ruined a property belonging to the Antoine group. How does it feel? Their daughter even grabbed you by your collar? Hahaha." Harry mocked and laughed at Gary.

The whole group started laughing at Harry's remark.

"At least I didn't drive by the girl so recklessly and almost probably killing her. To top it off, I wasn't blocked by the very same girl when I am stepping on 160kph." Gary snapped at Harry.

Harry's face darkened, realizing that what he did say was actually true.

They stopped laughing and looked at Harry. Realizing that Gary had just said something that made them realize the trouble they just got themselves into.

Dean's POV

'Crap. He really did have to say it like that.'

After hearing what Gary had said, I immediately thought of the cctv footages and the possible images regarding the incident.

"Hey, Dean. Scrub the whole images during that time frame. They could have been monitoring her every move. Make it look like nothing happened." Ron ordered.

Instinctively, I reached for my phone and dialed our special ops.

-phone ringing-

'Hello sir.'

"Call everyone on this case. I want everyone to scrub and replace any images during the time frame of 03:30 to 04:30 around the 10km vicinity of Astros Street."

'Yes sir.'

"Make sure not one picture will be leaked out."

'Yes sir.'

--line cut--

Just as the line has ended, the door opened up and everyone looked at the girl coming out.

OC's POV

'Seriously, this was just a cut and the doctor wanted to do what now??' I thought to myself as I opened the door.

"Miss! Miss, you can't go out that easily. We haven't even started the treatment! It might leave a scar!" The doctor hastened to follow me to the door.

"I'm alright Doctor! No need for the other treatment." I insisted.

As the door opened I saw all 4 of the guys waiting outside the door. One of them spoke "Doctor, if the Miss doesn't want the treatment let her be. You may go." The ginger haired guy said.

Quickly the doctor who was pestering me bowed to him and immediately went away.

I turned to the ginger haired guy and said

" thank you for the treatment. How much do I need to pay for the treatment?"I still have other things to do, so I need to go after paying."

"N--"

"MY CAR!!!" I blurted out. I interrupted him before he could finish the word.

"Your car will be alright. It's in good hands." He smiled, reassuring me. "Are you sure you don't want to be treated?"

"Treated? It's just a cut, I won't die from it." then I heard a snicker and the ginger haired guy glanced over to the blonde guy named Gary.

Did he just laugh at me? I glanced over to the direction where the ginger haired guy sent a glare. I started walking towards his direction remembering that this was his fault to begin with.

Gary's POV

"Treated? It's just a cut, I won't die from it."

*snickered*

This girl is really interesting. I thought to myself, as I looked back up, I saw the girl walking towards my direction.

I gulped and instinctively took a step back.

She stopped as she came face to face with me and she stared at me with her beautiful brown eyes. It's like she's staring at the very depths of my soul.

Initially, I thought that she was going to slap me but her next reaction really shocked me.

Just as everyone thought that she would slap me, she raised her phone and asked me "Can we please take a picture together?" the girl who was furious and the person that grabbed me by my collar was now asking me for a picture?

I was so shocked when she asked me that she caught me off guard then she stepped on my foot.

'ouch' It was painful but not quite like the shock I just got from her series of different reactions.

"Next time you ruin somebody's car make sure that you won't be seen again or you'll get more than that." She looked at me while I was holding my foot.

Ron's POV

Who would have thought that this pretty lady right here would be enough to make that whiner shut his mouth.

Harry's POV

I'm really glad that I have Gary as a friend. He does take a lot of attention. He does come in handy. I jokingly thought to myself.

Dean's POV

She does make me curious but there is something about her that doesn't quite make sense to me.

"Miss Catherine." she stopped at her tracks upon hearing her name.

Soon stern looking men wearing suits approached us. Catherine? Was that Antoine's daughter's name? I looked at her and saw a grim facial reaction. As soon as I was to step up Ron blocked them from getting to her.

"What do you need from the young miss?" Ron asked

"We need to take her home. If you would kindly step aside I'm sure no harm would fall on you." one of the stern bodyguards said.

"Be careful, you're not in your territory." Dean threatened them

Soon the surrounding atmosphere became hostile as guards from the shadows emerged from the pillars and rooms. The stern guards caught a glimpse of their enemies crest and soon realized who they were taunting.

