Savannah arched an eyebrow as the man who had collided with her hurled an insult in her direction. The fault, it seemed, lay solely with him. And it was he who succumbed to anger.
"The method you employ has become quite familiar to me. I am certain that our paths will cross, only to lead to a dull and uneventful exchange," the man scoffed at her.
Savannah's head throbbed with a searing heat, and her ears reverberated with a deafening ring. She released her grip and took a deep breath, reminding herself that the surrounding revelers were enjoying themselves. However, the man in question showed no signs of abating.
"Sl*ts are sl*ts, no matter what." The man shook his head disapprovingly and emitted a soft tsk sound. Savannah found herself unable to resist.
She approached the man with a graceful stride, her veil fluttering in the breeze. With a delicate touch, she draped the fabric over his face, obscuring his features from view. She had reached a point where the number of people who laid eyes on them no longer held any significance to her. Savannah had reached a point where her appearance and level of education were of little concern to her. He had managed to infuriate her. With a swift motion, she drove her knee straight into the man's groin.
"Jerk! The occurrence was entirely unintentional! Refrain from hurling insults in my direction in the presence of others," she said sternly. "It was you who collided with me. Just so you know, even if you're the last man on the cruise ship, I shall never attempt to seduce you!" With a swift motion, Savannah's hand connected with his cheek in a resounding punch. The man let out a guttural groan as waves of pain coursed through his body, threatening to pull him into an abyss of unconsciousness. All because of the woman's actions.
"I refuse to be labeled as promiscuous by you, you despicable individual!" She gazed at him with a critical eye, taking in every feature of his face. "You are not even handsome," she remarked coolly.
"Why would I engage in an activity that would lower my standards to those of a person of lesser character, such as yourself?" Savannah seethed with anger as she delivered a forceful blow to the man's jaw.
On rare occasions, she dons a gown, yet there always seems to be an objection. The course of her day had been irrevocably altered, leaving her in a state of ruin.
She had come with the intention of having a pleasant evening of socializing, but sadly, the presence of someone who was nothing short of an offensive and unpleasant person thwarted her plans. The man was completely astounded by the woman's display of strength as he stood there. He couldn't believe that someone of her size could deliver such a powerful punch.
His senses were overwhelmed with shock, rendering him speechless. The woman standing before him was familiar, yet he could not place her. His jaw and manhood throbbed with pain, a physical manifestation of his confusion and disorientation.
With a toss of her hair, Savannah fixed a steely glare on the man before her. With a fierce glare, she extended her middle finger in a vulgar gesture before delivering another forceful blow to the man's leg.
"May you find yourself in the fiery depths of hell, you imbecilic fool!" she spat, her voice dripping with venom. Savannah seethed with anger. Should she continue to loiter in their midst, she may very well administer a sound thrashing to the gentleman in question.
"You should check your f*cking eyes the next time this happens; maybe there's something wrong and you can't see everyone who comes up to you. Furthermore, your appearance does not quite meet the standards of being approachable."
"Jerk! What do you think of me compared to the women at the Hacienda, like a subdued modern Maria Clara? Bullshit!" She shook her head vehemently, her eyes flashing with defiance.
"Not a chance!" A piercing scream erupted from the woman's lips as she forcefully stomped on the perpetrator's sexual organs.
The man had been caught in the act of molesting one of the farmer's children, and the woman was not about to let him get away with it. Her eyes blazed with fury as she exacted her revenge, the sound of her victim's pained cries filling the air.
The woman seethed with anger, her eyes flashing with fury. She donned her notorious smirk and grin. With unrelenting resolve in her eyes, she planted her foot firmly on his stature, asserting her dominance over the beaten man. The wind tousled her wavy hair, sending strands flying in every direction.
She donned her customary ensemble of a long-sleeved shirt, sleek black pants, and rugged cowboy boots. A cowboy hat rested atop her head, completing the look.
With a sense of urgency as she witnessed the scene, the woman dismounted her horse and quickly mounted it again. She was eager to survey the vast expanse of their land, taking in the sight of the grazing cows, horses, and goats, as well as the clucking chickens and snorting pigs.
