• T H R I T Y - F O U R •

* Korea (South Seoul)*

Xavier landed in Korea, South Seoul. His home country. Last he remembers it has been three years since he visited his home. There were so many things he wanted to do and meet many people but out of all, there was someone whom he wished he could meet. The women who made Xavier bend on his knees.

Xavier was born to a half Korean - Half American couple. He was born in Korea but bought up mostly in America. Vacations were the only time he came to Korea. As soon as he checked out there was a black Bentley waiting for him outside. He smiled seeing the man waiting for him.

Heo Joon Jae: the man was insane regarding locks whether it be a door or a machine or a safe. He could open anything. One of the greatest hacker of all time. There wasn't anything he couldn't do with technology.

They met each other on a mission in Ukraine, from that day till today eight years it has been and still they are the best of friends.

"Woah!!! You've changed so much" Joon Jae said when they hugged each other

"Yeaaa... Three years is a long time for someone to change" Xavier broke the hug. They sat in the car and drive away to the hotel.

While on the drive Xavier asked about other boys his other team members and also the information he had asked regarding Veronica and Victor Reynolds. It was painful to hear that in his own country people like Veronica live and sell women. He was sure if Veronica is caught there are many big businessman and legal authorities involved will be exposed. On the other hand, he was worried now that Natalia doesn't have any security around nor he is there around to take care of her, would she be fine??

Everything was too messed up and they needed to end this as early as possible. Many women's lives will be saved and there would be no other Natalia. Even Ashton can start his life again with Natalia. A fresh start without the fear of being in danger. He needs to see his best friend happy and another dead best friend needed justice.

* New York *

"Something is up, you're not telling me" Natalia cribbed on the phone but Ashton didn't reply

"Ash.... you there" it was the third time she called him out. She could say he was zoned out and something was up.

"Yes... I'll talk to you later. bye" He canceled the call. Natalia sensed something was fishy but she chose to stay quiet. She knew Ashton is trying to save her and she needs to corporate. There were changes around her she knew it very well that the boys were hiding something but then she trusted Ashton. She was safe with his family and even Cedric was here to take care of her. There were personal bodyguards guarding the mansion and every single activity happening around her.

'I hope everything ends as early as possible' she murmured to herself and closed her eyes lying down on the bed with all the flooded memories of Nicholas she treasured in her heart.

Aaron was seated with Austin trying to figure a way out for his mate. His company A.R Financial was on the verge of bankruptcy but his father was least affected and all top of all he is trying to create more problems for himself as well for the company.

Austin was completely devasted, he hated his father for everything he did to him and his mother. Young Austin has seen may mistresses of his father and many a time saw his father beat up his mother and abandon them both. But after everything he did to them he was still his father and he didn't expect him to brag between his friends' justice. He would break all his ties with his father if that brings Nicholas justice and if his father is behind everything then he would make sure he is behind bars.

"Bro, you think you'll be able to handle it?" Aaron asked with concern laced voice to which Austin nodded. He didn't know how to face Ashton at this moment everything was too much messed for them right now. Will Ashton believe he isn't behind everything nor has he joined hands with his father.

"You think Ashton will believe me? Natalia is like a sister to me and Nicholas was a brother I promise Aaron I haven't done anything" He tried to give justification to a silent Aaron.

Aaron looked at him and smiled "Ash believes you. He needs help from you regarding your father. He was worried you will be devasted and might take a wrong step but then you're smarter then we thought. Let's solve this together and bring an end to all this fiasco. Even Nick over there is bored he waited long enough for justice. You know toasting with the devil every day is boring too let's send some more people for his company till we reach there" he joked about the last line and even Austin chuckled. Aaron has always been the smile keeper of the group and will forever be.

Allen and Ashton were looking into the past bank records of Victor Reynolds. He is going to go bankrupt then why would someone invest so much money on a company like his. his bank records had several loans, bounced cheque, due dates pending and the complete budget on a deficit. A pile of alcohol bills pending and a huge amount taken from the casino and lost in the game.

"The man's wasted," Allen said checking the documents. He removed his glasses and pouted "why can't we find anything"

"cause half of the documents are missing if you check most of the recent dates half of them are missing" he showed the latest bank statement

He thought of more alternate ways to expose Victor Reynolds and a motive behind all this fiasco. He was worried about Natalia's safety he has asked Cedric to maintain tight security around Natalia the Villa and have a total update about the activities happening surrounding her. Natalia was very precious to him just like a jade or a diamond. He wanted to keep her safe away from the world's eye treasured just for him. Natalia was like a fresh breeze in a devasted island, like water in a deserted island. He wished to keep her just for him to admire. He wanted to love her for a lifetime and even after that. The woman was his death but even if saving her cause him to die he would happily die for her just like Nicholas did.