"Tell your Master that we'll be responsible for taking her home." Harry said while offering his hands out to the girl.

"Miss,if you'd let us? I would like to apologize for what I've done to your car a while ago and for causing a beautiful lady like you to injure yourself." Gary said to the girl trying to lighten up the mood.

The stern looking bodyguards had to step back before things get ugly." Well then, we'll leave the Miss in your care. Just know that if anything happens to the miss the Antoine's won't be merciful."

OC's POV

I shifted my gaze towards the hands that were extended to me and looked at his face. 'He was smiling? In this situation?' I sighed and went past him.

" No need for that, I've already imposed too much on your group." I said as I passed them and went with the guards.

All of them looked to my direction and their faces was plastered with worry.

"No need for me to hide my identity, since I think you've pretty much pieced everything together. I'm sorry for the late introduction, my name is Catherine Gizel Antoine." I bowed gracefully and continued "I hope you'll keep this meeting a secret from your families."

As soon as I finished my introduction the guards escorted me into the elevator. The doors were closing when Gary pulled me out of the elevator. I looked at him with wide eyes full of wonder. Even his group was startled by his actions.

" Are you sure you'd want to go with them?" He looked at me in the eye "You seemed like a mouse walking into a trap." Gary whispered into my ears which made me turn red.

"Whh-aat-t are yo-u talking about?" I escaped from his grasp and took a step back.

"You know I don't get you." Gary said.

Upon hearing those words I faced Gary and saw that his face was closer this time around.

I gulped from the distance of his face to mine when Dean grabbed his shirt from behind and pulled him away from me.

"Gary, you do know that those bodyguards are going back to get her right? So what's your plan now that you have her here?" Dean said

"Yeah, Gary what were you thinking back there." Harry pointed out to the blonde haired guy.

"As crazy as it sounds I just felt like I need to help her. She seemed like she was screaming for help. Aren't I right Athy?" He winked at me while stepping closer once more but was grabbed by Ron this time.

"Gary, did the lady even gave you permission to call her like that?" he snapped at Gary

"she's not getting mad is she? When I called her Athy. Lighten up Ron!" He teased.

"I'm sorry for his behavior miss Antoi-" Ron glanced towards me and I said "No, Athy's fine."

I smiled to myself as I was watching their group. They sure are a breath of fresh air.

"well then, miss Catherine, I would like to apologize for Gary's behavior. May I suggest we move to another place if you don't want your bodyguards to take you home this instant." Ron suggested

As I was smiling, I realized that the guards might come back any minute now. I glanced over the elevator 'he's right they might come back soon and I' d have to face my father' Just remembering what my father might do frighten me.

Ron led us to a private elevator which takes us straight to were the VIP's probably use to secure their exit and entrance to the hospital without being seen.

" Sir Ron, if I may, did you bring me to this hospital since you knew of my identity?"

He smiled and gave a slight nod.

"I had a hunch Miss. You very much resemble Mr. Antoine."

I looked over my reflection on the elevator wall and saw Dean who was standing behind me while leaning on the elevator wall. His gaze was piercing.

"Hey Dean! Careful with those eyes. Athy might get too uncomfortable! Hahaha! I know she's pretty but remember I saw her first."

Gary placed his arms around Dean's shoulders and was teasing him when he winked at me and smiled.

" Harry, would you mind driving Miss Antoine to the Barcken's? We'll be right behind you guys." Ron asked his brother while giving him a light pat on his back.

"Of course, brother. I'll see you guys there!"

As soon as the elevetor doors opened we were once again greeted by a team of black suited men which gave me quite a freight. I took a step back and was met by a cold hand behind me.

"It's alright. They're my men." I looked up and Dean reassured me that it's safe.

"Miss Catherine" Harry opened the passenger door side and I slid into the seat. I saw Ron talking to Harry as if he was giving instructions, Gary interrupting as if protesting and Harry rubbing his head in response. He then walked over to the driver's side and we head out to the place where my car was being fixed.

The mood was a bit heavy. There was no music in his car. Just awkward silence.

'I wonder if I should start a conversation? Or maybe not?'

I lightly sighed.

"Miss Catherine.." he cleared his throat.

"I would like to apologize for doing that to your car."

I looked at Harry and saw how apologetic he was.

" I swear I thought that nobody would be there at night. I was challenging myself that day by taking the outer lane but unfortunately I hit your side mirror" he glanced over my direction and I can tell he was analyzing my expression.