He pleaded with the young woman, his voice trembling with fear and regret. "Ma'am, I implore you to show me mercy. I swear on my life that I shall never repeat my mistake again."
Undoubtedly, her ash-gray locks complement her appearance, lending an air of resilience to her demeanor despite her petite stature.
At a mere height of 5 feet and 2 inches, she stood before him. Her skin was as pale as freshly fallen snow, but the slightest touch of sunlight would transform it into a rosy hue. Despite the relentless blaze of the sun, her skin remained immaculately tended to.
He pleaded with a contrite tone, his eyes fixed on hers. "Please, Ma'am Savannah, I give you my word that I shall never repeat my mistake." He looked at her with desperation in his eyes. "My mother needs me," he said, his voice cracking with emotion. "I am the only one she expects."
Savannah's eyes narrowed as she let out a derisive snort, her gaze fixed on the man before her. It was as if she couldn't believe the audacity of his words.
The young maiden, just twenty years old, contorted her face in a displeased manner. The creature's countenance was that of an angel, yet its demeanor was anything but divine. The farmer's daughter found herself in a precarious situation when the man, who had previously only stolen a kiss, attempted to take things further by laying his hands on her.
"Insolent fool! Do you believe I would buy it? Men of your ilk are not fit to roam free, for the weight of your transgressions must be atoned for." Her voice echoed through the room as she let out a piercing shout.
Growing up under the watchful eye of her protective brothers, she learned to be cautious when it came to placing her trust in men. The hunter-prey dynamic between men and women has been a longstanding aspect of human nature. Onlookers observed the scene with pursed lips and disapproving headshakes.
The personnel of the hacienda had grown accustomed to their female superior. Familiarity with her is a given, and unlike its predecessors, this particular entity refrains from condescension towards any individual.
The young woman persisted in brandishing the whip that lay in her grasp. She exuded an air of malevolence, as if poised to strike down anyone who dared cross her path. Yet, upon closer inspection, it became clear that she was not the villain she appeared to be.
She stood tall, a beacon of courage in the face of adversity. Even when other people violated her fundamental rights, her unwavering spirit refused to give in.
The enigmatic nature of men like this person and her older siblings confused Savannah, who furrowed her brow.
The man possessed a frenzied demeanor, while her siblings exhibited an overly cautious nature, seeking to govern her every move.
Savannah felt suffocated, trapped within the confines of the Hacienda. She longed to escape, to break free from the oppressive atmosphere that surrounded her. Yet, despite her best efforts, she remained here, unable to find a way out.
From elementary to senior high school, she was educated at home. As she embarked on her collegiate journey, her elder siblings escorted her to the local Community College, a humble institution situated in their native province, the expenses of which were generously borne by her brothers.
She was a woman of such beauty and grace that no man dared to approach her for fear of rejection. Suitors were strictly forbidden from attempting to win her heart, and she remained aloof and unattainable to all who sought her favor.
Savannah arched her neck, tilting her head slightly. Her frustration had escalated into a seething anger that threatened to boil over at any moment. The seething anger within was palpable. As a trained psychologist, she possessed a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the field of mental health.
Her paranoid brothers' overbearing presence, which prevented her from honing her craft, thwarted her professional aspirations. Despite her frustration and disappointment, she remained determined to find a way to overcome this obstacle and pursue her passion for helping others.
She was on guard and under constant watch by watchful eyes everywhere she went. But here, at their Hacienda, she felt a sense of freedom that was rare in her life.
Savannah struggled to steady her breath, her irritation mounting as the man at her feet pressed heavily on her chest.
Savannah's eyes narrowed as she fixed her gaze on the man before her. Her hand tightened around the whip, ready to strike. But just as she was about to unleash her fury, a voice from behind her caused her to pause.
"Sir Sebastian has requested to speak with you, Miss Savannah." With a curious gaze, Savannah fixed her eyes on it. As she turned the corner, her eyes fell on the maid.
With a heavy sigh, she gave a subtle nod in her direction.
"You go first; I'll just fix something for a while," she stated. The maid bowed and left. She turned to face him. With a subtle gesture, she rotated her eyes upward in a display of exasperation.
