"My dear, I will send you abroad not because I rejected you or I'm disappointed in you. I just want you to be far from shame and so you can start changing your path as well."

Shaina's lips curled in bitterness as she listened to her grandmother carefully. And no matter what the old woman said, she was still upset with her. Even to her father that until this time, she's unable to talk to him. But perhaps the best she can make is to accept the truth that she lost almost eveything- her boyfriend, her virginity. And now, she's about to leave the country to save her family's reputation.

Cristy sighed without getting an answer from her granddaughter. "One day you will understand me, too. I don't want you to put on your father's shoe. Look at how miserable he is now. It's because I gave him everything he wanted."

Somehow, Shaina's anger towards the old woman lessened. But she still doesn't want to speak. She just let her express and explain her thoughts. Besides, it was too obvious that she had favoritism among her children since then, that's why her father ended up like that- miserable and irresponsible. But eventhough her grandmother is this old, she loves her. Considering the fact that eversince her mother died, the old woman stood up with her like a real mother.

"I have already booked your ticket and arranged your flight. It will be next day. So, you don't have to go to work or leave the house."

Sad, Shaina looked out of her room's window. The old woman was smart and wise. And because she didn't trust her, she would be guarded for sure, as if she will run away and go see Daisy.

"If you don't want to go out for dinner later, I'll send the helper to bring your food here," Cristy continued eventhough Shaina didn't respond.

She remain silent and gave her back to her grandmother. But then, she felt the old woman stand up and slowly step out of her room. Hearing the opening and closing of the door, she only then turned around. She quickly took out her cellphone and called her friend.

"Gurl, what happened to you?" Worried, Daisy asked immediately after answering Shaina's call. Shaina did not hide anything from her friend. Especially the plan of leaving the country.

"That witch! And both of the sisters have absolutely no manner," Daisy exclaimed in annoyance.

"I believe in karma," said Shaina in a low voice.

"That's right! They'll get their karma, too, and Rex will realize that he flirted with the wrong person!"

"Maybe we'll never see each other again." Shaina was sad to the possibility that she will be separated from the important person in her life.

Her grandma has a cousin in Italy and she will be staying there temporarily until she finds a place to rent. The old woman will help her financially until she can stand on her own feet. Their relative also managing a restaurant there, so she can apply for a job.

Even Daisy was also sad. But when he recalled what she had said to him at the hotel, he bring it up again.

Shaina bit her lower lip recalling the man she had sex with last night. To be honest, she still felt the man's punishing kisses on her lips. Despite of the darkness of his room, Shaina figured out that the man has a nice body- a broad shoulders, a masculine thighs- and he has abs. Crazy but she feel her arousal upon listening to his baritone voice. And the way he claims her, it seems that he doesn't know how to pity, even to a woman.

Shaina was suddenly horrified at the thought that maybe the man is a mafia, an addict or a bad person. She hadn't thought about that before deciding to help him. It's just good that the man didn't know her and didn't want to know her either. Tired of talking to herself, she decided to leave the room. But before getting down from the second floor she will pass by at Lovely's room.

"You fool! Why did you let yourself be caught in the act by that girl?"

Shaina frowned when she heard Matilda's angry voice. She come close to the slightly ajar door so she could hear the conversation between the two.

"What do you want me to do? Let them get married first like your plan?"

Shaina's eyebrows met. She was sure that she was definitely the two were talking about.

"Mom, I can't!" Lovely continued.

"Don't be stupid! Use your brain so that all the shares in the company go to us! Think about it, when she and Rex get married, he will get the ten percent share that is under that woman's name."

Lips are closed while her fists are clenched, Shaina controlled her emotions from rushing to her aunt. She wanted to scold her uncle's wife but she refrained. Her selfishness gone too far as she wanted to take her inheritance through Rex. Right, that's why Rex wants them to get married abroad.

If she was holding anything now, it would have been crushed due to clenching her fist tightly.

