Ang Mutya Ng Section E (Book - 3) English (On-going)

Keifer's POV

I held my phone tightly as I received a message from Rory.

📩

From: Rory

Message: The building of Section E is set for demolition. We need help.

Why are they demolishing the building? What is Angelo doing? Why did he let that happen? I was about to reply when I heard someone calling me.

"Hey, Newbie! No phones while at work!" a man shouted.

I've been in the CEO's office for almost a week, and they've been calling me "Newbie" the entire time. Clyde gave me a job, but that guy seems annoyed by my presence.

"Make three copies of this," another man said, handing me a few papers. I took them and went to the photocopier, doing as he asked.

This is bullshit! Photocopying, making coffee, preparing presentations, reviewing financial reports, running errands during meetings, taking notes, visiting business partners or investors—this is what I do almost every day. At the same time, I'm learning the ins and outs of the company, aside from marketing and business affairs. It's the work of an intern—or maybe a newbie—but this is not what I signed up for.

After photocopying, I approached the man at his desk and handed him the papers.

"Here," I said.

He arched a brow. "Don't know how to use a stapler?" he asked sarcastically in his deep, hard accent.

I sighed, took the stapler from his desk, and began sorting the papers right in front of him, not breaking eye contact.

"This is how you use a stapler," I said as if I were teaching a child.

One by one, I stapled the papers and handed them over before placing the stapler back on his desk. I forced a smile, resisting the urge to throw it at him.

I returned to my small, old desk in the corner of the room, which looked like it had been through decades of wear and tear. My chair, a relic from the Jurassic era, creaked under my weight.

Glancing at the wall clock, I saw that it was break time. I quickly grabbed my phone and ran to the fire exit, dialing Rory's number.

["Keifer!"] He almost shouted.

"What do you mean by demolition?"

["We don't even know why. The building is said to be scheduled for demolition. Sir Alvin is still talking to them."]

"I'll find someone who can help us."

["Forget about the demolition for now. Listen! Jay-Jay's cousin—Angelo—was amazing!"] Rory suddenly sounded excited.

"What about Angelo?"

["With just one hit, he made Mykel cry like a child!"]

I frowned. "What? I don't understand."

["Oh, right. You don't know yet,"] he said and began explaining everything. He didn't leave out a single detail—including how Mykel hurt Jay-Jay.

"Fuck that bastard!" I cursed, loosening my tie. "Where's Jay-Jay now?"

I swear, I'll break Mykel into pieces. How dare he lay a hand on my girl?

["He's with his older brother. All I know is that they went to the hospital because Aries was there."]

"Thanks, Rory. I'll try to come home." I ended the call.

I slammed my fist against the wall. I had no idea things had gotten this bad since I left. Why did Angelo let this happen? What is he doing? Or does he have a plan? Has he been neglecting them?

They need me.

I rushed to the elevator. I have to go back to the Philippines. Right now, they have no one else to rely on but me.

"Newbie! Where do you think you're going?"

I turned to face the man who had called out to me. Raising my middle finger at him, I stepped into the elevator. I jabbed the floor button so hard it nearly broke. I yanked off my tie and unbuttoned my dress shirt. I could hardly breathe from the anger boiling inside me.

Come on, Keifer, relax!

How the fuck can I relax? Jay-Jay was hurt. She didn't even fight back. That's not like her at all. I won't let her lose. If she can't fight, I'll fight for her.

As soon as the elevator doors opened, Clyde's face greeted me. He was with some employees and assistants.

"Why are you here?" he asked, raising a brow.

"Get the fuck out of my way!" I shouted. They slowly moved aside.

My strides were long and determined as I reached the parking lot, where my driver and bodyguard were already waiting.

"Mr. Keifer?"

"Hotel. Now!" I ordered, getting into the car.

I gripped my phone tightly. I wanted to call Yuri, but I knew he couldn't do anything. He can't interfere anymore. His family wouldn't be happy if he got involved in another mess.

Percy? No, he has nothing to do with our school. He's only there for his half-siblings and step-siblings.

Then who? Who else can I call?

The fraternity crossed my mind, but I'm not a full-fledged member yet, so I have no right to ask for their help. When we arrived at the hotel, I rushed to our suite. Keiren was watching TV when I walked in.

He stood up when he saw me. "Brother?"

"Not now, Keiren."

I headed straight to my room and into the walk-in closet, grabbing a backpack from the floor. I stuffed in a few clothes and zipped it shut. I was about to leave when Keigan blocked my way.

"You're leaving?" he asked in shock.

"Just for a while. I'll be back as soon as possible."

I tried to move past him, but he snatched my bag and threw it aside.

"You're not going anywhere," he said, shoving me slightly.

I ignored him. I'll leave with nothing but my wallet and passport. As I tried to pass him again, he grabbed my phone from my pocket.

"Give it back," I commanded, my voice laced with authority.

"This is the reason you're acting like this. You refuse to leave your problems in the Philippines!"

"Leave my problems in the Philippines? Have you forgotten that our lives are there?"

"Maybe you've forgotten that you have a fight to face here! This isn't just about your inheritance, Keifer. This is about our rights in this family!"

