Chapter 174 - A Crime Solved

The couple returned home with the good news.  A baby boy was on the way, and the grandparents couldn't contain their joy. They were already suggesting names and gave out too many precautions, making Allie felt dizzy and suffocated. They were already excited when they first learned about it, but she couldn't understand what's with the gender that made them exhilarated.

Early the next morning, Ryan called up and requested a video call during their breakfast.

"I received a call a while ago that a suspect of the kidnapping case was arrested last night. The plate number of the van the suspect used coincided with the plate number of the van, which Chloe entered into as shown by the video footage."

"What about the gift?" Mr. Lopez asked, his voice was full of anxiety.

"There's a code found in his wallet, which was similar to the initials written on the gift tag."

"For a while, how did Ryan know about the gift and the gift tag?" Allie asked no one in particular, but Ajie spoke out first to answer her question. She gained everyone's attention, including Ryan, who looked at her at the screen. His smile seemed never to leave his face.

"I told him about what happened, and he asked to keep the gift wrapper and the gift tag."

Allie felt relieved and sighed, thankful at Ryan, who intervened for them even with such a short period of getting to know each other. He was worth their trust, after all.

"What's the motive?" Mrs. Lopez asked this time, after a while of keeping her silence.

Ryan gazed at Allie, and the latter got nervous. She held her breath as Ryan continued to speak.

"He's a son of a business tycoon who fell secretly for Allie. He was already following her, finding his chance to say his intention, but Hayri was so tight on his guard."

"Really?" Allie could not believe it happened. She could not remember either that someone made some romantic approaches to her.

"Perhaps, there is something in his mental condition. His reasoning is not acceptable from a sound mind's perspective. It's already an obsession in my point of view."

He then shrugged as he continued, "Well, he can afford if this is just a game for him. He perhaps doesn't have something entertaining to spend his money with."

"I hope he doesn't get away," Ajie cursed under his breath, "he even involved an innocent child."

"I won't let him. Don't worry," Ryan swore before an angry expression covered his entire aura.

Everyone showered him then with admiration and thanks. If not for his influence, tracing the culprit would be difficult if it happened in another country.

"This calls for a celebration. A crime solved, and a baby boy is coming!" Mr. Lopez suggested, chuckling loudly afterward.

"That's a good idea, uncle." Ryan agreed with a thumb up.

"What can you suggest?" 

"What about an island escapade? I own a beautiful island, and you might love it. It's been a while also since I went there."

Everybody agreed and set the date. They already started planning on what food to buy and the things to bring.

Meanwhile, during Allyza's cruise to Japan, Joanna received a call from their manager informing her that their employer granted them a one-week vacation in the Philippines. During their absence, another band would join the cruise on their behalf. Everyone got excited, and it meant paid hotel accommodation, free amenities, and food. 

"What would you like to suggest?" 

"Life at the beach, of course!" their lead guitarist suggested.

"I'd suggest surfing!" another suggested.

"I love mountain climbing, river trekking, and chasing waterfalls!" 

"My goodness! We are not physically fit to do that. How can you climb a mountain if you can't even climb a stair without panting?"

"Okay, I'll go for your suggestions."

Once the meeting ended, Joanna came back to their room and found Andrew watching a musical show. His mood improved, and he took his medications regularly for a couple of days already. Every day, Leo and Issa visited him, and he no longer rejected them as he did on the first days. During his daily session with Joanna, his cooperation improved, and he started to speak up.

"Andrew, I'm happy to see you like that. What is it you are watching?"

Andrew glanced up and smiled before he replied, "A concert."

"Tell me more about it."

"This is the fundraising concert held in PICC in honor of Ryan Cayabyab."

Joanna smiled in happiness, seeing that Andrew was back to his real self. He already missed many performances, and the people who looked forward to watching his concert during their booking were already looking for him.

"By the way, we are given a break, and the rest choose a beach getaway. So we will drop by the time we reach Japan and catch a flight going to our destination. How do you like it?"

Andrew stared at her for a moment, trying to open up his mouth to speak but lost the courage in the end. Joanna caught his expression, and she asked, "Do you want to tell me something? Andrew, you know I'm willing to listen."

"What about Uncle Leo and Auntie Elsa?"

Joanna smiled at the courage he mustered, and she knew it was difficult for him even to mention their names.

"I have not talked to them yet. They choose to stay here because of you."

Andrew looked back at the screen and pretended to watch the show again.

"Andrew, I know it must be difficult for you to talk about them, but you know, I am very much willing to listen. I still remember you told me that your parents always quarreled. What could be the reason for that?"

"It's because father knew I am not his real son and that he could tell that mother still loved her ex-boyfriend."

"If given a chance, do you think your father Raul will inform Uncle Leo that you are his biological son?"