"I'm afraid that Rex might change his mind and not divorce Shaina. Also, I'm delayed for two mon-"

Shaina heard how Matilda slap her daughter which stopped Lovely from finishing her sentence. Instead of feeling sorry for her cousin, she was even happy. Lovely deserve it. Shaina moved away from leaning against the wall near the door. She even made her step heavier to let the two know that there was someone else outside the room.

"How long have you been standing there and eavesdropping?"

Shaina turned to her aunt and did not bother to hide the anger in her eyes. She saw Lovely behind her, massaging her cheek.

"Does it hurt?" she asked her cousin with an insulting tone.

Matilda's eyes widened, then she looked at her daughter.

"It hurts even more when you are slapped by the truth. Well, it's not bad to desire higher than you have. But being greedy will harm you. Thank you for not following your mother's plan. Thank you for letting me know about my frivolous fiancee's infidelity right away. Just be careful, the cheater is smart at doing bad things to others. I just don't know if that will be effective with the same cheater."

Both mother and daughter were speechless and did not know what to say.

Shaina smirked and gave the two a mocking look. "How can that be possible now? Your plan of taking the ten percent share under my name will go to waste. Okay, maybe I should double the percentage when I get back," she said sarcastically.

"Bitch! She hissed and gave Shaina a deadly look.

"So what if you heard everything? You think someone will believe you?" Matilda asked defiantly.

Shaina just kept calm and twisted playfully her hair behind her ears. "I'm not as bad as you think. I believe in karma. I will now leave this house quietly, but when I come back I will return you the favor."

Matilda didn't get recover right away and angrily followed Shaina walked away. She is not afraid of her threat. But she was annoyed that someone would be proud to speak like that to her.

"Mommy, what are we going to do? Maybe she will complain to Grandma."

Matilda looked at her daughter in annoyance. "Why didn't you lock your room in the first place?"

"Wow, it's my fault again. Who entered my room just to give a sermon?" Lovely was also cowering at her mother.

With her gritted teeth, Matilda screamed out of annoyance. At the same time, she raised both palms and clenched them, then glared at Lovely. She hesitated to hurt her again, yet her daughter even managed to answer and blamed her.

Lovely has turned her back on her mother so that their argument won't go on any longer.

At the rest house, Travis angrily confronts his personal assistant. He hasn't slept yet and he went there first to avoid his fiancee.

"Mr. Villanova, I double-checked the surveillance camera but there was absolutely no footage captured last night to identify the woman who entered your room." Teddy explained again to the young man who looked like he would be eaten alive if he looked at him.

"Bullshit! Whoever did this is unforgivable!"

Teddy was startled from where he is standing when the young man tore the folder he handed over. It has not yet been read what's on the list so it will definitely be difficult for him.

"How about, Cheska?" he remembered asking his fiancee.

"Her mother called a while ago and was looking for you, sir."

Travis gasped violently. His head hurt even more now because Cheska was also acting out. He caught up with her last night in the room he was renting. He closed his eyes tightly and remembered what happened that night.

"What are you doing here?" Travis asked Cheska in surprise when he came out of the bathroom and saw her. He looked around, the light was on so he could clearly see the appearance of the room. It's a mess and the bedsheet is still stained with blood.

"Then I wasn't as wrong as I thought," Travis said to himself as he looked at the bed.

"What the hell, Travis? Are you disappointed and you saw me instead of the girl you brought here?" Cheska angrily asked her boyfriend while holding up a cycling short.

Travis couldn't find a single word to say when he saw what Cheska was holding. He was sure that the short belonged to the woman who he was with last night. But where is the girl by the way?

Cheska's tears finally started running down to her cheek. Travis's silence was only a sign that a woman was indeed brought there. She loves him, and even though she knows that the young man will not reciprocate her feelings, she is still happy when she proposes marriage to her.

"What you need is a child, right? I can give it to you when we're married. But why do you need another woman?"

Travis was only irritated seeing Cheska crying. He understood if she felt bad about what had happened. But he didn't have time to explain it. He quickly picked up the cellphone and called his personal assistant. He ordered to prepare the chopper for him, that absolutely can land right on the hotel's rooftop.

