𝒮𝓉𝒶𝓇☆ - Gᴇɴᴛʟᴇ Yᴀɴ! Bᴏss/CEO x Rᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ

★𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓉ℯ𝓇 21★

"What?! How is that possible..? Who did we bury at the funeral?" You questioned, eyes darting nervously around Cindy's face to find any hint that she was lying.

"Everyone, including the investigative team behind this case, said that he was disintegrated and that he passed away instantly... It's like they all had the same story to a T. Like they were... controlled by something." Cindy's black veil shifted, and now it covered most of her face.

She looked down at the grave as she lit up another candle, "We buried his wedding ring... I never questioned anything. I was widowed, badly burnt and injured, the last thing I wanted was to think about the time everything came crashing down."

Setting the candles in their lanterns, she turned to you with a miniscule smile, "I apologize... I just... Needed to get it off my chest." She said, reaching her hand up to caress your hair gently.

You stayed quiet for a little while, thoughts swirling, "No, I understand. Do you... Do you think he's looking for you?"

Cindy lowered her head sadly, "We had a happy marriage. I loved him. That's why I don't understand why he... Well, this is all baseless conjecture, but... I think he was the one who orchestrated the whole house fire. I don't know why, but my guess is that he needed to flee, or create a new life..."

"Has he done something to get into exile? Does he have a criminal record?"

Cindy sighed, "I'm not sure... All legal information about him has been wiped, as if he actually passed away. That's why I think he will never look for me or my family again. He wanted to escape."

"Do you have any idea where he might be? Have you contacted his family or friends?"

"I have asked, of course, but on the surface, they don't know anything. I, personally, don't believe them, but... I figured I don't care where he went. I'm happy with you, your parents and your little brother." She gave you a gentle smile, shrugging her shoulders.

"Sounds fishy.." you let your thoughts wander, cupping your cheek with your hand. Cindy let out a soft laugh, caressing your head, "There you go, Miss Detective, going off with your train of thoughts. Come on, tell me about that new job you have going on." She said, patting your back and motioning you back to reality.

_____

Despite his attempts to remain calm, Asterios' heart started beating unusually fast at the mention of your position. He was quite happy that in times like these, his mask was there to shield the world from his emotions.

"Want a lollypop for stalking me?" Asterios asked, silently getting ready to fire his gun. The man in front of him chuckled.

"If the boot fits. I simply caught wind about your new assistant, and... Hm." The man turned his head away, rubbing his nape. He was in a very vulnerable state, whether mentally or physically.

Asterios kept quiet.

After a while, the man spoke, "...How is she holding up? I haven't seen her in a long while." This question caught Asterios off guard, and he tilted his head slightly, "Excuse me?"

"Answer me, please."

'Okay, so this guy appearently knows Sunshine. Should I kill him?'

"...She's doing fine. What's your relation with her?"

"What, is an uncle not allowed to care for his niece?" The man furrowed his eyebrows, frowning. 'Is this the man who's supposed to take over the Phantom Cartel? This guy is acting like a kicked puppy.'

"...Excuse me?"

____

Asterios went home with a million different thoughts in his head. The man was vague with his answers, only saying that he was your uncle and that he simply missed you and your family.