"We have to accept that the richest man invites us personally," Peter remarked with a smile, though beneath the surface, a palpable undercurrent of resentment simmered in their conversation.
Francisco returned Peter's smile, his gaze briefly flickering with amusement before turning to Rafael, who remained lost in his silent exchange with Hazel. Francisco's jaw clenched imperceptibly, but he maintained his facade of geniality as he addressed Rafael.
"Mr. Rafael!"
Francisco's voice cut through the air, drawing Rafael's attention away from Hazel with a start. Rafael's gaze shifted to Francisco, a flicker of surprise crossing his features as he registered the unexpected interruption.
"Yes?" Rafael replied, his tone tinged with confusion as he tore his gaze away from Hazel, still unable to fully comprehend her presence before him.
Hazel, sensing the tension between Francisco and Rafael, observed Rafael's reaction with a mixture of surprise and uncertainty. There was a strange vibe emanating from Rafael, as if he were seeing her for the first time and struggling to place her amidst the chaos of his thoughts.
"Are you okay?" he inquired.
Rafael's gaze slowly returned to Hazel, his expression softening as their eyes met. Hazel felt a rush of emotions wash over her as she met Rafael's gaze, uncertainty giving way to a flicker of recognition and a glimmer of hope.
"I...!" Rafael began to speak, his words trailing off as Adam interjected, offering an explanation for Rafael's apparent lapse in memory. "Sir forgets some parts of his life; he can hardly remember, but it's not serious, just a short-term memory loss," Adam explained.
"I see," Francisco murmured.
'He forgets me.'
'That's why he is not saying anything to me.'
'But I am happy that he forgets me.'
'Or else I could not face him, he would never accept it.'
She thought. Grateful for the temporary reprieve, she considered it a blessing that Rafael's memory loss spared them both from confronting their tumultuous past.
"But what about her job?" Peter interjected, addressing the practical implications of Hazel's current employment.
Francisco, ever nonchalant, tilted his head and responded with a smile, "I am giving her a good amount now; it's her choice." The implications of this statement lingered in the air, hanging unanswered as the weight of a significant decision pressed upon Hazel.
"Right, Hazel?" Francisco turned to her, prompting a response. Hazel hesitated, her thoughts in disarray, but she managed a nod. Her voice, however, betrayed a hint of trepidation as she spoke, "I will talk to Mr. Alex, Peter."
"Anyway, where are Robert and Ken?" Hazel interjected, shifting the conversation away from her own uncertainties.
"Robert left for something important, and Ken is no more, Hazel," Peter revealed, delivering news that elicited a somber reaction from Hazel. The reminder of Ken's demise brought forth a wave of emotions, a stark contrast to the tumultuous events of the day.
"But we are still finding those men who attacked us and took you," Peter continued, his determination evident as he spoke of their ongoing pursuit for justice.
Francisco's gaze shifted to Peter as he sipped his glass, an air of indifference surrounding him. The intensity in his deadly eyes betrayed no concern, as if the search for the culprits held little relevance to him.
"Of course," Francisco replied calmly, his words laced with a sense of detached assurance. "And my Hazel will help you find them."
As Francisco spoke, he reached out to brush a strand of hair away from Hazel's face, his touch deliberate and possessive. Hazel tensed at his touch, acutely aware of the underlying motive behind his actions. She was fully aware of Francisco's intent to assert dominance in front of Rafael. She glanced up and locked eyes with Rafael, whose gaze bore into hers with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine.
At that moment, she sensed a shift in Rafael's expression, a subtle transformation that hinted at underlying emotions – perhaps frustration or anger.
Sensing the tension between them, Hazel quickly averted her gaze, her heart pounding erratically in her chest.
"Excuse me," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, as she hastily retreated from Francisco's side.
Francisco's eyes followed her retreating figure, a flicker of annoyance crossing his features before his expression smoothed into a mask of indifference. He turned back to Peter and the others, seamlessly slipping back into the role of the gracious host.
Francisco looked at them and smiled. But Freddie asked, "Mr Francisco, can we talk about something else?"
"Yes, actually, we're here especially because of the port case," Peter added.
"Come one, officer," Francisco smiled.
"It's a party," Francisco insisted with a smile.
"But Mr. Francisco, we can't always catch you like this. We're Hazel's friends; surely you can spare a moment to talk," Peter insisted.
Francisco's smile remained, but a hint of discomfort flickered in his eyes.
"Of course," he acquiesced with a nod, leading them to a quieter corner of the room.
Meanwhile, Emily's arrival did not go unnoticed. Her disheveled appearance and slightly intoxicated state drew murmurs and whispers from the partygoers, casting a shadow over the festive atmosphere. As Emily scanned the room, searching for Francisco, she was met with mocking laughter and judgmental whispers from the onlookers.
Unaware of the ridicule directed towards her, Emily's expression remained strained, her troubled thoughts evident in the furrow of her brow and the haunted look in her eyes.
Emily ignored everyone else and made a beeline for Francisco, determination evident in her steps. Without hesitation, she called out his name, "Honey!"
Francisco's gaze shifted to Emily, his expression remaining composed despite her approach.
Rafael, standing nearby, furrowed his brows in concern. As Emily nearly stumbled, Rafael swiftly caught her, steadying her with a firm grip. "Be careful, Ms.," he cautioned.
Emily flashed Rafael a grateful smile, acknowledging his assistance, before turning her attention back to Francisco. With a hopeful smile, she approached him, but Francisco remained rooted to his spot, his demeanor unwavering.
"What happened?" he asked, his tone neutral.
"Honey, I have missed you," Emily declared, closing the distance between them and enveloping Francisco in a tight embrace, despite the presence of onlookers.