"You!" With a graceful gesture, she indicated one of their personnel who held the responsibility of overseeing their workforce. Her mind went blank, and the one thing she couldn't recall was her own name. She was too busy to dwell on it.
"Yes ma'am?!" The woman responded with rapt attention.
"Please confirm whether what he said a while ago is true. Put him behind bars temporarily." She informed me, then departed.
She felt a sense of certainty wash over her as she contemplated the inevitable argument that would ensue between her and her brother. Savannah was perplexed by her eldest brother's behavior and couldn't fathom what was going through her mind when she decided to tease him.
She strode into the house with purpose, her footsteps echoing through the empty halls. Without hesitation, she made her way to her brother's office, her hand reaching for the doorknob without bothering to knock. As she gazed upon the scene before her, she beheld not only the eldest offspring but the entire brood.
"Savvy! Why do you appear so anxious?" Sato spoke up, his position as the fourth born giving him the courage to do so.
Sato stepped forward and gently wiped her face. Savannah shook it and glared at her brother.
"I'm not a baby anymore!" Savannah said she was annoyed. As she stood there, lost in thought, a sudden gust of wind swept through the area, tousling her hair in its wake. It was as if the very elements were conspiring to disrupt her peace. He uttered those words to her: "For us, you are still you."
Saki may have been lenient towards her, but when it comes to safeguarding her, the second brother exhibits a merciless demeanor.
Savannah let out a low grumble and shot a sharp glare in Saito's direction. As she turned her gaze towards him, she caught sight of Saito's face; his lips curled upward in a mischievous grin. He was a man of few words, but when his temper flared, his cruelty knew no bounds. This was her elder brother, a figure of quiet menace whose wrath was to be feared above all else.
Savannah's head bobbed in agreement, her countenance taking on a solemn expression. "I am well aware that you did not beckon me here merely to taunt me."
"What is all this commotion, my dear brothers?" she asked with a calm and collected tone. With a serious tone, she posed the question to them.
Her gaze fell upon his elder siblings, who had subtly shifted their stances. Savannah's keen observation skills allowed her to discern the situation merely from the subtle shifts in their movements.
"It's about Otousan again? Goodness!" She spat out the words with venom, her eyes blazing with anger. "Tell him to go straight to hell!" Savannah's fists tightened into balls.
He was nothing more than a mere sperm donor to them. Her heart was filled with intense loathing for him. The sole caretaker of their upbringing was none other than their mother. The patriarch of the family was deemed ineffectual, akin to a rooster who had abandoned his mate to tend to the task of egg-laying alone.
Their father already has a family in Japan, and he is now putting their lives in danger because he wanted Savannah to marry his friend's son.
It was rumored to be for the betterment of their enterprise. The benefits, alas, were reserved solely for the business and the esteemed First Family. The Takahashi bloodline was known for producing male heirs, making the birth of a girl a rare and treasured event. Such was the case with the young girl in question, who was held in high esteem by her family and community alike.
'Precious are their faces!' She knew they wanted her to marry that man because her father wished for more influence in Japan. "I shall never permit it!" she declared firmly.
"You already know what my answer is to that f*cking proposal! I won't! Never!" She pondered, "If only I could bring myself to embrace his surname alongside Mommy's, I would have readily acquiesced!" From a young age, she harbored a deep-seated resentment toward her father.
Which child would prefer a father who has families in the Philippines and Japan with separate women? Only his dad. 'Good! Otousan is an absolute demon!' She couldn't help but be sarcastic about herself.
Savannah had grown accustomed to the fact that her father's side of the family produced siblings of the same age as her elder brothers. It was no longer a source of surprise for her.
"We know Savvy, chill. Okay? We are against this too! But we can't go against Otousan, especially since he had a high position in Japan." Sebastian's fist tightened as he spoke with clarity.
Savannah lowered herself into the plush armchair, her father's shameless behavior leaving her feeling manipulated and vulnerable.
Her father boasted an extensive network of contacts in both the Philippines and Japan. Despite its own mother taking legal action against it for infidelity, it had managed to elude justice.
The loss of their mother was a devastating blow, one that left them reeling with grief and struggling to make sense of the world around them. It was a concession to their father's shameless behavior, a cruel twist of fate that had robbed them of the one person who had always been there for them.