"Travis, you can't do this to me!"

Cheska was already lost when it was confirmed that the young man had no intention of explaining to her.

"I'm sorry, Cheska, but let's postpone our wedding for now because I have something important to attend to."

Cheska stared at her fiancé with her mouth open. It was as if he was just talking to one of his partners. As if she had no value here as a girlfriend. She was not even asked nor considered her feelings.

"Sir, Miss Cheska's mother is calling again," Teddy informed Travis.

Interrupted by his assistant's voice, Travis took his mind off from reminiscing. Then, he glance at Teddy with a wrinkled forehead.

"You talk to her. Make up a story, it's up to you."

Teddy rubbed the back of his neck and his appearance was as if as his age suddenly doubled. Of course, he was left with no choice but to follow orders, especially when his dominant boss turned his back. Before answering Cheska's mother's call, Teddy prepare his ears from whatever he might hear.

"What took you so long to pick up the phone? Don't you know me that's why you're ignoring my calls? Where is your arrogant boss?"

Teddy slightly moved the device he was holding away from his ear due to the loudness of the lady's voice. He is the one who answers Travi's calls, so he encountered different person over the phone, yet his experience with Cheska's mother was different. Apart from her VIP feeling, her shrill voice hurts his ears. How many times has she asked the same question? She's too young to often forgetting things. However, it's a good thing the marriage was postpone, so the woman won't call everytime she would like to ask about his boss.

"Tell Travis this, if something bad happens to my daughter because of his betrayal, I will never forgive him!" the lady continued.

"As if you can threaten that one," said Teddy, but of course he couldn't voice it out 'cause the woman is also the mayor's wife and Teddy was afraid he might even be imprisoned.

"Sure, Madam. I will," Teddy replied politely to the lady.

"Where are you now? I want to talk to Travis properly."

Teddy shook his head when the lady's voice suddenly calmed down. This is how it is when someone needs him.

"I'm sorry, madam, but Mr. Villanova strictly ordered me that he doesn't want to be disturbed by anyone right now. He's still investigating what had happened at the hotel."

"Tell him that my husband can help him to resolve whatever his problem now. He doesn't have to cancel the wedding." The woman remained calm.

"I'll tell him that, madam. I'm sorry if he hasn't been able to talk to you yet because he's still asleep. But he instructed me earlier that if you call again, just wait for him to come back to the city."

Teddy heard the lady breathing deeply. Sadly, they can't do anything even if they get mad. His grumpy boss is not afraid of anyone, even the president of the country. And here he is, for his boss's sake, he was able to lie so that the lady stopped nagging him. When the lady hung up, Teddy looked for the young man. But when he saw that he was lying on the sofa and was quiet, he didn't disturb him anymore.

Travis tried to sleep at least for a little while. But even in his dreams he was still bothered by that random sex with a woman he didn't even recognize.

"Is something hurts you? Come, brother, let me help you get out of here!"

Travis leaped over his bed. What is wrong with him that even in his dream the woman's voice was rumbling inside of his head so clear. He frowned when he analyzed what the woman said before he even touched her. He was sure the woman was drunk. But the way she speak, she sounds innocent and just wanted to help him. He needs to find her. He was afraid the woman might get pregnat. Or she definitely knows something about who tried to destroy his personality.

There is one more thing, he didn't just have sex with any girl because he was careful. And he doesn't want to have a child with just any woman.

"Sir, are you awake now?" The worried smile on Teddy's lips was suddenly wiped out when the young man frowned at him. "Oh, I know you are awake and I shouldn't be asking you stupid question." He is scratching his head.

"Call my lawyer and Detective Cyrus. Have them come in the chopper."

"Right away, sir!" Teddy even saluted the young man before dialing a number on his cellphone.

The lawyer was called first before the detective. Cyrus didn't even ask why Travis wanted to talk to him at his exclusive resort. He is lucky and Travis trusts him, not only as a friend but also with his secrets that no one else should know. When he found out that he would go with the lawyer, he thought that the case was seemed more serious.

