Chapter 343

Marvin “A-Already?” She frowned. “But of course, come in.” She invited, opening the door wider.

“After you.” I turned to Panther, stepping aside. Tiago cared much more for him than he did for me, so it would only be appropriate. Right?

After we entered the house, Ana led us to the living room, where we sat down.

“I’ll go get Tiago. Please, make yourselves comfortable!” She called out, leaving the room.

“Can I offer you some of our best liquor, sir?” A maid asked. Panther was just about to open his mouth, but I raised my hand to stop him, and kindly declined.

“No, we’re good. Thank you, ma’am.” I said. “I need both of us to stay alert today.” I exposed myself as my sharp gaze turned to Panther. This time he noticed, but said nothing.

Only after a while, Panther huffed to break the silence. “You alright with being here, Marvin?” He asked. probably thinking my behavior had to do with something else.

Years ago, Misty had been sleeping around with one of Ana’s sons, who was one of my closest friends at the time. That was the reason for our breakup. I couldn’t do anything about it, because no one touched the kind and easygoing Armandos.

“No, it’s not about that.”

“Then is it about Elena?” He pushed for an answer. “Did you see her? What did she say?”

“Save your fake concerns, we all know you hate her. Shut up about Elena!” I snapped, not able to hold myself back any longer.

He threatened her.

He mentally tormented her.

Mocked her.

And now he cared about Elena?

“What makes you think I hate her, Marvin?” I felt as if I had screwed up as Panther’s different expressions flew all over the place like he was trying to figure me out.

“Nothing. I’m sorry. I’m just tired.” I covered with a smile. The sides of my lips were hurting because of this facade, but I had to hold on for just a while longer.

Luckily, our uncomfortable conversation got interrupted by Tiago who came walking down the stairs with his suitcases in his hands. Ana was behind him.

My little brother looked much healthier than before. Much happier too, but I had to keep in mind that, that same brother send me to prison with no remorse.

All for power.

Power, power-that’s all those people cared about.

“Tiago.” I raised myself from the sofa, awaiting my brother. Once he stood before me, I placed my hands on his shoulders. “My brother.” I put the emphasis on the last word, pulling him in for a hug.

Then I pulled away and looked at Panther.

“Aren’t you going to greet Tiago?” I asked. “Come on, the two of you have always been close. One would say…he likes you better than me.”

Panther released uncomfortable laughter and gave Tiago an awkward nod. Not really a nod one would give to someone they have an alliance with.

I observed their interaction, trying to comprehend their relationship. It wasn’t too far stretched to say Tiago seemed terrified of Panther.

With no further information, it was hard to paint a picture. Did Tiago suspect Panther for Anya’s murder, was he in on it, was he forced-or did he just really did not had a single clue?

“I thought I was supposed to stay here for another month. Tiago said, surprised. “I’m definitely not complaining though. I think I’m more than ready to get back home.”

“So do I.” I replied. “You’re my brother, my responsibility-from now on I’ll take care of you.”

“I see.” Tiago chuckled. “Where is that Elena of yours, isn’t she with you?” He dared asking.

I needed him to keep her name out of his mouth.

“Who’s Elena?” Ana asked, showing her curiosity.

“Marvin’s extremely beautiful and kind girlfriend. Tiago explained. “Way above his league.”

Yes, that one for sure.

Her father was an agent for god’s sake.

“I’m happy for you. She sounds great, Marvin.” Ana congratulated me. “That name means a lot to me as it reminds me of someone in my past. I believe that name comes with a lot of great fortune.”

Ana carried a sad smile.

“I don’t know about that.” I let out a laugh. “I can say that the name comes with surprises.”

“Show me a picture of her, Ana requested to my dismay. I’d rather have the conversation ended.

I hesitated for a moment but then pulled out my phone, realizing Elena was still my lock screen. As I showed Ana the picture, her eyes widened.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, concerned, watching the paled face of the woman.

“Oh, nothing,” she denied, smiling through her shocked eyes. “I just didn’t expect her to be that beautiful, that’s all.

“Hey, come on!” Tiago nudged Ana. “My brother isn’t that ugly.”

The two joked around, but I thought of Elena and the memories we had shared, still fresh in my mind. It had only been a day since she had left, I hadn’t even known her for that long-but it felt as if a part of me had left with her.

This was the price we both had to pay.

She for her lies, and I for mu stupidity.

“We better head out if we want to make it home early. Panther said. “We still got a long drive ahead of us.”

Better yet, buddy.

You won’t be coming home at all.

“Pedro is right.” I clicked my tongue, taking over one of Tiago’s suitcases. “Ana. I want to thank you on behalf of my family. Thank you for your hospitality-I will not forget this.”

Ana’s cheeks flushed. “Don’t worry about it, sweetheart. She slammed her arm over mu shoulder, as she led us back to the front door.

Tiago greeted Ana with one final hug, then he walked back to the car with Panther following behind him from a distance.

Ana who leaned against the door, looked at me with a warm and motherly smile. “I’m glad you’re doing okay, Marvin.” she said.

I wouldn’t know how she had come to that conclusion. I was a hot mess.

“Thank you again, Ana.”

“Marvin!” Just as I was about to turn around, she called out my name.

“Yes?” I looked at her.

“That Elena girl?” Ana spoke. “I-I don’t know her, but something tells me that she is a good person with a kind heart…so whatever you do, please don’t break it.

Well, it was a little too late for that.

“I won’t.” I told Ana. “And in return, I need you to do something for me as well.”

“Anything, Marvin.”

“Dad doesn’t know I’m here, and it would help me a lot if you’d tell him it was time for Tiago to go home.” I confessed. It was Ana, and she had always been on my side.

“I suspected as much.” Ana waved it off. “You follow your impulsive behavior, your dad would’ve called days ago.”

She knew, and yet…

“Ana, do you trust me?”

“Always.” The woman said.

“Then do you trust me when I say that I came to pick up Tiago on my own, and you and your people didn’t see Panther?”

Ana’s eyes went wide, immediately understanding my code. That was another word of saying I was going to murder him, and didn’t want any ties to the crime.

“Marvin…” She whispered, her expression turning serious. “What happened?”

“Nothing.” I reassured her. “I just…I need to sort some things out. Some family matters,”

+5 Bonus “I see.” Ana looked genuinely worried. “Because it’s Pedro, I will not question your decision.” She nodded. “You must have your reasons.”

“Thank you.” I responded, gratefully.

Anyone knew Panther and I were two peas in a pod. So for me to openly say I was going to get rid of my friend, my brother-must’ve shown the seriousness of the situation.

There was no other way.

I left her standing at the doorstep and walked towards the car where Tiago and Panther were waiting.

It was time to take the next step of my plan. A step that I couldn’t avoid.