When Martin entered to visit his daughter, Sharlene was already there, silently watching over her child.
"We have a visitor again," Vivianne muttered. Sharlene glanced at him but said nothing.
Martin gently caressed Ashley's face.
"So, what did you gain by returning to this town with your man?" he asked, his tone pointed.
Sharlene frowned.
"Can you please stop, Martin? You're annoying me. Didn't I already tell you—and he even said it to you, remember?" She replied, staring at him.
Martin smirked. "Whatever, Sharlene," he muttered dismissively.
"It's fine if you're here to visit our child, but if you're going to accuse me again, I won't tolerate it anymore. Maybe you've forgotten—we're no longer married," she reminded him firmly.
"Not married? Have you even signed the divorce papers yet?" He shot back.
"I'll sign them right now if that's what you're after," Sharlene snapped. "Is that why you're here?"
He sat down beside her.
"What did you find out about Carmela and Leah's past?" he asked directly.
The three women exchanged glances.
"So that's why you're here? To find out what I discovered?" Sharlene responded, guarded.
Martin gave a sly smile.
"Let's not pretend anymore, Sharlene. Did you think I wouldn't track your every move? You're investigating Manuel Santiago's father—and I've been watching, with Lawrence's help."
He had approached seasoned writers and journalists, many of whom chose silence out of fear of getting caught in the feud between the three powerful families. When he uncovered more evidence, he was shocked to learn that others had already asked those same questions—one of them being a lawyer with knowledge of a long-buried case.
"What's your connection to the Gonzalez family, Sharlene?" Martin asked bluntly.
"You don't need to worry about that," she answered coldly.
Martin recognized her stubbornness.
"Did you know your grandmother was involved in a large syndicate?" He pressed further.
"Oh, I wouldn't be surprised if Vivianne already knows her grandmother's secrets," he added, now turning to Vivianne. "Isn't that right?"
Vivianne remained silent, but her gaze didn't waver.
"I know your grandmother's secrets. And I can uncover more—so tell me," Martin challenged them.
Sharlene leaned forward. "You know, Martin, I don't understand why you're suddenly meddling. Your clan remained silent when the three others were at war. Why now? Are you hiding something? Or is it because your family was part of that syndicate?"
"There's only one reason I'm getting involved, Sharlene. I just want to protect my child. You said it yourself—I'm still her father. That means I have every right to look after her. You have no idea who you're going up against."
"So, is that why your clan stayed neutral during the feud?" Sharlene asked pointedly.
Martin sighed deeply. The truth was, he wasn't just trying to protect Ashley—he was also trying to protect Sharlene.
How can I protect my child… when I couldn't even protect her stubborn mother? he thought bitterly.
"I'll find out everything I need to know—about Grandma, about Leah, and how Grandma ended up with the Martinez properties even though the real family disappeared," Sharlene said.
"And when you do, then what? Have them imprisoned? Ruin your life in the process?" Martin asked.
Vivianne cut in. "So you do know something, Martin. You know everything."
"Yes. That's why I'm watching your every move. Do you want Ashley to lose her mother?" he asked, his tone heavy with concern.
"I'm doing this to clear everyone's name. If you want to help, fine. But don't stand in my way," Sharlene replied.
"Why don't we just tell him the truth?" Vivianne said suddenly. "Tell him why we're doing this, why we're so involved in all of this."
"Sister…" Tashia shook her head in warning.
"No. He needs to know so he can stop interfering," Vivianne said, her voice sharp with frustration.
She turned to Martin. "You believe I have the ability, don't you? You believe in the spiritual realm, right? Then listen—because I'm going to show you something."
"Fine. Bring it on," Martin muttered, almost sarcastically. He was doing this for his own peace of mind, unsure of what to believe anymore.
Just then, a woman dressed in black appeared.
"Oh, why did you bring him here?" she asked with disdain.
"He wants to know. So he can stop," Vivianne replied calmly.
Martin looked around. The place was dim, almost suffocating. "Where are we?" he asked her.
"Can you bring Ashley here?" Vivianne asked the woman in mourning.
As Martin's eyes adjusted to the darkness, he suddenly recognized her.
"Leah Martinez," he whispered.
She raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
"Daddy…" a small voice called out.
He turned and saw Ashley.
"Ashley…" he whispered.
The little girl hugged him tightly.
"Dad, please don't fight with Mom anymore," she said softly.
Martin was overwhelmed. As he held her small hand, a surge of memories flooded his mind—brief flashes that suddenly made everything clear.
"You… locked up my child?" he asked Leah.
"Dad, please don't be mad at her," Ashley said gently. "She's only protecting me. Grandma cursed me… She said that if I woke up, something terrible would happen. But Aunt Leah is looking for a way to help me return to my body."
"Can't I bring you back now?" he asked, voice cracking.
Ashley shook her head sadly. She hugged him again.
"So please, don't fight with Mom anymore… She's going through a lot, too."
Martin turned to Leah. "What do you want from me? Just tell me how I can help set Ashley free."
"Can you really fight what's behind all of this?" Leah asked, unblinking. "Your family stayed quiet all these years. Are you ready now?"
"The child already told you… It's safer for her here," Leah added.
"Don't worry, Dad," Ashley said. "Mom is doing her best to uncover the truth and free Aunt Leah and Grandma from their pain."
"I'll come back for you, okay?" Martin promised.
Ashley nodded.
"Come back for me, Dad. I'll be waiting." She smiled sweetly.
And just like that, Martin returned to the hospital room. Sharlene and Tashia were watching him, quiet and unreadable.
Without saying a word, he stepped out of the private room.
He longed to hold his daughter again.
Damn this karma of mine.
The truth hurt—and regret weighed heavier than ever, especially now that his child had become entangled in this nightmare.