Travis only waited a few hours for the arrival of the two people he needed to talk to.

"Sir, these are the documents you prepared." The lawyer reached the paperwork that Travis had to sign.

Travis motioned for Teddy to read what was stated in the last will testament. Teddy swallowed his own saliva before reading aloud what was written there. He almost cried when he read his name down there.

"Si-sir, why is there something like this? You still have a long life and-"

"I can't wait for something bad to happen to me before the wealth I leave behind is secured."

"Bu-"

Teddy was interrupted when Travis spoke again.

"Also, when the person who wants me to disappear from this world knows that the inheritance I leave will go to someone else, they will definitely think twice about doing harm against me."

"But they might target me, sir, when they find out I'm going to inherit something."

Cyrus shook his head as he watched Teddy. There's also a share of Travis's wealth that goes to him. But a larger part of his wealth goes to charities.

"You can quit your job if you're afraid of getting involved in my life."

"Sir, no way!" Teddy approached the young man like a child. "I'll die first before they touch you!"

Both Cyrus and the lawyer shook their heads as they watched the two. Travis pushes Teddy away from him but the man refused and clings to his arm.

Travis took a deep breath and let Teddy be by his side. He is older than the man. And apart from the lawyer and Cyrus, Teddy is also the only person close to him. He has more trust in other people than in his own family.

Sadly, his half-brother is obviously more excited for the inheritance than seeing him. He also didn't like his stepmother, especially when their father died. His father was a good businessman. The large share in the company went to his mother, the reason why he was in charge of managing it. He was very young when her mother died from an accident where he was one of the lucky survivors. From then on, he became elusive and not easy to trust.

"When something bad happens to me, stay away so you don't get involved." Travis seriously instructed Teddy.

"Is there nothing to be changed in the will, sir?" asked the lawyer.

"I want to add something." He paused. "I had sex with a woman last night and she might get pregnant. If they ever show up and prove that the child is mine, they will get the contents of the safety box."

Ben didn't ask again, all of the young man's will was video recorded except for what was written on the paper.

"Is that why you called me to find the girl you had sex with last night?" Cyrus asked.

"Yes, no footage was captured and you know what that means."

Cyrus understood why the young man acted like this. Everything that was done was obviously planned. He also understood if his own family was the main suspect. If the marriage does not go through, the young man will have no other heir but his brother. And now he changed his mind about the wedding because of a strange woman who he just met.

Travis let the two stay there so they could relax. While on the other hand, Teddy thought they would spend a few more days on the island. But on the next day, they suddenly packed all their things 'cause the young man had to go to another country. The four of them returned to Manila together and booked a ticket to Italy.

Shaina's flight was at night and only her father drove her to the airport. "Be careful there, my dear daughter. And please don't repeat what you did wrong. You already old enough and you are smart so don't imitate me."

Shaina felt bad for her father. It's good for him that he admits everything he is doing in his life was wrong. "From now on I will try to change my life for you."

Shaina smiled and hugged her father. For the first time he chose her.

"Thank you, dad! I promise, you will meet a different Shaina when we meet again."

Gabriel smiled and caressed his daughter's head while nodding. "That's my girl!"

"Excuse us, please give way!"

Shaina and her father stepped aside when some men pushed away the people blocking their way. She saw the person speaking, this was the same man who stopped them when they left the hotel.

"Looks like you can even fly with a famous person," Gabriel said to his daughter.

Shaina's gaze followed where her father's eyes were focused. His eyes immediately landed on the group of men infront of them, particularly to the masculine, handsome yet serious one. The way he walks and his masculinity seems like a Hollywood star. Even though he was wearing sunglasses, she could see that his eyes were beautiful.

Travis felt someone is staring at him, so he looked around. Only to caught everyone is looking at him but he really felt strange at the moment. Then his eyes landed to a woman who was staring stupidly at him and didn't notice that he was also staring back at her because he was wearing dark sunglasses. He just shook his head. As if the woman saw an actor.

