Two days went back in a blur and it was the most difficult time of Marcel's life. There was still no sign of Daniel and if Richardo had killed him, his body didn't show up. But then, who was he deceiving? If Richardo killed Daniel, there is no way that he would be quiet about it. He would put his head on a spike and dismay it all around the city. Not that Richardo was going to do that openly, of course, this was the twenty-fourth century, not ancient Rome.
He would probably send him his severed head in a box just to agitate him and rub his victory all over his face. Ironically, Daniel's death would be a huge relief because Marcel felt a whole lot of unease - the fear that his power-hungry father might have joined forces with his enemy. He has watched Daniel over the years and that man was hard to kill. No matter what dangerous situation he was in, he always found a way to emerge alive, especially at the expense of another. Another like Angelica.
As expected of him as a leader, Marcel has gone to visit the woman but Adele was not speaking to him. He understood her anger, of course, Daniel was the reason her mother was in that pitiful condition - unable to walk for the rest of her life. His bastard father knew how dangerous it was at the moment, everyone had gone into hiding thanks to the threat hanging over them, and yet he had the nerve to invite an innocent woman to his place?!
If Marcel thought Daniel was redeemable, the hope was doused now. Daniel could not be saved. He was selfish and would always put himself before others. Natalie was right, his father should not be around them. He was like a weed that looked innocent at first only to choke the life out of the others.
Hence he couldn't call Adele for duty even though he needed all hands on deck especially those close to him - people he could trust. She had enough on her plate already and he was sure his face was the last thing she wanted to see. Daniel has his father's eyes and he could guess how that constant reminder would haunt her.
Marcel was alone in the meeting. These days, he hardly spends time on his bed, always here thinking and plotting his move. They got Intel on Richardo's location. But while Marcel might have charged into battle blindly, he had to consider the possibility that Richardo and Daniel were working together now and this may as well be a trap. He would not send his people into a slaughter.
He sat astride the sofa, his leg dangling from the armrest while his head was thrown back, his arm draped carelessly over his face. A sigh escaped his lips when he realized the weight of the situation. He had sent the news of Daniel's disappearance and possible to cahoot with Richardo to Eric and begged him to tighten the security around Arianna.
Had Marcel known this would happen, he would have sent Arianna out of the country on time. It would have been much safer and he wouldn't have her return until she gave birth successfully and he has erased every form of threat to her life.
He missed her. It was so lonely here and with the weight of everything. It was just too much. However, it was for her safety. Surely, his father wasn't so cruel that he would agree to murder the woman he loves, right?
Marcel let out a deeper sigh this time, putting down his hand. He has sent out men to scout the location and if Richardo was indeed there, they would attack the latest tomorrow. Marcel hated the waiting. The more time they wasted, the opportunity given to his father to carry out whatever crazy plot he had in his head no doubt.
What if he's been held, hostage? The thought crossed Marcel's mind, but he shook it away. He knew Daniel thoroughly and the man would surely cut a deal with Richardo. That was how much he loved his life. He would never change.
So his lovely father would end his life then? His death is the only way Richardo's anger would be appeased. Marcel laughed mirthfully at the turnout. He always pointed out the fact Daniel would be the death of him, now it was happening.
His attention turned to the door when he felt the knob turn and his senses went on high alert, already reaching for his gun by his side. These days, Marcel wasn't so trusting anymore. Dealing with Richardo might have been a piece of cake, but his father in question might have moles amongst his people. He was very much aware of that possibility.
But then he had no reason to worry because it was Luka and he calmed down. If there was anyone that he trusted with his life, it was him.
"What is it?" He asked, already sitting straight.
"It's Victor."
The instant Marcel heard that, his heart nearly flew out of his chest thinking that Richardo might have gotten to him. He was the second person he treasured after Arianna - and Daniel knew that.
His voice was tensed now when he asked, "What about him?"
"He wants to leave the hospital," Luka revealed and Marcel released a deep breath. There was no reason to worry aside from his cousin throwing a tantrum.
"He wants to help out, but doesn't understand that he's in no state to fight. It would help if you called him because he's giving Eric's people keeping him safe a reason to tie him up and they keep calling me instead."
"Damn it, Victor." Marcel cursed just as he dragged his body off the seat with a groan as he walked to the desk where he dropped his phone.
And the greatest mistake he committed was to turn his back to Luka, because the next thing Marcel knew, a needle was jabbed in his throat and he yelped in pain before reaching out to pull it from his neck.
Marcel turned to Luka with wide eyes, "H-how...?" His closest soldier was Daniel's mole. It didn't make any sense.
But it was too late.
His vision swam and his world went dark.
