Chapter 222 - The Islet Mystery 38

After some persuasion to leave the matter to him, Ryan brought his guests back to the house. He was familiar with the place more than themselves and that he was more capable of finding quicker means. He already had existing forces on standby who also knew the corners of this aqua paradise, like knowing their own backyard. They were supposed to explore several islands more for a few days, but the incident prompted him to place them all at his base. He could not tell them about Shiela's escape, or else, it would arouse suspicion on their part and bring him further trouble.

Ryan offered them tea from the concocted Chara flowers, afraid that the elderlies' anxiety would trigger their hypertension or any heart ailments. Jane was also quick in letting her mother take the anxiolytics she used to take before Ajie returned to them. When the effect of the medication set in after a few minutes, Mrs. Lopez finally calmed down and drifted off to sleep as her husband laid her down on the couch.

Watching them as they gathered in the living room, Ryan recalled this same reaction when he took Chloe from them. This similar willingness to die for the loss of one moved him deeply. Too many killings and cruelty happened before his very eyes, but never had he ever seen that someone in his family got affected.

Mr. Dioko followed Ryan as he went to the dining room. He looked calm and composed, but Ryan could see clearly the fear and worries in his eyes. For men of few words like Mr. Dioko, their actions always speak louder than words.

"Son, how may I help you? I also have my men. I can let them come over."

The respect Mr. Dioko showed stirred a sense of admiration from Ryan. Though he could be more powerful, being in a successful chain of businesses for several years, his way of offering his assistance showed no intention to overlap Ryan's capacity.

"I can handle this, uncle. Trust me."

Mr. Dioko nodded, lost in his thoughts right away. Ryan just observed him and wondered how his parents took advantage of his kindness. He was set for revenge to this man as his father had ordered, but this battle without intense fightings seemed to him a boring one. Just when Ryan dismissed the hope that Mr. Dioko would ever talk again, he cleared his throat and opened his mouth.

"If only I could die on behalf of my children's safety and happiness, I would," Mr. Dioko started to talk, his voice was so full of emotion.  "Just what are the fame and riches in this world for if you lost the ones who give the true meaning of your existence?" 

In Ryan's world, these ideals didn't exist. His father was too blinded with greed for wealth and power that it didn't matter to him if his son would follow his wicked ways. It didn't matter to him if his son's life becomes endangered, his name tarnished, and his happiness denied. What only mattered were his orders being followed, and his plans worked out. Fixing his eyes to Mr. Dioko now, contemplating his words, made him, all of a sudden, lost his will to obey his father's order.

While they stayed in silence once again, the deafening sound of a chopper's whirling blades disrupted their thoughts. The sound of the air vortex told them that the craft was about to land in close proximity. Ryan sprang up to his feet, casting Mr. Dioko a frightened look before he walked ahead of him. Mr. Dioko followed, and they went back to the living room where the rest of them were still there, also wondering who came at this hour. However, they also quickly presumed that perhaps, they were Ryan's men on their areal search.

"Ryan, I think that tea makes me feel better. I'm sweating all over, and after that, I feel good," Mr. Lopez greeted them back with this announcement, unalarmed at all by the strange and frightened look.

"Yes, uncle. It's from the weeds in Chara pool. We have been using it as our natural medicine," Ryan, somehow, managed to answer, completely concealing his discomfort.

"There are healing wonders of nature, indeed, and there is wisdom in all ancient medicine."

Just as Jane and Cherry were about to share their thoughts on this, a loud knocking on the main door jolted them all in their seats. It was so loud it almost shook the door, sending all their attention to it. Ryan then strode forward but Mr. Dioko held his arm to stop him.

"Let me do it," Mr. Dioko's voice was a little louder than a whisper but was firm and in full command.

Ryan glanced at him, surprised by this thoughtfulness. He stopped for a while and stared at him.

"Son, my days are already numbered. I guess it's something threatening, so let me do it. Just please save my children."

Mr. Dioko brushed past Ryan, whose feet pinned on the floor, then strode towards the door. As he placed a hand on the doorknob, Ryan quickly placed his hand above his.

"Uncle, join the rest. It must be one of my father's dramatic entrances."

A sudden rush of horrifying sensation enveloped Mr. Dioko's whole system that his spine started to creep up. He moved quickly towards the rest and placed himself in front of all of them. As soon as the door flung open, it revealed a sturdy man in his fifties, backed up by a few bodyguards. His eyes fell on them right away, scanning Mr. Dioko from head to toe, a few seconds after. He suddenly laughed hard until tears stung in his eyes.

"What a wonderful surprise! Nothing makes me more excited than to see a traitor's head on a platter," said Mr. Te in between his derisive laughter.

"Mr. Te. I'm glad to know you're out of jail already," Mr. Dioko replied, ignoring his threatening comment.

"In this wicked world, man, money works! Do you know how? A stupid jail warden sets me free in exchange for my petty coins." Mr. Te laughed again, and his devilish laughter sent shivers to Jane and Cherry's napes.