"Daughter, follow them in line and you might be late!" Gabriel roused his daughter from astonishment.

Shaina quickly closed her slightly open mouth and felt embarrassed. The man he admired had passed but she was still like an idiot staring at nowhere. Then, she finally said goodbye to her father and leave for check in.

Her father was right, the man who he was referring to is a big shot. She was able to follow him but she was blocked by another guard. Afterwards, Shaina thought the male guards were with the plane. Turned out, they only delivered the man and ensure that he was safely board the plane.

After entering the plane, Shaina never saw the man again. It looks like he's in a VIP seat, that was blocked by a thick curtain. She shrugged, then decided to take a nap so she can avoid boredom on their trip.

Shaina saddened with her current situation despite of always going out with her grandmother's cousin. Then a few weeks later, she moved out to her own space at last. Also, she started working as a graphic designer in a new built company.

Shaina didn't want to rely on her relatives, so she thought this was a good start to her life abroad. She likes to create, edit and analyze.

In the Philippines, even if she'd like to, she couldn't use her talent in their company because of her cousin who have been overshadowing her. Unlike here, she has the freedom to show all of her knowledge.

"You did an excellent job!" The company's president was very happy for Shaina. It's been just over a month since she was accepted at work, and the company has already made a lot of profit because of her skill. Their clients from commercial companies and others immediately increased and improved.

Shaina shyly smiled at the man. She was suddenly embarrassed by her admiration. The president and most of her companions are Filipinos like her.

"From now on, I will appoint you to the position of creative director!"

Surprised, Shaina's eyes widened at the president's announcement. At the same moment, everyone cheered for her, that almost deaf her. Appreciation for the love and respect from those people around her enwrap Shaina's heart. Finally, she was promoted at her job. It's just she suddenly felt dizzy, and luckily, one of her workmates caught her from rapid falling.

"Are you okay?" Ralph asked Shaina worriedly.

"Ahm, yes. I'm just shocked and overwhelmed."

She couldn't overcome the embarrassment and to avoid Ralph's gazes, she runs her fingers on her forehead and massage it slowly. But why on earth she felt like they were spinning?

"You're pale. Maybe you've neglected yourself because you're so dedicated to work," Ralph scolded her.

Shaina was unable to answer Ralph because the surroundings seemed to be darkening as well. She could hear the commotion around them, but couldn't open her eyes. She felt her body rise up from the seat, yet she has no strength to make a move.

Ralph quickly took Shaina to the company's clinic. The nurse assigned there immediately took care of them and checked Shaina's blood pressure.

"Sir, she is fine. But her urine and blood must be tested."

Ralph understood the nurse. He deliberately hired Filipinos to help his countrymen. And Shaina is a great help to his company so he shouldn't neglect her, apart from the fact that he truly cares about her.

Shaina did not refuse when Ralph took her to the hospital. She was thankful and the man was kind. To Ralph, all his employer considered to be treated the same. At the age of thirty five, the man become widowed. He has a son who is now a teenager. And what they know is that his son is in the Philippines with the parents of his late wife.

"Congratulations, the result was positive!" The doctor happily greeted Shaina and Ralph.

Shaina was just looking dumbfounded at the female doctor and didn't understand what she was saying. Then, her gaze shifted to Ralph when he thanked the doctor with a smile. She felt like she was floating above the clouds and her mind was totally blank.

"She's six weeks pregnant and she needs more time to rest."

Only then did Shaina come to her senses when Ralph put his arm around her. It seems that the doctor even mistook them for a husband and wife.

"Thank you, Doc., I will take care of her!" Ralph smiled and shook the doctor's hand.

Feeling a various emotion, Shaina was still unable to speak as the young man led her out of the clinic. She's now in between fear and confusion. Yes, she wanted to have a child. But it's a different feeling now that she is already in the situation. It's like she's not ready to be a mother yet. She doesn't have enough savings yet and when her family finds out about it, her cousins will definitely laugh at her even more.