In the wake of this tragedy, they were left to grapple with their emotions and try to find a way forward. The sprawling Hacienda belonged to the maternal grandparents of the siblings. The object in question was one that their father was unable to lay a finger on.
"It's good, and we understand each other." She seethed with anger as she spoke, her eyes flashing with fierce intensity. "You know I hate him!" she exclaimed, her voice dripping with venom. She wondered why he continued to speak to them even after he left.
Her brothers sighed at the same time. She was showered with lavish gifts, each one more extravagant than the last. She couldn't help but notice that despite her brothers' impressive careers and extensive networks, their father's influence still towered over them all.
They preferred the solace of silence and the absence of his company. Savannah's temper flared as she dealt with her staff a while ago, but now her fury reached new heights as she seethed over her worthless father.
Savannah's elder siblings exchanged a meaningful glance. Their love for their sister was immeasurable, a bond that transcended any obstacle that fate could throw their way. No matter the circumstances, they vowed to be her protector, her unwavering shield against the harshness of the world.
Their heads shook in unison, a silent agreement passing between them. With a heavy heart, they knew that their only option was to prioritize Savannah's well-being and do what would bring her the most joy.
"We've devised a plan," Sebastian said, his voice low and urgent. "Your only task is to get away from the Hacienda for the mean time."
"Shut-up, Phantom! You have to do this! You bring shame upon our family." The elderly woman's voice boomed through the room as she directed her anger towards her son.
The man appeared to be listening to the mother's words, but in truth, they seemed to pass through one ear and out the other without leaving any lasting impression.
He sneered at his mother, his lips curling into a contemptuous smile. Phantom vehemently denied her stepmother's proposal. Not a muscle twitched on his face.
Phantom Claude Hyperion's keen perception allowed him to discern that the elderly woman's actions were motivated by a desire to maintain the family's influence.
Ignoring her plea, he watched as the old woman turned to his father for assistance.
"Dear! Look at our son! He isn't paying attention to his mother!" She let out a sigh of frustration, her lips curling into a frown as she voiced her discontent. Phantom took a long drag of his cigarette, the smoke curling around his lips as he grinned mischievously.
'Mother, your face!' He thought to himself.
The thirty-year-old Phantom Claude won't be fooled again, just like his young self. With a sharp intellect and unwavering confidence, he navigates through life with purpose and determination.
The elderly gentleman took a sip of his coffee and let out a deep sigh before turning his gaze towards his offspring.
"Phantom, pay attention to your mother. You should go away for a time. Simply ensure that the tidings disseminated by that woman fade into obscurity," he instructed. The words of his father echoed in his mind.
A heavy sigh escaped the man's lips. 'Why is this old man so submissive to his wife?' Phantom couldn't help but wonder if he was blind to the fact that they were essentially identical and that his words were directed towards both of them. Phantom took a sip of his coffee, lost in thought as he extinguished his cigarette.
As he sipped his coffee, a deep frown etched itself onto the man's face. The man appeared indifferent to the latest happenings, his attention seemingly uninterested in the current events. The man's anger was ignited by the woman's actions, which is the issue his stepmother is nagging about, leading him to believe that she was at fault.
Such was the cost of persisting in one's pursuit of him. 'Why did I think of what happened? It makes my day miserable. I must proceed to my office. I have a plethora of paperwork,' he stated.
The man rose to his feet, his intentions veiled behind a stoic expression. He made a move towards the door, but his stepmother intercepted him once more, her voice laced with concern.
"Phantom! Get back here! I am well aware of your profession as a lawyer, but that does not necessarily imply a lack of respect for us," she said with a hint of caution in her voice. Her screams echoed through the empty halls, piercing the silence like a knife.
Phantom pivoted on his heel and fixed a withering gaze on his stepmother. "What in the devil do you want!? Whether I concur or not, the choice to follow is yours, but not this time! I will do whatever I want!" He retorted.
The elderly woman acted promptly in front of her husband to reprimand Phantom.
"You're exaggerating, Phantom; don't yell at your mother!" The young man winced as his father's voice boomed through the room, scolding him with sudden ferocity.
