C1 Teamwork

“How did it go, Jeri?" Aysel inquired as she leaned forward, anticipating Jeri's response. “ Since you returned, there hasn't been any trace of happiness in your face. Did Darien tell you where to find the old man?"

Jeri, who sat opposite Aysel, her face clasped in her palms, finally lifted her head to speak.

The entire family of Mr. Elias, Sophia, and Aysel gazed at Jeri, their minds racing with questions.

“I wasn't only met with what I was expecting, but with something strange. Something more dangerous than I can ever imagine," Jeri spoke, her eyes wide with terror.

"What's it, Jeri? Tell us,” Mr. Elias quickly said, his ears itching to hear what happened at Darien's office.

"I got to Darien's office, and to my greatest amazement, I was met with Darien, Adrian, and Mr. Ravenwood, sitting together and discussing how to bring down my business if I continue to fight against their business dealings.”

"Huh?” Freya gasped. " You mean Mr. Adrian, my boss, and Darien are working hand in hand to fight you?”

"You heard me well, Freya.”

"Damn!” Freya exclaimed, punching the armrest.

"What was Darien's reaction after you told him about his mother's plans?” Sophia asked.

"Were you expecting him to believe me? No, Sophia. He has already seen me as his enemy. So, regardless of what I tell him about his mother, trust me, he won't believe me.”

"But were you able to tell him that his grandfather is still alive?”

"Oh, please… stop asking me such questions, Sophia. Would he have believed me if I told him? No, Sophia. I'm just confused as to why none of you is saying anything about my business being in danger at the moment. All of you are only concerned about Darien, who won't reward any of us after this fight.

“Everyone should keep in mind that I agreed to be part of this mission because Aysel's life was in danger. However, that doesn't mean we should only be concerned about one case but both. In as much as we are trying everything possible to see that Darien didn't lose his properties to his Mom, I don't want to lose mine as well.” Jeri elaborated, her expression determined.

"Look, Jeri, we are here for each other and there is nothing that concerns any of us that doesn't concern everyone. We are a family now and a team at the same time.” Mr. Elias let out, his gaze on Jeri.

“I disagree with you, Mr.…. Father. If you all care about me, you wouldn't be discussing Aysel's family crisis alone and abandoning mine that we were discussing before she arrived. I know we need to stop Mrs. Lucinda's plans, but I also need to find my mother," Jeri said, determination in her voice.

"We'll help you, Jeri. But I have to warn you, the truth about your mother's disappearance is complicated.” Freya assured her.

Jeri averted her gaze away from her father and to Freya. She furrowed her brows, and clenched her fist, her gaze fixed on Freya.

"How am I even sure whether all of you are not using me?” Jeri smirked.

"What are you talking about, Jeri?” Freya asked, her voice barely audible, her gaze locked onto Jeri's.

Jeri frowned, her eyes locked onto Freya's, her gaze piercing.

"Don't pretend as if you have no knowledge of what I'm saying, Freya," Jeri snapped. " Tell me, Freya. Where is my mother?"

Immediately Jeri's words rang in Freya's ears, she shifted uncomfortably, her eyes darting around the room. Freya thought her father was going to say something just to defend her, but only silence followed.

"Jeri, I… I don't know what you're talking about." Freya stammered, finally settling her gaze on Jeri once more.

"Don't lie to me, Freya! Dad said you knew where she was. Tell me the truth!" Jeri's voice rose, her frustration boiling.

Following how angry she was, Jeri expected Freya to answer her, but only silence followed her question.

“I’m talking to you, Freya. Where's my mother?" Jeri asked once more, her face reddened as she was going to strangle Freya to death.

"Jeri, I'm sorry," Freya's expression softened, her voice barely above a whisper. “ I can't tell you. Please, just drop it. Think about Darien and Aysel's lives. They're at stake here. If you pursue this, you'll put them in danger even more. We'll help you, Jeri. But I have to warn you, the truth about your mother's disappearance is complicated.”

Jeri's face twisted in anguish, wondering what Freya was talking about. Her mouth agape, and was completely lost for words.

Aysel, on the flip side, was lost as well, as she couldn't comprehend what Freya's words meant. And instead of seeking more explanation, she remained dumb.

"What do you mean? How is Aysel and Darien involved? And what do you mean my mother's disappearance is complicated?" Jeri bombarded Freya with questions, desperate to get more explanation.

"Just trust me, Jeri. Let it go. For their sake." Freya rolled her eyes, seeming disturbed by Jeri.

"I won't back down, Freya," Jeri's determination hardened. “I need to know the truth."

"Fine. But don't say I didn't warn you, Jeri." Freya's voice cracked, yet no trace of jokes in her eyes. “ However, I… I'll tell you when the time is right. Let's focus on stopping Mrs. Lucinda first.”

Jeri's frustration grew, but she knew Freya was right. They had to prioritize stopping Mrs. Lucinda's plans, even though she was desperate to find her mother as well.

She knew Freya was hiding something, but she also knew she had to trust her. For now.

Just then, Aysel's phone began to ring. She took the phone, checked the caller, and the person's name that appeared on the screen sent shivers down her spine.

She froze, her gaze buried on the phone screen and her entire body shivering as though she were cold.

“What's it, Aysel?" Mr. Elias curiously asked.

"My mom is calling me and something is telling me that she's trying to track my number and find my location. I don't know whether I should pick her call or not,” Aysel explained, her expression clouded with fear.

“No, don't pick her call. Everyone, except Freya’s mother who will look after my son, let's go and find Dr. Emiliano. Time is not on our side."

Immediately Jeri said that, she stood up and began to walk out of the house,

“Freya," Mr. Elias called out, “ call Anna and tell her that I have a job for her. Inform her to leave everything she is doing and come. If she hesitated, tell her that Jeri's business is at risk and she needs urgent help. Do that as swiftly as you can.”

While speaking, he was heading to the exit, following Jeri so their mission can start.

"I will do just that, Dad,” Freya nodded and grabbed her phone from the couch, ready to ring Anna.

"I have some men who can help us as well. They're good at spying. Should I call them?” Aysel asked Freya, as they motioned outside together.

"Sure, Aysel. We need as many supporters as possible. So, inform them please.”