"Are you alright? Listen, Shaina, if you'd like to share it to me, you can trust and can lean on me to make your feeling better." The smile that he given to her was understanding.

Shaina looked at her companion. She didn't realize that they were both sitting inside his car. Then suddenly, she cried and was no longer ashamed to talk about her life.

"I-I don't want to lose my job." Her voice become raspy.

"Silly, why did you think I should fire you from your job? I understand you and you need the job more now for your financial assistance. I don't want you to get tire because you are pregnant and you're living alone. Accept the position I offer to you and do your work at home."

Shaina shed more tears and this time it was because of joy. She doesn't want her relatives know about her pregnancy. And her grandmother's cousin is living in the neighboring city, so they won't be able to see each of other. Lucky her!

"Thank you so much, sir! I owe you all this!"

Ralph just smiled and took Shaina home. He's doing his best to help her. So, he let her take a rest to get away from stress. And if he can, he will help her thouroughly.

Shaina did not hide the situation from her co-workers. And to escape from messing up with her family, and to hide her condition, she cut off the communication with them. She might often at home but she's always in front her laptop for working on her virtual job. There might be time for her going at the office but only for her workmates to give a final review on her work.

.....

"Sir, this is the result of my investigation." Cyrus placed the folder on the table. Travis immediately picked up the folder and opened it. He had just returned from Italy and rest was not his style.

"Your brother was also at the hotel that day, sir," Cyrus explained when the young man frowned while staring at the report papers.

"I want you to find out who is the person on duty that day," Travis ordered his friend again.

"By the way, when you were in Italy I watched your stepmother and your brother's every move. I found out that they were secretly talking to some of the company's board members and shareholders."

Travis's jaw clenched and his fist gripped. "You need to get married and have an heir," Cyrus suggested to the young man.

"Thank you for your concern. Don't worry, I can handle this matter."

"I think that the girl you had sex with that night is also an accomplice of your secret enemy."

Travis couldn't blame his friend for thinking that. The names on the list that checked-in on that day were all couples. Well-known people in the country are also on the list, so it is not impossible that the woman is one of them.

"I'm leaving, I will call if there's a new update on what we are working on." Cyrus stood up and said goodbye to his friend.

Travis closed his eyes tightly before sitting down. He hadn't come home for a long time and their mansion was almost claimed by his father's second family. He didn't care about the house, but it belonged to him. The only thing his brother has is a share in the company that he deserves as their father's son. Travis stayed in that scenario for a few minutes before deciding to press the intercom. In less than a minute, Teddy entered.

"Put these documents aside and call an emergency meeting."

"Right away, sir!"

Travis shook his head as he followed Teddy's quick movements. He is like a soldier when he speaks and acts when he commands.

On the other hand, Joshua was worried when he found out that his brother called a meeting and he was not included in that information. He can't go because he already guessed what his brother's agenda will be. He has to wait for the confirmation from someone he can trust.

When Travis entered the conference room, everyone was already there and sitting quietly in their chairs. He glanced at them one by one before sitting on his throne as a CEO.

"I know most of you are taking down notes on this urgent meeting. And some already have ideas." Travis went ahead while looking at everyone. Some of those present whispered softly and asked each other's questions.

"I won't hesitate anymore, I know there is someone here who wants to betray me in order to stop me from being the chairman of this company."

Everyone was quiet again and some were surprised by what they heard. The chairman who is the CEO's grandfather is getting old. And the title can't be transferred to him until he hasn't have a family.

"I'm warning all of you, you'll only regret what you do!"

"Mr. Villanova, is it true that your marriage with Mayor Acosta's daughter was cancelled?" asked one of the board members bravely.

Travis stared at the woman who asked. She is almost the same age as his father. Plus, she is his stepmother's friend.

"About this matter, it's up to us and I don't want anyone else will interfere."

"But we have the right to know the status of your life because you are on the top list to replace the chairman! How can we decide whether or not you deserve to be the chairman of this company?"

Travis's eyes narrowed and stared the woman. The corner of his lips lifted and his mind was on the fact that he had found the traitor.