UNCOVER JANE DOE

Chapter 45: Trust issues

"Your work never fails to awaken the beast within me, Regina Maxine."

She suddenly froze at where she's standing when she heard that familiar voice. Masyado s'yang abala sa pakikipag-usap sa mga bisita at sa panaka-nakang pagsunod sa bawat galaw ni Narda na sa wari n'ya ay pinag-aaralan ang isa sa mga paintings n'ya... particularly that '20 peso bill inspired painting.

She can still remember that one chance that she hasn't been able to find her wallet. She was rambling through her belongings to fish for some change for a jeepney fare but someone who had been observing her for a while handed her a 20 peso bill without saying a word, recognizing her situation, but before she could even say thank you or get a glimpse of who she is, the girl already got off the jeepney without glancing back at her. The 20 piso bill comes with a sticky note, somewhat stuck to it unnoticed. Written on it was a short but sad poem. She admired that girl for she did not forget to still think about others even though she's going through some personal dillema.

She took a step back as she recognize the man in front of her. "B-beast..." paanas n'yang pagbanggit sa pangalan nito at sa wari'y s'ya lang din ang nakarinig. Nalingunan n'ya itong nakatitig sa isa sa mga nude paintings n'ya bago s'ya nito hinarap.

"I personally drop by to congratulate you on your solo exhibit, Regina Maxine... and to tell you that I will be expecting you to be at the mansion days from now. I want you start doing my painting the soonest possible time." Beast wasn't the type to do small talks. He always go straight to the point.

"Actually i've already made studies for it and I was waiting for you to get in touch with me so we can get started."

They look at each other eye to eye. Regina doesn't even have a choice coz Beast is still on that very same mask he wore the first time they met.

"His eyes though, they look familiar. Like it was dad's..." this realization hit her. "Fuck no!"

Her mind is in total chaos right now. The memory of Juana and Julia being killed by her own father's look-a-like is playing over and over in her mind.

"Dad..." mahina n'yang sambit sa pangalan nito.

"Alright then. Good to hear that. I'll arrange a ride to pick you up at home. Just be prepared."

Tango nalang ang naitugon n'ya dito. Mas pinili n'yang lumayo na agad though she wanted to confront him, yet this isn't the right time and venue for it. But her mind is already in search for ways on how to protect Narda from being harmed by her own father.

Lalapit na sana s'ya kay Narda ng tawagin s'ya ng museum director.

"Good news Miss Vanguardia, someone purchased 3 of your paintings moments ago."

"Wow! That's real good news. Where is he/she now? I should atleast thank him/her for the purchase." The price of three paintings is no joke of course. It cost that someone a million or two.

"I think he already left. The paintings, as usual, will be delivered to his address after the exhibition ends next month."

"Hmmm. He's one weird art collector. They usually take time to talk to me about the paintings they want to buy especially during exhibit openings where i'm at the venue."

"Rex Vanguardia. That's the name on the check he issued. Oh! He's your father, isn't he? If I can recall he also bought some of your paintings during your previous exhibits here." He said as he read through the check Rex had given him.

"Please give me the check, director. I must return it to him." Kunot-noong napatitig sa sinabi n'ya ang museum director. "I'm sorry, but I have to."

He nodded, ignoring those curious questions inside his head. He handed her the check and she grab it from his hand as she strode towards the elevator hoping to catch Rex Vanguardia before he drove off.