PROLOGUE
"Mr. Ward, here are the minor details you requested."Mr. Penber handed Kevin a yellow folder.
Kevin took it immediately, flipped it open, and began reading. Each page he turned seemed to sharpen his focus.
Penber was a private investigator Kevin had secretly hired to look into someone. They were meeting inside a condominium unit privately owned by Kevin—one only his manager knew existed. Kevin sat on the sofa while Penber occupied the seat across from him. Every time Kevin came across something that piqued his interest, he nodded slightly.
After several minutes, he closed the folder and set it aside.
"Good work, Mr. Penber." Kevin patted him on the shoulder.
"Sir… are you sure you don't want the major information about her as well? And her recent activities? Also—about her photos. You really don't want to see them?" the detective asked, concern slipping into his tone.
"Why? Does she have a criminal record?" Kevin asked, amused.
"None so far, sir. But—"
Kevin raised a hand, stopping him mid-sentence.
"Then that's fine. This is enough for now. And as for her photos, I'd rather surprise myself when I finally see her in person."
"But sir—"
"I said it's all right, Detective Penber." He cut him off again with a calm finality. "Where's the fun if you tell me everything?" He even flashed him a grin.
The detective sighed. "Mr. Ward, I'm warning you. Be careful. You still have a career to protect." His expression was serious—genuinely worried.
Kevin appreciated that about him. Penber had been the perfect choice for this job. Even as an American, he understood Tagalog well enough and willingly endured the constant back-and-forth travel between Kevin and the person he was investigating.
"I can handle her, detective. After all—we're childhood friends." Kevin's tone was confident, almost too confident.
"All right, all right. Just… be careful, sir." The detective surrendered, though worry still clung to his features.
Kevin reached behind him and retrieved something—a thick stack of bills. "Here. Two thousand dollars."He handed the money to Penber. The detective's eyes widened, surprise bright and clear on his face.
"You know the deal," Kevin added. "I increased the amount. Consider it a bonus for keeping this quiet. Everything stays confidential. Forever."
"Of course, Mr. Ward. And thank you for trusting me with this."
They shook hands. Both men stood, and Kevin escorted him to the door.
"If you ever need anything like this again, sir, just call me," Penber said before stepping out.
"I will. Take care on your way home, and thank you for your service," Kevin replied before closing the door.
The moment he was finally alone, he exhaled deeply.
Now… what are you really up to, my dear friend?The thought brought a faint smile to his lips.He was curious—very curious—but the thrill of discovering the truth himself was far more tempting.
I'm going home, he thought, to uncover everything… and finally make you mine.