Kapitel 10: Ryota Yamamoto.

Claire's P.O.V

I know who the Chaplins are, and I'm also aware of how strained our relationship with them is. The current family of the Chaplins—A family of eight girls, their Mother, I don't have a single news about her, this family, is headed by their father and his first daughter, possibly his heir. I personally do not have any business with the Chaplins, but I think the Guans do. But if truly they are with my daughter.

I have gotten a business with them, and it is not going to end well. James stood by my side, transfixed and seemingly confused. I doubt he knows a thing about this, but I do, and I know what I had to do.

"Hurry, book the next flight back to Naples."

I ordered, responding with a nod, he half ran back into the house, to get his job done.

"Oh Chaplins you're messing with the wrong family."

I thought to myself . Slowly turning around and about was about to head back. When I stopped abruptly, I felt that sense of unease, and the sensation of been watched. Clutching my gun which safely holstered on my belt.

"Show yourself, and don't try anything stupid." I said turning swiftly and pointing my gun towards the corner.

A figure started to come out slowly. Hands above his head , a Japanese young man ,with disheveled hair and a stubble-covered jaw, his clothes wrinkled and slightly unkempt. There's a hint of fatigue in his eyes, but also a determination lurking beneath the surface. Seems he knows his way around here, and was his outfits giving off a stalker vibe. Wearing a worn out blue pants, a top, a jacket, and a base ball cap.

"Who are you?" I asked walking towards him. "I mean no harm ma'am, am just someone who lives around the neighborhood."

I gave him another weird glance, this guy doesn't look like someone who could afford living in such an expensive neighborhood. "And you did that?"

I asked using my head to point what was painted on the floor. There is something off about this man, but I can't seem to place what. He obviously isn't what he seemed to be.

"Yes, I did that,and before you ask, I was coming home drunk that night when I witnessed, the abduction....I noticed them from that point."

He said pointing a spot. Quite a distance from her house. I gave him a stare, that still doesn't explain how he knew the Chaplins. "Uh ... And then what?" I asked."Well their car was parked, over there."

He said and pointed to another spot.

"This time closer to her house and the front door and I couldn't do anything, so the only thing was i got was the plate number of the vehicle, and when I became sober, I went to the police station, and after tracing the car, They found out it was a Chaplin property. I tried to file a case, but the police seems to not want to have any affairs with whosoever the Chaplins was."

He said exhaling deeply. I gave him a look that says "you haven't finished..."

"Yes I have been coming around, it seems the lady family got to know, because I have been seeing some huge guys patrolling around, and I couldn't come close, because I didn't want to get caught in something I knew nothing about."

Now he was starting to make sense, at least he has a good reason for hovering around.

"And.. ?"

"And I noticed, no one was around yesterday, so I decided I would come and leave a message here this morning to help anyone searching for her, but then you noticed me," he said heaving a sigh.

"What's your name?" I asked.

"My name isn't important ma'am, I really don't want to have anything to do with.."

"Tell me your fucking name!" I yelled, cutting him short.

"Ryota Yamamoto...that's my name."

"And you live where?" I asked again.

"Just down the neighborhood ma'am," he said in a shaky voice, I didn't want to be hard on this guy that seemed good. But I have learned to trust my instincts.

"Thank you Ryota."

I said finally lowering my gun..."What the fuck is going on here."

James said coming down from the kitchen stairs. "Nothing much."I said, signaling the dude to leave. And he did immediately. I sighed and turned to James "Why are you out here?" I asked walking back to the kitchen." Who the fuck was that?" He asked. "James you don't get to answer a question with one", I said rolling my eyes.

" You were yelling ma'am, I had to come out". He said sarcastically walking right behind me. "Have you booked my flight?" I asked, ignoring him and opening the refrigerator, water is something I really need right now.

"Yes, you should be at the airport in an hour," he said resting on the cabinet.

"I want her locks fixed"... I said taking a sip " Tighten the security, and I want you to personally do a digging on Ryota Yamamoto" I added "And keep me updated".

"The dude from earlier?" He asked scoffing "And where do you want me to start?"

"I dunno, do your thing, he is likely going to come back, check the police stations, or bars around, just get news about him that's all I want." I said with a slight hiss and walked back to Lin's living room.

" I have a place to be in the next one hour " I half yelled.

Lin's P.O.V

I think Miguel, gave me more than thirty minutes, because I was already ready, despite being sluggish, with everything.

Presently, I'm lying on my bed, staring at the ceiling. I was feeling empty, real empty. I was used to being alone, but this wasn't the same. "Miss Lin?"

Finally, I heard Miguel's voice at the other side of the door.

"I don't want to eat Miguel," I said, my voice sounding hoarse.

"I'll be coming in Miss." He said deliberately ignoring what me.

I sighed, I'm not in a mood to argue with anyone so I didn't bother replying. I heard the door open, but this time I wasn't hearing only his voice. Curiously I turned to the side, facing the door. