Chapter 6 Background investigation

Kristine's POV

I smirked when I saw the name of the caller. It's my nanny, and I know that my brother is worried because, among the family's servants, my nanny is special. I swipe my phone and answer.

"Nanny Risa, why did you call? Don't you tell me I need to check myself? Don't worry. Sebastian and Clariz haven't killed me yet. Just kidding. I will be home in 30 minutes. Wait for me."

"Make sure of that. You shouldn't put your guard down. Your brother will not spare you because you crashed his birthday party."

"Yup. I know. I have to go now. See you later. Bye-bye."

I put my phone back in my purse. I sighed and snapped at my brother's face. He must have realized that I'm serious, and he will surely make his move.

The more rash his decisions, the better for me. After all, I had planned everything before I came back. This time, I will move my pawns in the most cunning way I can.

"I have to go. You should remember what I said. Oh well, all of you. I already left my dearest gift for you, big brother. You should open it first. That was special. Happy birthday, anyway."

I smiled and walked away. I notice something about Jackson. He never talked back and just looked at me as if he were enticed. Or maybe he was. After all, he is the king of playboys. But he is not the person that I needed in the game. That man proves something to me.

'Raphael Avrich... You will be useful in my game. You will be a great pawn. But how will I tame such a man who has sharp eyes of hatred?'

When I came home, Nanny Risa hugged me. She asks me too many questions, and I am left with no choice but to tell her everything that happens on my brother's birthday. She sighed and seated.

"From the start, I knew that your brother would be greedy and turn into a monster just to maintain his so-called morale as a businessman. Your parents didn't push the two of you like that because they want you both to enjoy life. But look at what had happened. Sebastian was still the same," she murmurs.

I take a seat and look at our family photo. Our family house was given to me along with some companies and assets. Sixty percent of my parents' wealth was given to me.

The other thirty percent was inherited by Sebastian and was named for Nathalie. Even if he didn't tell me what he really feels, I know he is mad for what our parents did.

"I know that Sebastian hates the fact that I got a higher percentage of our parents' wealth. I was waiting for great reports about him, but nothing happened after I stayed abroad for a decade. How can I trust him another 30% if he's like that?" I murmur.

"You really made up your mind? Are you sure you won't be fooled by him? When you start playing the game with your two hands, you should play it well. Especially that Sebastian is cunning himself. You have to be careful, understood?" Nanny Risa says

I was about to answer when the main door opened. It was Belinda. She finally arrived after sending Mrs. Sanders home. She bows at me and takes a seat. I sighed and shook my head. Belinda's face looks worried because of the expression that I showed.

"Just stop bowing your head with me. I told you that we are best friends, and even if you work for me, that will never change. By the way, how is she?" I ask. She crossed her legs and sighed again.

"I'm sorry for sighing again. I think you can use Jackson's ex in your plans. Her mother was crying because of what Jackson did to her daughter. Did you know that he gave up his paternity rights so that the kid wouldn't inherit anything? And if his ex-wife fights against him, they will lose everything and be homeless. That's what Jackson says! That playboy, urgh!" she groused in irritation.

"Hmm, why not? After all, the more allies or cards we can have, the more interesting the game could be, right? Investigate about their situation, and I will think of a plan on how we can get them on our side," I remark. She smiled and nodded.

Raphael's POV

I took off my coat and shoes. I went straight to my bed and looked at the ceiling. She's already lovely down there, but her face adds to her allure.

She's gorgeous, and I hate to admit it. Nathalie is not even close to her aunt's beauty. I rose from the bed and stared at my television. How come I never heard about her aunt while we were still together? I unbuttoned my sleeve.

'But her eyes... the way she looked at her brother. I saw hatred and pain. Why is that? even the way she talked to her brother. Sebastian is also afraid of her presence, as if she's a threat to him. Hmmm... I should look into their relationship. Wait a second... why not?'

I smirked when that idea entered my head. Maybe I can use that against Nathalie and my plans to teach her and Jackson some lessons. That love shouldn't be used for trade or played like a game. I stood up and decided to take a short shower.

"What did you say, sir? You want me to investigate the hidden heiress?" Luke ask. I nodded and looked at him seriously.

"Why? Is there any problem with that, Luke? Don't tell me you know that woman. If you do, then you better spill the beans."

He sighed and seated himself on the chair in front of my desk. The way his expression changed, I knew he knew her. He looked down and spoke.

I hope Luke is not her ex or her worst lover. That will ruin my plan. I knock on the table, and he realizes that I was waiting here.

"She was my schoolmate in middle school. Her parents died in a plane crash, and her brother suddenly asked for the teacher's approval. She was transferred somewhere in Australia, but I heard that her brother wants to hide her from the public. That's what I remember about Kristine Sanchez," he explains. I nodded and crossed my fingers. I pin my chin on my hands and smirk.

"So I was right. Something is wrong with her and Sebastian. Investigate more, and I want the results by tomorrow, understood?" I commanded. He stood up and bowed his head.

"No problem, sir. I'll start right away," he says.

I smiled and used my hand to send him off. I lean on my swivel chair and move around. If she opposed her family unlike how her brother and sister-in-law tolerates Nathalie's behavior, then she'll help me out.

"It looks like this game is getting exciting and interesting."

I was surprised when I saw Trevor in my company's lobby. He smiled and waved at me. What is he doing here? Don't tell me he ran away from his obligations in their company again. I sighed.

"What are you doing here? Don't tell me you get bored and escape from your office. Stop slacking around, Trevor."

"What are you talking about? I'm here because I'm afraid you'll go back into the bar and drink yourself silly. Why don't we eat at your favorite restaurant instead? What do you think?"

I laughed and shook my head. Trevor and Luke were the people that I trusted and considered friends. I end up nodding and tapping his shoulder.

We got in our cars and drove to that restaurant. We ordered our favorite foods and started to eat our dinner.

"It's been a while since we ate at that place. You have been busy because of that surprise of yours, and... after that, the rest is history," he says. My jaw clenched. He sighed and put down his utensils. He must have realized that I'm still hurt and mad.

"I'm sorry, dude. I didn't mean to hurt you. By the way, I was surprised that the ladies we bumped into were connected to your ex. That Kristine, she's a damn ass beauty, dude! But my type was that Belinda girl. But I'm surprised that she didn't tolerate Jackson and Natalie's arrogance. Even her brother and his wife. Her beauty was the same as hers inside," she commented.

"The truth is, I have some plans in mind. I guess this is what they meant by blessing in disguise, Trevor. I will play a game," I remark.

"Wait, what game? Raphael, I hope you're not planning something sketchy. Tell me what the fucking plan is," he asks. I smirk.