I didn't care who I shoved aside anymore. I was fueled by nothing but rage as I stormed through the hallway toward that bastard's office.
"Where's Mr. Locan?" I snapped at an employee passing by. She frowned but pointed me toward his office. That was all I needed—I spun around and marched straight in without knocking.
Five men were seated on the leather sofa, but the moment my eyes locked on him, the rest of the room blurred out. He rose when I approached.
"Ms. Gael, is there—"
My hand connected with his cheek before he could finish, the crack of the slap slicing through the silence. Everyone froze.
"That's for using your secretary." I stepped closer, heat trembling through me. "Gianna has a message for you."
My second slap landed harder than the first, on the other cheek.
"And don't you ever come near my cousin again. I don't care if you're my boss—I swear I'll make you regret it."
Carl hurried forward, pulling me back.
"Gael, stop—"
"Don't touch me!" I hissed, struggling against him. Then I glared at Locan. "You deserve every bit of hell coming to you. Remember this, Mr. Francis Locan—I am not done with you."
"Gael, let's go," Carl urged as he dragged me out of the office. The moment we reached the hallway, he released me, breathless.
"I swear, if you knew what your cousin did—you'd realize he's the real bastard!" I shouted, my voice cracking.
"Gael…" His shoulders sagged. "I'm sorry. This… all of this… is my fault. Francis didn't do anything. I planned it. Everything."
My world split open.
"W-what?" My voice was barely audible. "What did you just say?"
He reached for my hands. "Let me explain—please."
Tears stung my eyes, blurring my vision. I shook my head, unwilling to believe him.
"Gael—"
"Don't touch me." My tone hardened into ice.
"Just listen—"
"Listen to what?" I screamed, shoving him so hard he stumbled. "That you used my cousin? For what? For what?!"
Frustration tore through me. I dragged my hands through my hair in a desperate, furious motion.
"Gael—"
"Stop talking! I don't want to hear another word!" I yelled again, people staring, but I didn't care.
"God, I'm an idiot." My voice trembled. "An idiot for ever liking you. You're just like him." When he grabbed my arm again, I ripped myself free. "Don't touch me."
"You broke the trust I gave you, Carl."
He called my name again, but I didn't look back. I fled into the elevator, my chest throbbing as the doors slid shut.
I didn't expect this—not the truth, not the betrayal.
And God, did it hurt.
---
LOCAN'S POV — English Novel Version
I was stunned speechless. I wasn't expecting Gianna's cousin to storm in here, much less slap me twice in front of my own board.
My cheeks stung, but I couldn't blame her. She was furious—and she had every right to be.
"What the hell was that, L?"
My father's voice cut through my thoughts. I had momentarily forgotten he was even here.
"Dad…"
He stood up and walked toward me, disappointment already etched across his face.
"I've seen enough."
My stomach tightened.
"Dad, I'm sorry. I'll take care of it. Just—"
"No." His voice was clipped, cold. "Maybe your Uncle Jim was right. Maybe you are too young to run my company. And from what I saw, you can't even maintain discipline in your own building."
The disappointment in his eyes hit harder than the slap had.
"Dad, please. You can't do this. I've worked for this."
"And you know exactly what happens when you fail."
"Dad—"
His eyes chilled, turning into the expression I dreaded most.
"This is your last chance, Francis." He gripped my shoulder, leaning close enough to whisper, "Don't disappoint me again."
A shiver raced through me.
I didn't move until the door shut behind him.
My phone rang. One of my men.
I steadied myself before answering. "Yes?"
"S-sir…" His voice trembled.
"What happened?"
"Sir… the factory. It's… on fire."
My heart dropped.
"I'm coming." I ended the call just as Carl stepped inside, exhaustion dragging down his features.
"I screwed up," he muttered, collapsing onto the sofa.
"Where is she?" I asked quietly.
"She left."
I grabbed my coat, ready to leave, but he caught my arm.
"Where are you going? And where is everyone?"
"They're gone. I'm flying to Cebu."
"Did something happen?"
I met his gaze.
"Someone sabotaged the factory."
"I'm coming with you."
I didn't argue.
When we landed at exactly 1:00 PM, chaos greeted us—smoke billowing, firefighters shouting directions, flames clawing at the building.
"Boss," Leron called, jogging toward us.
"What happened?" Carl asked, eyes glued to the burning warehouse.
"We'll talk inside."
We followed him to the office. Leron pulled out an iPad, tapped a video, and showed it to me.
My blood turned to ice.
"This is from the CCTV. There were two men, but we only caught one. My guys said they've seen them lurking around here—and the farm."
The man in the footage was deliberate, well-covered, moving with practiced efficiency. He poured gasoline over every crate of wine, lit a cigarette, and flicked it into the pile.
The explosion of flame was immediate.
But before he left… he looked up at the camera.
Even with the hood and shadows, I could see the vicious smirk.
Then he flipped off the camera.
My fists clenched.
"Boss… we lost almost everything. The whole stock. It's a massive blow," Leron said quietly.
"What do we do now, Boss L?" he asked.
I exhaled, jaw tight.
"There's only one person who would go this far."
Carl stiffened.
"Mr. Jim?" Leron whispered.
I didn't answer.
"We can't accuse him without evidence," Carl added.
"Then get me evidence." I stood, fury simmering. "He crossed the line. And I don't care who he is anymore."
I faced Leron.
"Find the men in that footage. Bring them to me."
"Yes, Boss."
Outside, the sky was choked with black smoke from the burning warehouse. The smell of destruction lingered in the air like a warning.
This time, you really crossed the line… didn't you?
Fine.
Let's see how much you enjoy being back now.