Guardian Of The Heart

Prolouge

He didn't look in the envelope right away. Instead, he sat in the VIP corner booth at The Lux, observing the dangerous individuals from around the world gathered at the luxurious bar in Zurich, Switzerland.

Jaxon's warning echoed in his mind. Sana nakinig na lang siya sa kanyang sekeretareya at hindi pumunta. But it was his brother's command that brought him here, a personal message that couldn't be conveyed over the phone due to its importance.

Even though he didn't want to come here, he had no choice. Panigurado importante ang sasabihin nito kaya kailangan personal sabihin.

He shook his head with a sigh and took a sip of Allsopp's beer and leaned back into the shadows a little more. Isa-isa niyang tiningnan ang mga tao sa paligid. They may have appeared as normal people, but in reality, they are not–all of the people here are predators–too dangerous. Trust was a luxury he couldn't afford in this den of deception. May ilan na nakikilala niya pero karamihan hindi.

Nobody gave him a second glance, maybe because there were a lot of bodyguards surrounding him. Or they just did not know who he was—nobody did—but they were aware that he was not someone to mess with. So, sitting at the corner is the safest. He doesn't want to get an opportunity to shed some blood here. Ayaw niyang bigyan ng problema ang kuya niya. Bata pa lang siya kuya niya na ang tinitingala niya. Believing that everything he did would reflect on Von.

He gazed, scanning the bar. His brother is still not here, clearly disappointed. Uminom siya ulit ng makarinig ng boses.

Don Pierce, right? The stranger's voice cut through the ambient noise, drawing his attention. Confusion clouded his expression as he met the stranger's gaze.

Ngumiti ito at umupo sa katapat na sofa. Finally, I've met you.

Do I know you? He asked, a puzzled expression crossing his face.

No, but I know you. He said excitedly. Even with significant wrinkles around his eyes, he still appears looking young. If he wasn't mistaken, maybe he's in his 60s'. Let me introduce myself to you. My name is Hugh Zaldy D. Paine. One of your brother confidant. Inabot nito ang kamay sa kanya.

Looking at Zaldy hand. Hesitated but there's a feeling of warmth and trust on him. He leaned forward, and grasped Zaldy's hands.

DP. Maikling pakilala niya ng maghiwalay ang kamay nila.

His full name is Nathan Don Pierce Kensler Varron. DP short for Don Pierce. In this kind of world, Nathan called him self as Don Pierce. Pero sa normal na buhay na ginagalawan niya kilala siya bilang Nathan. He had many names, depending on the persona he was asked about.

Did you read it? Zaldy asked, diverting his attention to the envelope on the table.

Umiling siya. Nope, I'm still waiting for him. He stated, referring to Von, his brother. Moreover, this was not the right place to discuss this matter.

The Crown Council members and Von are now having a private meeting due to an unexpected bomb attack in Norway. He doesn't know when it will finish. So, pinapunta niya ako rito. Paliwanag nito.

He claimed to be unaware of it, despite the fact that he was startled to hear him speaking in Tagalog.

Ganun ba. His brother was busy, as always, and all he could do was nod. He reached for the envelope, but Zaldy stopped him before he could see what was inside.

Honestly, your brother doesn't want you to know this but I insisted. Zaldy's tone turned serious, hinting at a truth that would shatter Nathan's perceptions.