Chapter 184 - Ally For a Lifetime

Reality hit Harold Smith. Andrea, Lu Fang's wife was the apparent owner of Andres Islands. No wonder the resort's owner was so eager to help him. No wonder the hotel's General Manager was being extra friendly to them during their last stay. 

He stood there for almost a minute absorbing the blows to his ego and pride, his hard work being taken away by a mere woman who he thought was a nobody. 

The board of directors resumed their meeting, completely ignoring Harold. He was aided by his assistant to step outside the room and the moment he was brought back to his senses, he hurriedly left and went home to report to his wife. 

Intramed Wise announced its new CEO the following business day. Citizens were astounded with the development of Darwin Cark's case. The apparent missing fiance turned out to have hidden himself due to the threat of his life.

A video of Harold's phone conversation taken at the Peninsula Hotel, Beijing was leaked through the internet, further occurring the authorities to establish leads.  

In the video, Harold was seen walking back and forth in a secluded area of the hotel lobby while on the phone. "Are you certain that Darwin is already dead? I paid you a whole lot of money to get the job done! You better be sure of it."

His voice was well heard and there was no doubt about the meaning of his words. He was the reason for Darwin Cark's initial disappearance. 

The Smiths were are their home planning their escape. While the warrant was not yet issued, it was best for them to leave the country. 

"Daddy, I don't understand what is happening? Can't we just pay them off?" Patricia's eyes were puffed, having cried for hours, sensing all the luxuries in life that she had experienced may disappear soon.  

"This was your fault!" Pamela pointed out to Patricia. "Starting with Darwin, from the beginning this was all your fault, Patricia! You led us to this point. After I have told you!" She looked at both her daughter and husband, she resumed her outburst, "I told you to stop this pursuit over Lu Fang, but no, you simply did not listen!"

"Mom! I don't understand! How is Lu Fang related to all of this - "

"Patricia," Harold called for her and asked her to sit beside him on the sofa. He let out a sigh before explaining further, "It was Lu Fang and Andrea who helped Darwin. Andrea was evidently the owner of the Maldives Resorts whom I sold my shares to."

"What? Daddy, I thought she was just a bodyguard?" 

"Clearly, she was not as simple as we thought she was. There's more to her than meets the eye. I think she might have been the brains to all our misfortunes."

Patricia despised of the truth. She was very confident she would win against Andrea, if not for Darwin's interference, she was positive that Lu Fang's attention would turn to her, ultimately. 

Harold looked around his home, knowing it may be the last time he would see it. "I had no idea. I trusted the word of the General Manager and agreed with the transfer of shares at a lower cost, being promised a collaboration with the Yeong's of Korea and the Xias of China. Besides, we have been visiting their resort multiple times, and I never imagined the owner was one we already know."

Harold recalled their conversation with the General Manager. He was told that the owner was very private and requested that the buying of shares be kept a secret. "He would reveal himself in due time," said Suresh, the resort's GM. 

"You see, Patricia! This was all your fault!" Pamela shouted at her. She walked back in circles until she realized, she did not have to go down with them. "I am tired of this. I will leave you two in this battle."

Pamela left them without another word. After years of being made the villain in their family, she finally gave up. Knowing her knowledge about the crime would incriminate her, she went straight to the police station and testified against Harold.

Harold and Patricia sought to leave the country, but they were apprehended at the airport. Later, they found out that it was Pamela who gave away their intention to flee and had surrendered pieces of evidence proving their involvement in the attempt to Darwin's life. 

While Smiths met their end, Darwin had his car parked outside their home, waiting for the right moment to enter. An hour had passed, and he had seen his sister go inside together with his mother. They seemed well, though he noticed they were no longer using the luxury car he bought for them, nor were they in luxury clothes. 

What could have happened while he was away? Did they eat well? How did they find for themselves? These were the questions that ran through his mind. 

He realized how much his actions had caused his family a great lost and wondered if they still welcomed him in their home. He took a deep breath and found the courage to drive his car in front of their lawn. As he stepped out, he heard his sister cry out for him. 

"Darwin! Darwin!" She was already in tears, gasping for air at the sight of him. She rushed to the side of the car immediately threw herself in his arms. His sister, Deana Clark cried and cried until Darwin found himself in tears hugging her back with the same warmth. 

His mother also came out, her eyes already red. Without hesitation she came forward to hug her son and giving him kisses on the face, thankful for his return. After more than two years of not knowing, her son was finally back. 

"Mother, I'm sorry… I.'m sorry -  for all my wrong decisions."

"Hush now son. What's important is now… now that you are back with us," said his mother who went back to hugging him tightly. 

It was a very emotional moment at the Clark Residence. Darwin felt he had a second chance in life and he owed it all to the Lu couple. He swore to be their ally for a lifetime.