Mending Heart's Affliction [Phoenix Countesses: ETHEREAL MAIDENS SERIES I]

Chapter 9

Officially back

Nanatili ang titig ko sa kanya habang dinig na dinig ko ang bulungan ng lahat. Gaya ko ay naghihintay din ng sasabihin niya. Even his father and other members of Rioflorida seemed surprised by his sudden appearance.

Na para bang walang nangyari. Nang sabihin sa akin ni Liam ang tungkol sa biglaang pagkawala niya, agad na naghanap ako ng article online tungkol doon at doob ko nakumpirma ang lahat.

He really vanished into thin air. He didn't even attend his mother's private funeral. He ghosted everyone, including his family's companies and several businesses.

And now that he's here in front of everyone, effortlessly capturing everyone's attention, with camera flashes from the media all around, I couldn't help but wonder, what caused his sudden comeback?

And what was the reason behind his sudden disappearance back then?

"Good evening, everyone. I'd like to take this opportunity to announce that I am now taking control and managing several businesses under the Rioflorida Group of Companies and the remaining businesses left by my late mother," he announces, looking very serious.

My gaze is fixed on him, not caring if he sees me and wondering what his reaction would be if he did.

"I know the past years have been difficult for everyone, especially for my family, and I know that at some point in your lives, you also wished for temporary peace," he pauses and looks at his father.

"I also want to apologize to those who were hurt and are still grieving until now. My disappearance from this industry taught me many things, and I want to share that with all of you..."

His eyes scan the room until they landed on me. Kita ko ang pagkagulat niya. Nangunot ang kanyang noo habang tila ba kinikilala ako hanggang sa tila bumalik na sa kanyang isip kung sino ako.

His lips parted. He looks amazed and pleased. His jaw clenches, and he quickly finishes his speech before approaching his father, who has been waiting for him.

That's my cue to step outside because I'm sure he recognized me. And I'm not ready for this kind of reunion.

"Celeste!"

Nilingon ko ang tumawag na iyon sa akin at doon ko nakita si Isabella, holding the train of her gown, seemingly chasing after me. I had reached the fountain at the tower when she caught up with me.

Walang gaanong tao rito kaya naman libre siyang gawin ang nais niyang gawin sa akin dito.

But I wasn't going to let her.

"What are you doing? You're a Fuentebella now?"

Anger and confusion were evident on her face. She seemed completely disoriented and furious with me.

"The announcement made by my family earlier was clear, Isabella." I calmly responded to her.

She sarcastically chuckled, as if she couldn't believe it.

Wala siyang pinagbago bukod sa physical appearance niya. She looked more mature. She was still sexy and sophisticated, even more beautiful. Perhaps because she had become a true Yuchengco Princess, something that used to be for me.

"So, it's true? They adopted you? Paano? Paano mo nakuha ang loob ng mga Fuentebella? Did you cling to them when Dad abandoned you? Kaya ba sa Spain mo napiling pumunta at manirahan dahil alam mong naroon sila?" She accused me one after another, as if she was absolutely certain about it.

"I don't owe you any explanation, Isabella. Leave me alone." I firmly told her and turned away, but I gasped when she pulled me by the arm.

"I'm still talking to you!" She hissed in determination and anger.