Later that evening, Patty knocked gently on Humaira's door while carrying a tray. "Madam, it's me, Patty. I brought the coffee you asked for."
"I know. Come in," Humaira replied, rolling her eyes. As Patty set the coffee down, Humaira leaned forward. "Now that you're here, Patty, tell me more about this so-called 'young master.'"
Patty hesitated. "I'm really sorry, madam, but we maids aren't allowed to—"
Humaira wordlessly placed a stack of money on the table. Patty's eyes lingered on it. "I mean, I really—" Humaira doubled the amount.
"His name is Alex," Patty began quickly. "He likes staying indoors all day. Real introvert, if you would ask me. He talks to only Charles and Madam." Humaira tripled the cash, and Patty's eyes widened.
"Why don't you excuse yourself for now?" Humaira said, watching Patty scramble to pack the money. "And do a little favor to yourself by keeping this little convo of ours a secret. When he gets back, inform me."
"He came back a few minutes ago," Patty admitted. "I did deliver the message you asked me to, but he didn't respond back to me. He just—"
"Take me to his room," Humaira shouted, standing up. "NOW!"
They marched to Alex's quarters. Patty knocked tentatively. "Young master, it's me, Patty. Madam Humaira wants to talk to—"
Charles stepped out of the room, blocking their path. "What are you doing here, Patty?"
"Where is the so-called young master or whatever his name is?" Humaira demanded.
"Madam Humaira, I'm really sorry, but the young master is tired and doesn't want to see anyone at the moment," Charles said firmly.
"How dare he?" Humaira's face flushed with anger. "For some orphan boy, he really does have some nerves. Imagine such arrogance coming from someone that didn't have any hope in life until now."
"I'm sorry, but the young mas—"
"The young master my foot! So you expect me to go back downstairs after coming this far?"
"It's the Madam's orders," Charles insisted. "She told me to stop anyone from disturbing the young master."
"To hell with you and your Madam!" Humaira shoved past him and barged into the room.
Alex was standing with his back to her, unbuttoning his shirt. He turned around slowly. "I thought I made myself clear. I don't want to see anyone."
Humaira froze. Her breath hitched. "Mauja? No... no, it can't be. I—"
"I'm really sorry, let's go now, madam," Charles said, taking the opportunity to lead the shocked Humaira out of the room.
Humaira rushed back to her own room and grabbed her phone, her hands trembling. Am I dreaming? she thought. She dialed a number. "Hello? You won't believe who I just saw right now."
On the other end, her accomplice Jabar answered. "WHO?"
"Mauja's son," Humaira whispered.
"Are you sure of what you're saying?" Jabar asked, his voice low. "You saw Mauja's son? Alive? In your aunt's house?"
"I know what I'm saying. My eyes can't deceive me."
"Have you done the thing I asked you to do? The main reason why I sent you to Sumdem?"
"Yes, mission accomplished," Humaira replied. "You'll receive your goods before tomorrow."
Jabar let out a dark chuckle. "I knew you would never steer me wrong. For your next mission... I want you to end Mauja's son before things get chaotic."
Humaira hesitated. "I'm not sure about this, Jabar. You know I only have beef with Mauja because she was the cause of my mother's problems, but—"
"No matter how difficult the task is, you must complete it. Got it?" Jabar barked.
"Yes, boss!"
"You can come back after you end Mauja's son once and for all," Jabar added. "I also got some beef with Mauja, so destroying her child would be the only way to settle the old scores I had with her."