I haven't forgotten. But I can't do things his way. His words only fueled my frustration.

I stepped closer, pointing a finger at his face. "I don't care, Keigan. But don't ever tell me what to do!"

He pushed me—hard. "You're not leaving! Deal with your problems here!"

Damn it!

He held up my phone. "This is your only connection to them. You won't get it back until you do your job."

Furious, I grabbed him by the collar and slammed him against the wall. My fist instinctively raised, ready to strike, but then I saw his eyes. He didn't even flinch. His gaze was lifeless yet full of determination—a silent challenge.

This isn't the Keigan I know.

"Go ahead! Hit me!" he taunted, smirking. "Show me how selfish you are."

I took a deep breath and looked in another direction before slowly lowering my fist.

"Let me guess. This is about that Jay-Jay girl, isn't it?"

I didn't say a word. Instead, I held out my palm, silently asking for my phone. I didn't want to be angry with him. I knew he was only trying to help me from the start, and this wasn't the right way to repay him.

"My phone."

He handed it to me but shook his head.

"No. I'm not giving this to you, and you're not leaving this country. Even if you try, I'll block you—by hook or by crook."

He pocketed my phone and walked past me. I bumped into his arm, but he kept going. I knew that no matter what, I wouldn't let him stop me—even if I had to run away.

I sighed and punched the wall. I'm leaving this country. They need me now. I can't just abandon them. No one will stop me. Keigan might have my phone now, but he still doesn't know about my secret one. I reached under the mattress, pulled it out, and dialed a number.

"Mr. Moskovosky?" I said as he answered my call.

["Mr. Watson. Your private jet is ready. I also have a pilot available for you."]

I smirked. "Thank you. I really appreciate it."

["No problem. Thank you for doing business with us again. Since this is your second transaction, we'll throw in a special freebie."]

I could almost sense his devilish smile. Something about it didn't sit right with me.

"Thank you, Mr. Moskovosky," I said before ending the call.

I quickly typed a message to Edrix.

To: Edrix

Message: This is Keifer. My phone has been compromised.

His response came almost immediately.

📩

From: Edrix

Message: I'm shutting it down.

I sat on the bed and pulled off my top. I knew Keigan was waiting for the right moment to take my phone away again. So, after our last argument, I called Mr. Moskovosky and arranged everything. I actually bought a private jet because I knew I wouldn't be able to leave through the international airport. I also made sure to copy my friends' phone numbers.

Right now, I can't leave. But I'll have my chance—sooner or later. Maybe tomorrow, maybe the next day. I'll let Keigan think he won. If I act normally, he won't suspect a thing.

I stared at my phone. I wanted to talk to Jay-Jay. I needed to know if she was okay. Something told me she wasn't herself. She didn't reciprocate or didn't even fight against Mykel. Jay-Jay wasn't like that. Even if her bones were crushed, she would still fight. So why did she just let it happen?

If I messaged her about what happened, she might wonder how I knew. I couldn't force her to talk to me, but I had to try.

How can I ask her? I composed a message, hoping she would reply.

To: My Future Mrs. Watson

Message: Missing you now. 😘

Just a few seconds after sending it, my phone rang. Her name was the first thing I saw. I sighed before answering.

["Don't speak,"] she said, and I froze. ["...Just listen, please. Just listen to what I have to say. That's all I need."]

Even if she hadn't asked, I wouldn't have spoken.

["My brother died because of me…"] I heard her breathing heavily. ["...B-because I refused to go through with the arranged marriage. But everything changed after that, didn't it? The family that helped me is suffering now. They look down on my cousin… and my brother as well."]

She started crying like a child. The last time she cried like this was when I told her I had used her. That only meant one thing—she had suffered too much because of what happened to Aries.

I wanted to apologize for not being by her side. I wanted to hug her and tell her that everything would be okay. I want… I want to tell her the truth.

I opened my mouth to speak— But the line went dead. She ended the call. I sat there, confused, my mind racing, thinking what to do. I sent her a message immediately.

To: My Future Mrs. Watson

Message: Please continue. Tell me everything.

I tried calling her, but she didn't answer. A nervous feeling crept up on me. Had something happened to her? I called again. Again. And again— Until finally, she picked up.

I exhaled in relief.

["S-sorry if I bothered you…"] Her voice trembled. ["I-I can't talk about this. I feel so weak. I'm unlucky. Everything important to me is falling apart because of my decisions. Even if they don't say it, I know they blame me."]

You're not. You're not a burden. Stop blaming yourself. Yes, sometimes you're a pain in my life, but because of that, you've gotten into my nerves… into my mind… and into my heart. And now, you never leave.

["I feel alone. I can't do anything but lean back."]

I'm here for you. I'm always here for you.

["I've never struggled like this before… even when I used to feel alone."]

Maybe because you've been carrying burden after burden.

["Maybe because…"]

Why?

["...Keifer."]

Shit! I ended the call in shock. Did she just call me? Did she recognize me? How? No… I'm just imagining things. Her sentences were incomplete—that's why I thought she called me. Damn it. Why am I so scared? Just moments ago, I wanted to admit the truth.

