Chapter 127 - CHAPTER 127: BY HOOK OR BY CROOK

"You need to become a strong person, Marcus. You should not let your guard down. I'm sure with your grandmother's situation, once it goes public, different kinds of people will flock to you. Some will come to you as an ally but the truth is they are wolves in sheep's clothing." Barry lectured his son as soon as they got home at Marcus' house. 

"You can't let them see your weakness."

Marcus couldn't say a word. He's still in distress but he was trying to become strong as what his father had said. 

"That won't do…" Barry raised his brows. He seems to have read what's going on in Marcus' mind. "Keeping silent will not make you tough. It's more than that." 

Now he got Marcus' attention. 

"Don't worry, I will surely teach you to rise above the heavens." Barry smirked. "But first, would you mind telling me what's going on? I haven't seen your wife till now."

Once again, he lowered his head in grief upon thinking that Jade left him. 

"I need to find her. I must find her and bring her back to me." Marcus heaved a heavy sigh before looking at his father. He hesitated a little but maybe he could share his troubles to his old man. 

"Can you help me find her?" He asked after relaying the entire story. 

"It's quite complicated since there are two women involved with you. One was coming after you and the other left because of you. Hmmm." Barry released a sigh. "But don't worry, I will surely help you locate Jade's whereabouts. For the meantime, focus on your lessons." He smirked. And as soon as Barry finished speaking, five big men entered the house. They look like goons who are ready for combat. 

Afterwards, he motioned the men to take Marcus. "Wait, what is this? Where are you taking me? I… I didn't agree to any of this. I… I need to run the company!" He yelped while being dragged by the men. 

"It'll soon be over, son. Don't worry about your work, bosses don't have to be present at the company anytime. They can work at their own pace." The man smirked contentedly. 

For over seven months, no one at the company ever saw Marcus since the day they heard about the bad fortune of the chairwoman. Until now, she hadn't woken up yet from the vegetative state she's under. 

As for his work, either Sonny or Zenia brings the documents to his house. However, Zenia never had the chance to get a glimpse of Marcus. No one, not even the boards had seen him even during their virtual meetings since that day. Ah, how she misses the young CEO. 

Lucky for Sonny, he's still in contact with Marcus. Barry doesn't like his son meeting people for the time being but he made an exception when Marcus pleaded to at least allow Sonny to be by his side. 

Sonny saw the rigorous training Marcus has to undergo. He was with him almost every day and his heart wretch for him. He never expected the training to be more on the physical. He thought he'll be training the young man how to succeed in his job but looking at it, he seems to be training someone to become the head of a notorious gang!

Is this the strength he had mentioned few months ago? Sonny needs to hide his unsettling feelings. Looks like the chairwoman's most fearful day have come to pass. 

Hope she wakes up soon. If not, Marcus might become a monster that everybody fears in the whole country!

As for Zion, he continued looking for the child as per Peter's order. However, his connection with Zenia slowly faded when the woman decided to work under Marcus. Peter didn't make it a big deal since Zenia showed that she's still doing her job. But Zion views her commitment to be half-hearted. It was obvious that her full attention is with serving Marcus. 

Because of that, Zion and Jasmine's friendship deepened as months goes by. With Jade's disappearance and Zenia's change, it brought the two even closer with each other. Some people even ȧssumed they are romantically attached but they didn't mind it so far. 

"Have you heard from Jade?" Zion asked as soon as they sat opposite each other. A lady waiter also came to ask for their order. 

They placed their orders and as soon as the lady waiter left, Jasmine released a frustrated sigh. Zion already knew what the sigh meant. 

"Same old, huh." He muttered.

"Ehm… still nothing from her. I wonder how she's doing now. It's been months that we haven't heard from her. I don't even know if she's still alive." She always gets upset whenever they talk about Jade. 

Yes, they never heard anything from her since she left the city. They even tried to ask the police's cooperation but until now, she's nowhere to be found. Did she perhaps leave for another country? Possible! Nevertheless, they don't know where to find her.

"By the way, how's your search for the child? Any improvements?" Jasmine diverted the topic because they both know that no matter how they talk about Jade, it won't help ease the disappointments they've been feeling the past few months. 

"I think I'm nearing a breakthrough." Doctor Zion gave a hopeful glow. "I'm close, that I know."

"Does that mean you have found some hints?"

"Maybe." He smirked playfully. Jasmine heave a sigh. Although Zion told her about the child whom he was searching for, he never failed to amuse the lady with the secrets he hadn't told her yet. She wanted to get mad due to Zion's secretive nature but she chose to respect the privacy he set between them. 

She feels upset but she's just a friend and not a girlfriend who would demands transparency.

"Tsk! you and your secrets!" She whimpered.

************************

"How is the search for Jade?" Marcus asked when he saw Barry scurrying towards him. He had just finish taking down one of his trainer when Barry entered the room. 

He shook his head. "She's nowhere to be found."

"But you promise me you'll find her within six months! Look, seven months had passed yet you haven't found her!" Marcus was upset. The thought of Jade delivering their baby painfully grieves him. "I'm done here. I'll find her myself." 

He was about to leave but Barry stopped him instantly. 

"You're right, I failed to find her. That's why I sent my men overseas to look for her. It may take time but I will keep my promise, son. She's my daughter in law as well and she's carrying my grandchild. It's my duty to protect them too." He sounded sincere. 

Marcus heard his father but a hint of doubt flashed in his eyes. He didn't let Barry see his wariness so he faked a smile as he turned to face the middle-aged man. "I understand. Please, let me know once you find her."

"Of course, you can count on me, son." He faked a smile. Then as soon as his son left the room, he immediately took his phone that kept on buzzing since a while ago. 

"What? You found her?" Despites the shock, Barry have to maintain a soft voice, or else, Marcus might hear him.

"Okay, send me every detail and make sure to keep it from my son. Don't let him know unless we are certain it is her, you understand?"

"Yes sir!" The man on the other line reported. He can hear the young man's excitement before disconnecting the call. As soon as the call ended, Barry anxiously look to where Marcus exited. 

'I'm sorry, son, but a weak woman doesn't deserve to be on your side. I'll find your child but Jade should never come back.' Barry muttered softly. He's been observing the woman since he arrived in the country. She's kind but weak and Marcus doesn't need a feeble woman by his side. He needs to have a strong and wise confidant.

Of course, someone who he can easily manipulate. Barry grinned at his own thoughts. There are some alterations with his original plan but the changes aren't bad at all. In fact, it was better than his original schemes!