Chasing Shadows

Chapter 4- Entangled in Tension

I'm a bit tired from all the paperwork and meetings I finished today. Plus, everyone I've offered a lot of money to help me with my plan against Lauren keeps refusing. They're scared of what might happen if we go against the Harrison family. But for me, I'm seeking justice. No matter how rich or powerful they are, I won't back down until I get revenge for my family that they destroyed.

And i saw a familiar face.

Hindi ko inaasahan na makikita ko ulit siya… lalo na dito sa cafeteria ng kompanya. Nakapila ako para kumuha ng kape nang napansin kong nasa dulo siya ng counter, abalang nagbabayad ng kanyang pagkain. Napatingin ako sa kanya, and that’s when I noticed the name tag pinned to his chest.

"Chase Desmond," I murmured under my breath, realizing his full name for the first time. I couldn’t help but stare. Kahit masungit siya, there was something intriguing about him. Tall, commanding, and with that brooding expression—it was hard to look away.

But suddenly, his eyes met mine, catching me red-handed. Tumikhim ako at nag-iwas ng tingin, but it was too late. A smirk slowly spread across his face, at lumapit siya, dala ang tray ng kanyang pagkain.

“Enjoying the view?” he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he stood right in front of me. “O baka may kailangan ka?”

I blinked, trying to act casual. "Excuse me? Wala akong sinasabi." I scoffed, rolling my eyes, but I felt my cheeks heat up. That annoying smirk of his only widened.

"Sure ka? Kanina ka pa nakatingin," he teased, raising an eyebrow. The way he looked at me, it was as if he could see right through my defenses, and it irritated me to no end.

“Baka naman hindi lang ikaw ang tinitingnan ko,” I shot back, determined to match his tone. “Huwag masyadong feeling.”

"Right,” he drawled, as if he didn’t believe a word. “Well, next time, let me know if you need a photo. Para hindi ka na mahirapan sa kakatingin.”

Ang kapal talaga! I narrowed my eyes at him. "Hindi lahat ng babae nabibighani sa itsura mo, okay?"

He chuckled, clearly amused. "Ah, ganun ba? But I think you're lying to yourself," he said, leaning closer, his eyes glinting with mischief.

Bago pa ako tuluyang mairita, I crossed my arms and gave him my best glare. "Well, just because you’re wearing a fancy suit doesn’t mean you can just annoy people for fun."

He shrugged, completely unfazed. "Maybe you’re just annoyed because you actually like it. Admit it, mas masaya kapag may konting asaran, di ba?"

I scoffed, “You wish. Pabayaan mo na lang ako, Mr. Chase Desmond.”

He simply shrugged, the smirk never leaving his face. "Alright, Miss…"

“Victoria,” I replied, challenging him with my gaze. If he thought he could get under my skin, he was mistaken.

“Well then, Victoria, let’s see if you can keep your eyes to yourself next time," he said with a wink, walking away with that same annoying, confident stride.

As he disappeared into the crowd, I let out a frustrated sigh. What a jerk. Pero kahit anong inis ko, I couldn’t deny na may spark sa asaran naming iyon.

Habang pauwi, hindi mapakali ang isip ko sa mga susunod kong hakbang. Alam kong kailangan kong maging maingat at strategiko sa bawat galaw ko. The Harrison family—biggest liars in the business world. Ang pamilyang iyon ang dahilan kung bakit bumagsak ang kumpanya ng aking pamilya. At kahit gaano pa kahirap, determined ako to bring them down.

Sa kotse, I went over the details of my plan. Every step needed to be precise, walang puwang para sa pagkakamali. I couldn’t afford distractions, lalo na ang mga taong hindi ko ganap na kilala.

And that included him.

Yes, Chase Desmond had somehow grabbed my attention, but… paano ko siya pagkakatiwalaan kung hindi ko pa lubusang alam ang tungkol sa kanya? Wala siyang kaugnayan sa misyon ko, at kahit pa nakatulong siya sa pagkamulat ko sa corporate world, I knew I had to keep my focus.

Hindi ko siya puwedeng isama sa plano ko. The stakes were too high.

Habang tinitingnan ko ang city lights mula sa bintana ng sasakyan, I made a silent vow. This was my journey for revenge against the Harrisons, and I would do it alone if I had to.

Pagdating ko sa bahay, hindi mawala sa isip ko ang susunod kong hakbang. I knew I couldn’t afford to make any rash decisions; kailangan kong planuhin nang mabuti ang bawat galaw. This mission wasn’t just about revenge; it was about justice for my family’s name. The Harrison family—the so-called "biggest liars" in the business world—needed to be exposed, once and for all.

Habang nag-iisip ako ng tamang plano, I realized I couldn’t involve anyone else just yet. Mahirap magtiwala sa kahit sino, lalo na’t hindi ko alam kung sino ang nasa likod ng pamilya Harrison. Kailangan kong pag-aralan ang bawat aspeto ng kanilang negosyo—ang kanilang mga alyansa, mga kahinaan, at ang mga koneksyon nila na puwedeng gamitin laban sa kanila.

I shook off the tension and took a deep breath. Para akong nangangapa sa dilim, but I needed to stay focused. Higit sa lahat, I needed a moment of peace. Masyadong magulo ang isipan ko, at alam kong hindi ako makakagawa ng matinong desisyon kung hindi ako kalmado.

The next day, I arrived at the office with renewed focus. Determinado akong kumuha ng bawat piraso ng impormasyon tungkol sa mga Harrison. Their connections, their weaknesses—lahat ng iyon ay magiging susi sa pagbawi ng pangalan ng pamilya ko. And with each step forward, I knew I was one move closer to justice.

Habang nakatingin ako sa skyline mula sa bintana, naisip ko, This is for my family. Soon, everything will change.

Bigla akong nahulog sa mga alaala ng aking ina. She always believed in me, nagbigay siya ng lakas sa bawat laban na hinarap ko. Ngayon, kahit na ang puso ko ay puno ng lungkot at galit, kailangan kong maging matatag.

I closed my eyes, imagining her warm smile and gentle voice. "Mama, I promise I will make things right. Hindi kita bibiguin," bulong ko sa sarili.

Gusto ko sanang umiyak, pero hindi ko magawa. Ayaw kong ipakita ang kahinaan ko. I had to stay strong, not just for myself, but for her memory. I wiped away the unshed tears, determined to turn my pain into strength. This was just the beginning of my journey.

End of chapter 4.

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