C328 Gupta Family

The gate remained closed. I waited for a few moments before Alicia leaned forward and pressed the horn. Nothing happened. She tried again. Still, the gate remained firmly shut. After the third attempt, an armed security guard finally approached the car. He walked toward Alicia's window cautiously before stopping. Alicia slowly lowered the window. The guard looked inside. “Good evening, Miss. How can I help you?”

Alicia smiled politely. “I came to visit my grandfather.” The guard frowned slightly. “Your grandfather?” “Yes.” “May I ask who your grandfather is?” Alicia paused. That was the problem. She didn't know exactly which member of the Gupta family was her grandfather, and explaining everything to a security guard who knew nothing about her would only make things more complicated. She smiled. “Let me call him.” Before she could reach for her phone, the guard looked at her more closely. “Miss...” Alicia looked at him. “Why do you look so familiar?”

For a moment, Alicia said nothing. Then she smiled faintly. “You'll know soon enough.” She picked up her phone and dialled the number. The call connected almost immediately. “Hello, my child.” Alicia smiled when she heard his voice. “Hello, I'm outside.” There was a brief silence. Then Victor's voice suddenly became excited. “You're outside?” “Yes.” “I'm coming right away.” The call ended. Alicia lowered her phone and looked at the guard. “He's coming.” The guard nodded, though he still looked at her curiously.

A few minutes later, an elderly man appeared in the distance. Two armed guards walked beside him. The moment he came close enough to see the car, he immediately spoke. “Dane, open the gate.” “Yes, Boss.” Dane quickly opened the gate. I slowly drove the car inside. Once the gate closed behind us, I parked. Alicia opened the door and stepped out. I followed her. Victor had already stopped walking. He stared at Alicia. For several seconds, he didn't say anything.

His eyes moved across her face as if he were trying to recognize someone he had not seen in many years. The guard beside him also stared. “Boss...” Dane whispered. “Why does she look so familiar?” Victor didn't answer. He continued looking at Alicia. Then his expression softened. “Good evening, Miss.” The moment Alicia heard his voice, tears immediately rolled down her cheeks. She didn't say anything. Instead, she suddenly rushed toward him and wrapped her arms around him. Victor froze. He clearly hadn't expected that reaction.

Alicia held him tightly. Her shoulders began to tremble. Then, through her tears, she finally spoke. “Grandfather...” Victor's entire body froze. He slowly looked down at her. “Grandfather?” Alicia tightened her embrace. “My mother...” Her voice broke. She couldn't continue. Victor's eyes immediately became watery. For years, he had believed his daughter was gone. And now, standing in front of him, was a woman who had just called him grandfather. Victor slowly raised his arms and embraced Alicia. “My child...” His voice trembled. “Come inside.”

Alicia nodded. I followed them as we walked toward the large residence. The property was enormous. We passed several large villas before finally reaching the main house. As we walked, I couldn't help looking around. There were armed guards positioned throughout the property. The entire place was heavily secured. I leaned slightly toward Alicia. “Why is such a huge property guarded like this?” I lowered my voice. “Are they expecting a war or something?” Alicia didn't answer. Her attention remained fixed on Victor.

We eventually entered the main residence. Inside, everything was quiet. Victor led us into a large living room. Once we were seated, he finally looked directly at Alicia. “You called me grandfather.” Alicia nodded. “Yes.” Victor's eyes remained fixed on her. “What happened?” Alicia wiped the tears from her cheeks. “My mother died when I was young.” Victor's expression changed. Alicia continued. “At least, that's what I was told.” She took a breath. “I only found out about everything recently. I found some books and documents in my mother's old study.”

Victor listened silently. “My family told me that she died in a car accident.” Alicia's voice became quieter. “They never told me anything else because they said they wanted to protect me.” Victor lowered his head. For several moments, he didn't speak. Then his voice came out quietly. “So... my daughter really died.” Alicia looked at him. Victor slowly shook his head. “How could Gabrielle leave me like that?” Alicia didn't know what to say. “I don't know either.” She paused. “That is why I came here.”

She looked directly into his eyes. “I want to know more about my mother's family.” Victor stared at her for a long time. There were clearly many things he wanted to ask. But instead, he slowly stood up. “Follow me.” Alicia immediately stood. I also got up to follow them. But before I could take another step, one of the guards moved in front of me. “Sorry, sir. Only she can go.” I stopped. Alicia looked back at me. For a moment, neither of us spoke. Then she smiled reassuringly. “I'll be fine.” I nodded. “Alright.”

Victor and Alicia continued walking followed by the two guards. They moved through a narrow passage that I hadn't noticed earlier. The further they went, the quieter it became. Neither of them spoke. Eventually, they reached a small door hidden in the corner of the passage. Victor opened it. Alicia followed him inside. The door closed behind them. Inside was a small, dimly lit room. There was only a small table and a few chairs. Victor slowly sat down. Alicia sat across from him. For several seconds, they simply looked at each other.

Then Victor finally spoke. “My child...” He took a deep breath. “If you really came here because you want to know your mother, then I will tell you everything.” Alicia's eyes widened slightly. She leaned forward. Victor's expression became serious. “But you must be prepared for what you're about to hear.” Alicia nodded. “I am.” Victor looked at her for another moment. Victor looked at her with a mixture of sadness and relief before finally speaking. “Your mother, Gabrielle, was adopted by me when she was ten years old.”

Alicia listened carefully. “Her family had a tragic ending,” Victor continued. “I couldn't have children of my own, so I decided to adopt her.” His expression softened. “She was a beautiful young girl, just like you.” Alicia lowered her eyes.