Two days later, a couple were crying at the police station.
"Please, officer…... she's only twelve. We're begging you, please find her..." the wife sobbed uncontrollably, while her husband tried to console her.
"Don't worry, we'll find your daughter. Just try to stay calm," the officer said as he filed the FIR.
The couple returned home. The wife was completely out of her mind...disoriented and shaking. As she walked toward their room, she stumbled upon a box lying near the door.
There was a card attached:
"Mom, Dad, I miss you."
Her heart skipped a beat. She ripped the packaging open with trembling hands.
"No.... please, no…...."
Inside, they found their daughter's beautiful blonde hair and her favorite hairband. But that wasn't the only thing. There was a letter.
"If you don't want your daughter sent back to you in pieces, withdraw the FIR and sell the property quietly."
The very next day, the property was sold. At their request, the officer cancelled the FIR.
They waited outside their house, hearts pounding. Finally, a black car pulled up and dropped a large gift box before speeding off.
"No... no... my baby!" the mother cried, rushing to open it while her husband did the same.
Inside, they found their daughter. She was asleep. Her hair had been chopped short, but she was safe.
"Hey, Janquin," Jose said on the phone.
"Yeah, boss?" Janquin answered, half-asleep.
"There's a restaurant the Mayor wants to own. Think you can make it happen?" Jose asked while walking.
"No problem," Janquin replied and hung up before going right back to sleep.
The next day, the restaurant was buzzing with customers. Its beautiful interior and dreamy ambiance made it feel like heaven.
People were dining peacefully. A group of girls performed on stage.
Outside, four cars rolled up. Men in masks stepped out.
They walked straight in, armed with guns. The security approached them.
"Excuse me, sir....if you don't have a pass, you can't....."
Bang!
The guard's face exploded in blood.
Another security guard tried to run but was gunned down from behind. The once-pristine white floors were now drenched in red.
"No! No!" a woman screamed.
"Run! Run!" patrons shouted, chaos erupting all around.
"Grab as many as you can," one masked man ordered.
By the time they left, all the security guards were dead.
The restaurant owner collapsed on the street outside his building. He was crying hysterically, pounding his chest in desperation.
People walked past, pretending not to see. Mothers covered their children's eyes. No one helped. No one stopped. His cries were meaningless.
He didn't want to let go of the restaurant, but he had no choice. No one could help him. No one was listening.
The next day, the headline read:
"Restaurant Owner Found Dead at Home ... Unable to Bear the Loss"
"That's sad," the Mayor muttered, sipping alcohol while reading the paper.
Elsewhere, in another luxurious restaurant, Francisco's entire gang was gathered. Mendez, Janquin, Dalgedo, and their men were all present.
They were celebrating their rule over Porto. But Dalgedo kept shooting glances at Janquin, who completely ignored him.
Mendez stood on a table, holding his wine glass high.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it's an honor to announce that our Mayor is fully dedicating himself to the betterment of this city. So, in the name of our respected Mayor....please raise your glasses!" he shouted.
"Yeah!" the gang cheered, lifting their glasses.
Then the door opened.
The Mayor entered with a group of stunning models. Mendez and two of his henchmen followed. As Mendez glanced at Francisco and his crew, they bowed slightly in respect to their boss.
The party kicked into full swing. Music blared, girls danced, and the pool was full of laughter and champagne.
Watching the dancers, Francisco walked up to Jose.
"Hey Jose, don't you have a girlfriend?" Francisco asked, sipping his wine.
"No, but I like someone....… though I doubt she'd ever like me back," Jose replied, raising his voice over the music.
"Then why don't you invite her here? Might change her mind," Angelo said, handing him a glass of alcohol.
"I don't..." Jose began, but Francisco pushed the glass to his lips.
"Drink, you idiot. Rules are for commoners—not for us," Francisco said with a grin.
Angelo poured himself another.
"She lives at…...." Jose slurred, revealing her location as the alcohol took over. His legs shook. He stumbled around, unable to stand straight.
Francisco walked over to Dalgedo and Janquin, who were still lounging in the pool with girls.
"I want you to bring me that girl. Quick. Here's her address," Francisco said before leaving.
Janquin stood up and approached his men, who were still enjoying themselves.
Two cars left the venue and headed straight to the girl's neighborhood.
The men stepped out simultaneously, scattering around the area.
One climbed onto a car to get a better view.
"Found it!" he grinned, spotting a yellow Lamborghini parked in front of a house. "Hell yeah. Let's wrap this up quick and get back to the party."
He jumped off the car, shouting with excitement.
A burning leaf tattoo marked his neck. Beside him, another man with a tattoo of a snake biting its tail stared at the house.
Inside, a girl held up two dresses.
"Dad, which one should I wear for Mom's birthday?" she asked sweetly.
"You'll look beautiful in either," her father smiled.
Ding dong.
The doorbell rang.