With a derisive snort, Phantom expressed his contempt. "Am I truly overdoing it, father? How many years have I existed in your eyes, yet you continue to exert control over me? For Christ's sake, I am thirty years old!" He exclaimed, his voice rising in frustration. "I am perfectly capable of managing my own affairs." His blood boiled as he glared at them, unable to suppress the seething anger within.
His gaze fixated on them. Their faces contorted in disbelief as his words echoed in the room. He was a dutiful son, always following his parents' wishes within the confines of their home. However, beyond the walls of their abode, he exuded an air of aloofness and haughtiness.
His callous disregard for others was palpable. His selfishness was palpable, evident in the way he always put his own needs above those of others. He was undoubtedly the most skilled and accomplished lawyer in all of the Philippines, and his reputation preceded him wherever he went.
His clients knew that he would leave no stone unturned in his pursuit of justice and that he would fight tooth and nail to ensure that their interests were protected. However, there was a darker side to his work that few knew about.
Once the payment had been made and the case had been resolved, he seemed to lose all interest in his clients and would often leave them to fend for themselves without so much as a second thought. It was a troubling aspect of his character, one that left many wondering whether his commitment to justice was truly genuine or
whether it was all just a façade.
As he stormed out of the house, he couldn't resist the urge to give the door a swift kick. His unexpected behavior surprised even his parents and the servants.
Thus, it was evident that he had only one solitary friend. The company of hypocrites is shunned by many friends. Phantom harbored no fondness for anyone, regardless of how intimate his stepmother was with her friends' children.
No matter how many times he was admonished for his poor conduct, he remained indifferent. He refused to let anyone dictate the course of his life. With a confident stride, the man made his way to the sleek and powerful Aston Martin One-77.
He slid into the driver's seat, his hands gripping the leather-wrapped steering wheel with ease. The engine roared to life, its deep rumble echoing through the quiet street. With a press of the accelerator, the car surged forward, effortlessly gliding away into the night. Despite his profession as a lawyer, he appeared to have little regard for the rules of the road.
The news of his ownership of the largest law firm in the country spread like wildfire. His father was a man of enterprise. His father had never been fond of his law practice, a fact that could be traced back to the instigation of his real mother in the past.
Due to his unyielding desire, he refused to exercise restraint on this matter. With a heart heavy with betrayal, he could no longer bear the weight of his father's deceit. The woman his father had married was none other than his father's mistress. The revelation was a bitter pill to swallow, and it ignited a fire within him that he had never felt before. He began to rebel against everything he had ever known, unable to reconcile the truth with the lies he had been fed his entire life.
"Sh*t!" Swearing under his breath, he made his way towards the parking lot of his workplace.
At his young age, he had already achieved the pinnacle of success, affording him the privilege of arrogance.
Despite his stepmother's insistence, he remained disinterested in women. This presented a significant problem, as it seemed that no amount of coercion could change his mind.
He emerged from the sleek vehicle and strode purposefully towards the towering edifice that housed his office, his gaze fixed resolutely ahead. The bustling throng of employees that surrounded him were but a blur in his peripheral vision, their presence barely registering as he made his way towards the entrance.
The employees were well aware of their boss's demeanor. When he failed to even cast a fleeting glance in their direction, they knew it was a foreboding morning. They were merely carrying out their duties.
Phantom strode into his office, his eyes scanning the room for any signs of intrusion. As he approached his table, his eyes fell on an unexpected sight. A figure was already seated in the chair directly facing him. A heavy sigh escaped his lips, betraying his recognition of the person at the door.
He sat up straight. A grin spread across the face of the individual standing before him. "Is it your parents again?" The man asked.
The Phantom let out a low grumble. The man chuckled. "I shouldn't have asked," he said.
Phantom let out a small sigh and reached for his pen, ready to begin his work. "Why are you in this place, Johannes? My workload is enormous. Leave this place at once!" he exclaimed with a commanding tone. He spoke without glancing at his companion.
Phantom had no confidant quite like Eugene Johannes. He was the one person in the world whom Phantom trusted above all others. Though they were of the same age, Eugene exuded a warmth that Phantom lacked. The latter, aloof and arrogant, reserved his affections only for those who met his exacting standards.