"Sir Harry.."

"Just call me Harry." he said

"It's alright. You've already apologized plus I'm also at fault since I really shouldn't be out that early." I smiled at him and saw a light red blush across his cheeks which I find cute.

"Sir Harry.." he cleared his throat. I chuckled at his slight disappointment and continued "Harry, if you don't mind me asking. This Barcken's where you took my car does it happen to be one of those Barcken's imitation shops? Because I know that the Barcken's garage is most likely only for race cars and it takes months before you could get an appointment with them."

Harry's POV

I'm shocked to hear a lady know this much about the Barcken's business.

" No, it's not some imitation shop Miss. It really is Barcken's." as soon as I finished my sentence she grabbed my free hand and I looked at her surprisingly and saw twinkling in her eyes as if she was excited that it's not some imitation shop.

"Really!? The Barcken twins are the one fixing my car? But it's almost impossible to get an appointment from them?!" Athanasia bursted out

Car enthusiast knows that the Barcken's never really accept just any clients on a whim. She must be a car enthusiast seeing that her car was also an import.

I chuckled from the expression she just made and when she realized that she was holding onto my hand and was practically shouting with joy she released my hands and apologized "I-I'm sorry for being too loud."

I laughed which gained a glare from the lady but her expression then betrayed her as she laughed with me as well.

"You must be a car enthusiast Miss Catherine."

"Athy, just call me Athy, Harry." she smiled

"Calling you A-athy is a bit. Can I still call you Catherine? Because unlike Gary, my brother will surely scold me if he heard me calling you by a nickname."

" I'm okay with that."

We slowly made the awkward situation fade as we kept on talking about cars.

"Catherine, it kept me wondering. Where did you learn to drive like that? I mean, no offense but you're a lady. It's so rare to find women who's into cars much more if you can race as well."

"Well Harry, I had a great teacher and playing the Xbox every now and then helps too." I saw a sad expression on her face with the mention of her teacher.

'perhaps he' s dead?'

" I'm sorry.." I said to her.

After what seemingly an awkward dead silence. We passed the interchange and is about to exit the freeway. I perked up and looked over Catherine .

" We're almost there Catherine."

Upon hearing that she perked up right away and looked out of the windows and an excited expression took over her face.

OC' s POV

I looked out the windows with much anticipation when I heard roaring engines approaching our car.

"Looks like they finished the business quickly." Harry stated.

I sat back down and looked at the car on his side. It was Ron. The car on our tail was Dean and I looked over my right and Gary was waving at me and sending me some winks.

"Don't mind that i***t. I apologize in his behalf."

I laughed at him calling his friend an i***t, he seemed irritated while saying it but you can clearly hear that Gary is his best friend judging by the tone of his voice. "No it's fine. It's fine. I really was holed up in our house for far too long I forgot how it's like to have friends who you could apologize for."

A look of worry crossed Harry's face but he was careful for Catherine to not notice.

Gary's POV

"Why is she laughing while looking at Harry like that?" I asked myself.

I grabbed my Bluetooth and called Ronnie.

"Hey! Ron why did you let Athy ride Harry's car? Harry is being too chummy with her."

I looked over the car where Ron was in and shot him a glare and he sped up his car so that we're not in view of each other.

"Jeez, you really can't get anything from this dude." "Ron you know that cellphones were made for it to be a two way communication."

Harry's POV

We arrived at the Barcken's and as soon as she got out of the car and saw two big men approaching us, her face lit up and I barely managed to keep my laughter in when she rushed over to the two big men.

'uwaa.. Pfft..her eyes are twinkling' I tried to suppress my laugh.

OC's POV

'We're here!'

I can't believe that I'm really here at Barcken's. I opened the car door as soon as Harry stepped out of the car. I saw two familiar big figures and I couldn't help but rush towards them.

'Whoa-- who the heck is this girl?' the first man said who had dark brown eyes

'.!!!..That startled me! This girl just came out of nowhere..' the hazelnut eyed man said.

"oh my!! It's really you! I'm a huge fan of you guys! I can't believe that you are going to fix my car! I'm not sure if I should still be angry at Harry or that guy, Gary but being able to meet you in person is such a great honor!!" I said to the two men in front of me who seemed confused.