At Vicious' office, the room hummed with authority. Fernandez, Martinez, and Mario were seated when a knock sounded at the door.
"Boss," a man announced, stepping inside. Vicious barely glanced at him before nodding. "Go ahead."
The man produced a stack of photos and videos. The first showed Thalia and Leo at the restaurant, their faces blurred but the intimacy clear. He flipped to a clip from the park Jill and Thalia dancing, laughing together, carefree.
"Oh wow," Vicious muttered, leaning back, eyes darkening. Another photo displayed Thalia hugging her father. Fernandez squinted. "Who is he?"
"Seems they're related," the man answered calmly.
One by one, the images rolled: Thalia at the hospital that morning, Fred handing her a sunflower, their brief embrace captured on camera. Mario's eyebrows lifted. "Interesting."
Martinez chuckled. "I guess we were right about love."
Vicious slammed his hand against the table. "You may leave." The man bowed and exited.
He sat back, fists clenched. "Damn… why? Why?"
Mario murmured, "Seems she isn't who we thought."
Martinez suddenly stood. "Do you think Matt is responsible? Or someone else?"
"Just shut up!" Vicious roared. Silence fell heavy in the room.
Moments later, another man entered. "So, what have you got?" Vicious demanded.
"I happened to overhear the lady talking about you, I drove the cab to take her to her destination " the man said. "You asked me to keep you updated. I recorded the conversation."
He played the clip. Vicious and friends listened intently. It ended, leaving only Silence.
Vicious exhaled sharply. "Wow… sleep with him, boom — pregnancy… I'm terrifying. Thalia… she outdid herself. "I sent two people to watch her to make sure she was okay… and I can't believe it. And the voice of the other person it isn't feminine." Mario added.
Fernandez suggested, "Maybe we should go and he sort things out."
They nodded in agreement and left.
Evening came. Vicious returned to the mansion, eyes cold, seeing her. he mutters traitor, he turned and walked away.
He summoned all the maids. "Anyone caught making friends with Thalia or planning anything with her will not only be fired but punished." His gaze landed on Lily, who shivered instinctively. "Take note."
Then he turned to Fred. "You are fired. Here's your payment for the month. Leave now."
Fred opened his mouth. "Sir, I haven't done anything wrong."
"Oh really?" Vicious snapped. "But you are fired. No more friendship moments with your dear friend Thalia."
Thalia's voice cracked as she stepped forward. "You can't do this! What's wrong with you? This is my life! I can mingle with anyone. And this is my house — I do whatever I want! "Leave all of you," Vicious said, unyielding. They all left except Thalia.
"I'll take the punishment, not them! Not Lily or Nina or Fred!" she begged. He didn't answer.
Outside, Thalia ran to Fred. "I'm so sorry, Fred… please don't hate me."
Fred smiled gently, brushing her hair back. "Everything is just a phase. Maybe something better is waiting for me outside. I'm not sad at all. You should cheer up for yourself."
He handed her a single rose its petals soft, red and tender.
"Take this," he said softly. "Even when life feels heavy, this is for you. Let it remind you that beauty and hope exist, even in difficult times. That despite pain, the sun will rise again." Thalia clutched the rose to her chest, sobbing. "This… this is beautiful. Thank you."
He waved and walked away, leaving Thalia standing frozen. Memories of Matt rushed in unbidden the fear, the loss, the helplessness and she collapsed to the floor, tears flowing freely.
Lily emerged, looking helpless, but did nothing and walked away. Samaria and Nina followed; Nina glanced at Thalia with pity, while Samaria scoffed, barely hiding her satisfaction.
Unseen, Vicious watched the scene from his cameras. A small, almost imperceptible smirk appeared on his face. "So, there was a spark, I'm definitely not wrong"