Berreta's POV

After we had our conversation with the Condez, we went out of the municipal hall. Sandro was following me from behind. But even though I couldn't see him, I knew something was bothering him.

"Stop holding back, Dracula. Say something," I told him while we were heading to the car.

"This is unbelievable," he said. "Have you noticed how those people look at each other?"

"Of course. I have my own eyes, Dracula."

"That's not my point, Berreta. What if they're already talking about you? What if they will find out about you? They will question you!"

I halted and faced Sandro. He looked troubled. Didn't he know me well?

"I should know, Dracula. Have you forgotten my tricks?" I raised my brow at him while he creased his.

"What do you mean?" He asked in confusion.

"I'm not stupid, Dracula. You really think I will leave the office without planting an audio device under his table?"

His lips parted. Shock was evident in his eyes.

"Right?" I smirked. "So worry not, Dracula. I know what I am doing."

"What if they will find it out?"

"It would take time. The device looks like a screw in the first look."

"Wow," he whispered. "You are indeed Lucia. Satanic!"

I bursted into a loud laugh. I would let him think whatever he wanted to think of me. This was me... Berreta.

We went back to the car. Greg was already there waiting for us. He sat at the back.

"All done, Lucia," Greg said. "I am certain that we have convinced Amon. He won't spy you. I have sent him all the supporting information specially about your business."

"Good," I replied. "I doubt he will question us. I am more confident that one of these days, he will be tailing me around."

"Indeed, Lucia. You should be careful."

"No need to remind me, Greg. I am an octopus. I can regenerate myself from injury."

"Sure thing, Lucia."

"You may now leave. Keep safe," I said.

"Thank you."

He stepped out of the car and locked the door after. When he disappeared out of my sight, I peered at the side of Sandro who had been watching me.

"I know what you're thinking," I said.

"Assuming," he replied and I chuckled. He started the engine and we drove away.

Abbadon's POV

"I doubt it, Dad. I know she can be trusted," I rebutted.

He had been accusing Lucia as a scammer. I didn't believe him because I knew Lucia. She was the nephew of Gregorio. Uncle Greg never lied to us and I can't see any reason to doubt him, nor to suspect Lucia and her husband. They even generous for donating. $2M was big enough to continue supporting children in our charitable project.

"I know," Dad replied. "Two million dollars? Come to think of it, Abbadon. Who would even donate such a big amount of money? Are they crazy?"

"She's powerful, Dad. Besides, where will her money go? She's not supporting someone. Just like she said, she has no child. And she's right. These children need the money more than this couple."

Dad remained silent. I knew how problematic he was. And now he's thinking of something else.

"If we can ask some help financially from her, why not offer her a new project? We can use her money to expand or create new business."

My forehead creased. "Are you out of your mind, Dad? You'll take her for granted?"

"If her intention is really clean, she will take this project. We can tell her that this project is for the improvement of Bohol."

I shook my head in disagreement. No, I would never tolerate that. Did he really think he could get Lucia's trust that easy?

"And this is for your reputation, Abbadon. We will name this project to you," he added.

I didn't reply. I wanted to be the Mayor of Garcia-Hernandez. My dad's reputation was enough to win the election but I wanted to make a name too. On my own. I wanted to work hard for this.

"Son, we will be needing Lucia and her money. This is not just for you, Bohol will benefit from it," Dad said.

I looked away from him. I couldn't agree to his plan. This was risky and shameful.

Berreta's POV

"Do you believe me now?" I asked Sandro as I let him listen the conversation of two Condez. I connected the audio device to the stereo.

"Damn it," he cursed. "This is what I am telling you, Berreta. I know this will come to happen but you're not listening!"

I just smiled at him. I turned off the radio which was connected to the audio device. It was also connected to our operating room inside our hideout.

"What's your plan now?" He asked, breathing heavily.

"What else? I should give them what they want."

"For what, Berreta? They will squander your money!"

"Of course they will, Dracula. Because money is what keeps them working. It makes them function."

I turned away from him. What else could I expect from money and from people who wanted to be powerful? They would do anything— even selling their souls to the gods just to get what they wanted.

You wanted to become powerful? Be wealthy first. Sit on the throne where all you do was to watch your people suffering while you were enjoying your whole existence.

I heard Sandro's heavy sigh. There was a regret in my chest that he was involved in this operation. He always opposed, even with Magnum and Kimber. He always chose what was good and safe.

When we arrived at our place, I saw my team having their meal. When they saw me, they stood up and honored me.

"Gran Matador," they all greeted with their head down.

"Prepare my bank accounts. I'll be needing more money this time," I told them immediately.

"Is this for you new mission?" Peacock asked and I quickly nodded.

"May we know what's your plan?" Squid asked.

"The Condez wants my money and that's for sure. They will utilize me to add scent to their names. Isn't it exciting?"

They looked at each other with confusion. I glanced at Sandro and smiled at him before I turned to my team again.

"Nevermind. Just do what I told you to. I'll be discussing you my plans once I have gathered data," I stated and whipped around. "Cuttlefish, follow me." I added as I walked out.

I went straight to the operating room. Two people followed me from behind. I opened the cabinet and searched for my box of cigarette and a lighter.

"Gran Matador," Cuttlefish called.

"I need you to hack Governor's CCTV. The one that's inside his office," I demanded.

"Do you have the complete information?" She asked.

I dugged my hand inside my pocket and fished out the paper Greg had given me. It contained the IP Address, User ID and other necessary information to hack the CCTV. I gave it to Cuttlefish and she took it from me.

"Thank you," she said.

I lit my cigarette and puffed it. I glanced at Sandro as I blew the smoke out of my mouth. I smiled at him but he just shook his head in disapproval.

"I'll just wind up," he said as he poked his head towards the door.

"Sure," I replied. I puffed my cigarette as I watched him walk out of the operating room. He went outside and shut the door.

"Can we trust him?" Cuttlefish quickly asked the moment Sandro disappeared.

"Worry not. I can handle him," I replied.

I blew out the smoke through my lips.

Careful, Dracula.