I let go of my phone and ran my hands over my face. I was about to call her again when I heard a knock on the door. I immediately hid my secret phone.

"Come in."

It was Keiran. He opened the door and walked toward me. He had this weird look on his face.

"Can I sleep here? I'm scared of Kuya Keigan."

I stood up and went straight to the bathroom to clean myself.

"It's too early to sleep, but suit yourself," I said before closing the bathroom door.

I took a shower to wash away the strange feeling inside me. I badly wanted to go home. I was confused about what I had to do. Why does our school need to be merged? Can't they wait for us to graduate?

Stupid board members! After I'm done, I'll show you who really has the power.

After showering, I went straight to the walk-in closet. I got dressed and returned to Keiren, who was lying on my bed, trying to find a comfortable position.

"Kuya," he called me. "Is it normal to talk to yourself?"

"Murmuring a few words to yourself is normal," I answered without looking at him.

"What about talking and answering yourself? Is that normal?"

I arched a brow and looked at him. "You think too much."

He sat up and rubbed his eyes, looking at me as if he was having second thoughts.

"What?" I asked.

"Can I tell you a secret about Kuya Keigan?"

I simply nodded before he moved closer to me. He leaned in and whispered in my ear.

"I heard Kuya Keigan arguing with himself. He was talking as if there were many people in front of him, but when I looked, there was no one—just him."

What is happening to Keigan?

"M-maybe he was talking on the phone. He's probably using his wireless headphones," I explained and stood up.

Keiren still looked uncertain.

"This isn't the first time, Brother. I've heard him before. He even said he was going to kill the woman," he insisted.

I thought for a moment. Dispatch? Who?

"Go to sleep, Keiren."

He lay down and covered himself with a blanket. I walked out of my room, intending to go to Keigan's room, but I saw him walk out of the suite.

"Keifer, have you seen Keiren?" It was Honey.

She was hurrying, glancing around anxiously.

"He's in my room."

She sighed, but the fear on her face remained. I crossed my arms and waited for her to speak.

"He's here. He checked in." Her eyes avoided mine.

"Who?"

"Y-your dad."

My arms fell to my sides. I couldn't find the right words to express my anger. How did he check into the hotel? This place is highly secured, and my instructions were clear—he was banned from entering.

My feet moved on their own as I stormed out of the suite, Honey following close behind.

"WHO THE HELL LET HIM IN?" I shouted in outrage.

"Keigan is still finding out."

I quickened my pace. I didn't care who I had to confront—I just needed to get him out of here.

"Where's the manager—?" I stopped when I saw Keigan running toward me.

"You left Keiren alone?" he asked in horror.

Honey and I looked at each other before sprinting back to the suite, Keigan right beside us, making frantic calls on his phone. As we turned into the hallway, we froze. The bodyguards stationed outside the door had collapsed.

"KEIREN!" I screamed, my voice nearly breaking.

I threw the door open, and my heart almost stopped. Keiren was sitting on the sofa, shaking, while the monster sat across from him.

"K-Kuya," he called, his voice trembling with fear.

"Keifer." His voice still had an effect on me. "You left your younger brother alone?" he asked with a smirk.

"What do you want?" I tried my best to hide my anger.

Just seeing him was enough to tempt me to lose my sanity. My fists clenched, itching to strike him.

Damn this!

"Visiting my sons." He glanced at me and then at Keigan, who stood behind me. "You're taller now than the last time we met."

"If you have nothing to say, please leave." I pointed at the door.

He chuckled and shook his head. "So disrespectful. Is that how you greet your father?"

You don't deserve any respect from me.

"Why don't you sit down? Let's have a little chat." He motioned toward the sofa beside him—with a gun.

Honey clutched my arm. I could hear Keigan's breathing grow heavier. I forced myself not to look away from him. He really was a monster. He didn't even care that Keiren was terrified of what he was doing.

"You don't want to? Okay, let's talk like this." He leaned back and crossed his legs. "So, I heard you're training for the CEO position." He chuckled bitterly. "I'm more useful to you than your siblings."

He pointed the gun at me, mimicking the motion of firing. Keigan, Keiren, and Honey all gasped. He laughed at their reactions. Keiren silently cried, looking at me with pleading eyes. I couldn't act recklessly—Keiren's safety came first.

"Tell me, my son, is there no one who can stop the transfer of mana to you?" He smiled wickedly. "Not even your older brother?"

"O-older brother?" Keigan asked, stepping forward. "That's just a hoax. A fake rumor."

He laughed. "Maybe… or maybe not."

Then, he stood up and approached Keiren. I tried to move ahead of him, but my legs weren't fast enough. He grabbed my brother's hair. I could see him trembling as he continued to cry silently.

"Take good care of your brothers. Never take your eyes off them. Who knows what might happen?" He smirked and let him go.

Keigan and Honey immediately stepped aside, leaving his path clear. I rushed to Keiren and pulled him into my arms, watching as the monster walked out the door.

As soon as he left, Keiren broke into loud sobs.

"Brother! Don't let him take me! I don't want to go with him!"

"No! I won't let that happen," I said, holding him tightly.

Why is this happening to me? What did I do to deserve this punishment?