"Ash...." Allen called him but he didn't respond he was lost in deep thoughts. The thoughts of past and future clouding his vision. "Ash..." Allen shook his arm and bought him back to reality he asked what happened "You're phone's ringing" he said and hand him his phone "It's Xavier" he said and hoped something good awaits.

"Hello" He whispered his vision blurred his surroundings. he avoided the blurriness and continued the conversation "Something new" he asked

"Yes. Veronica's bank records have a major charity to A.K financial" Xavier said "I'll mail you the details and Victor Reynold has traveled to Korea quite a many times since you and Natalia got married" Xavier entered the most vital information a connection between Veronica and Victor

"Are they connected? or are they together in this?" Aston asked in a low voice, the information was intriguing but his condition overpowered. Suddenly Ashton lost the hold on his phone and slipped on the floor while he fell back on the Sofa he was sitting. The noise startled Allen who was facing his back towards Ashton and conversing on the phone with Austin. He turned around and saw an unconscious Ashton lying on the sofa.

Allen hurriedly canceled the call with Austin and dialed 911. Allen took him to the hospital and met March's father Mr. Paxton took him to the emergency room for the treatment while Allen waited outside alerted the boys and Cedric regarding his conditions.

* Two Hours Later *

Ashton was sitting with his laptop on the hospital bed and the boys were on the sofa around him. "Austin you'll be able to do this" Aaron asked and he nodded.

"It's for Nicholas and Natalia. I'm on" he replied and boosted everyone present in the room moral.

"So Austin the very first we need a DNA sample of your father to be it anything blood or hair, we need to check first whether is he blood-related to Veronica or something" Allen gave the first piece of information from the plan

"Second," said Aaron "check all the old files and locked up documents, things he's hiding from you make sure not to get caught. Check all your company files and find who the new investor is"

"last but not the least" Ashton added "get the CCTV footage from your office and have a complete update regarding your father whereabouts"

"Cool! let's do this" Austin smiled. A sad smile though.

The boys didn't say much but they all knew it was tough for Austin if Veronica is any way connected to his father then there might be chances of he being the actual culprit. They all are still assuming him the actual culprit but no one knows how the end is going to be. They wish it's not tragic.

Austin left the hospital as soon as they finished the plan. He had a piece of a microphone connected to his blue shirt for recording everything as a shred of evidence for future procedures. The microphone was directly connected with the computer Xavier had with him in Korea.

* Korea (South Seoul) *

Tae Oh, an Illusionist better say magician he can make anyone believe and watch what he wants. He and JoonJae were gone for investigation of Veronica's whereabouts while Ji Wook went to get the phone records and criminal records of Veronica. Ji Wook was a street fighter and also a childhood friend of Xavier.

The moment he met his friends he executed his plan and phoned Gracy to schedule a meeting with her. Gracy was the only key link to Veronica's chambers of secrets. Gracy was more than happy to betray her mother at the costs of her own freedom.

Ashton had informed Gracy regarding the troublesome events happening and Natalia's life is in danger. He requested her help and she happily agreed to corporate. Xavier was on his way for his meeting with Garcy but an incident came flashing when he saw his women on the sidewalk with another man, for a moment he thought what was his luck upto? This wasn't the time for old bitter memories and old school love. He reminded himself that the woman was someone else's wife. They were just friends.

He drives past her ignoring his aching heart, when he first arrived at Korea he wished to meet her but back then he forgot the reality which came hitting back seeing her with another man. He wasn't the person she loved.

Gracy and Xavier had a formal meeting starting with the greetings, He asked her few questions about her which she was quite uncomfortable, her job wasn't something she should be proud of. She was forced to do the things and she was too deep stuck in this mess.

"Is your mother connected to any human trafficking or girl trafficking racket?" he asked with a hint of curiosity while at first, she was a little hesitant but Natalia's life is in danger she needs to do it. She didn't meet his eyes but nodded in affirmative

"How many females are stuck?" he didn't show any emotion just like an officer void of any emotion he asked her the questions

"I don't know the count" she replied "some by will some are forced to follow this. Just like me they are stuck too deep and can't get away we have to follow this path" her voice held pain and anger. it was difficult to figure which emotion was stronger but then he figured pain will be stronger than anger.

"There are few things you need to get from your mother without her knowing. will you be able to?" he asked. Pressuring her won't do any good, she is the only link to get under Veronica's skin

"I will."

A/N: Hello Lovies!!!! I'm terribly sorry for not updating in months. I've been dragging this book since too long.

Few more parts to goo. It'll be ending soon and I'll try to finish as I'm eager for updating the other books in the series. But please let me know did you like the story so far. Stay tuned by following my account.

You can also read my works on my website: https://fictitiousddreamer.home.blog/

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