Eugene remarked, "Ouch, I still made an effort to come here early to advise you." This caused his friend to feel guilty.
Phantom gave the impression of disinterest, but he was actually paying attention to what his companion was saying.
Eugene couldn't help but smirk as he thought about the reason he had come here. It was all because of his friend's problem. Phantom found himself increasingly drawn to the suggestion, and the constant obstruction of the Media had left him feeling weary and frustrated.
That Eugene's men were there to protect their subject today was a stroke of luck for Phantom. The Johaness Security Agency was renowned for their unparalleled commitment to ensuring the safety of their clients.
It stood as the sole bastion of security in the vicinity, permitting only those who had availed themselves of its services to pass through its gates. None could breach its impregnable walls.
The papers and documents before him were of the utmost sensitivity and importance. He knew all too well that the delicate matter at hand could not be so easily exposed to the public eye. His clients' affairs were of the utmost importance, and he could not risk any unwanted meddling from outsiders.
"My dear friend, do you truly have no desire to heed my humble suggestion? This would prove to be a significant aid, particularly in evading the incessant haranguing of your parents." As soon as Eugene uttered those final words, Phantom's gaze snapped towards him.
Phantom's friend sat before him, a grin spreading across his face as he eagerly anticipated the moment when Phantom would finally open his ears.
The man's eyes shifted from the papers he was signing to Eugene, and he stopped signing. He had an unwavering trust in his best friend, knowing that he would never be the cause of his downfall.
He fixed his gaze on Eugene and spoke in a serious tone, "You better have told me that one."
The grin on his friend's face deepened, but he still hadn't revealed the plan; instead, he seemed to be gauging his friend's level of desperation.
Phantom let out a derisive snort at his companion. He was intimately familiar with him. "Should your intentions be nothing but jest, Eugene, I implore you to vacate my office with haste. I have an appointment with a client later," he stated firmly.
With a sly smile, Eugene Johanness turned to his friend. Perhaps his friend would not take kindly to his proposal. He will still receive praise.
He placed the object delicately on the polished surface of the table. A deep frown was etched across Phantom's face. "What in the devil is this?"
As he posed the question, a sudden realization dawned on him. He comprehended the scheme his closest confidant had concocted.
Eugene rose from his seat. No explanation was necessary for the object that stood before the man. The fate of this matter rested solely in the hands of the Phantom.
Eugene stated to Phantom, "What's on your desk? That's my plan," as he left the office, but Phantom's unexpected visitor came out, and that problem is the person who
entered the office.
Phantom's friend came to a sudden halt at the threshold, taken aback by the presence of an unanticipated guest.
The incident unfolded with alarming speed as the woman burst into the room and proceeded to menace his employees with threats. The guards' faces were ashen, betraying their fear. Phantom's icy gaze bore into the woman, causing her to gulp nervously.
"The litigation I've filed against you will be dropped if we get married." The woman spoke with a directness that was meant to convey her seriousness, but Phantom merely chuckled in response.
"Let's bring this to the court, woman, that I didn't even remember the name. We'll find out who triumphs soon enough." Phantom rose from his seat, flashing a grin. "It's like punching the moon when you emerge victorious," he remarked.
With a swift motion, he snatched the item his friend had left on the table and strode past the woman, leaving her in a state of shock. Phantom's hand landed on her shoulder with a weighty emphasis. The sting of the man's slap still lingered on her cheek, but it was not enough to satiate his desire for humiliation.
"This is the first time a woman has ever survived making such a claim against me, so tread carefully." With a grim whisper, he warned of the fate that had befallen those who had come before.
They had squandered their wealth and ended up locked away in jail. And with that, he left his own office, leaving behind a sense of foreboding.
Phantom remained unfazed by the mushroom-like woman who seemed to materialize out of thin air, her ominous presence a constant threat.
Despite her attempts to intimidate him, he refused to be cowed by her menacing demeanor.
Phantom cast a longing gaze towards his friend and let out a deep sigh. He's been stressful, so now it's time for Eugene's plan to go into effect (even if he had no strategy). However, these were the very things that fueled his drive. He tapped Eugene's shoulder.
"I guess you won't be able to convince me again. Take care of business in the office."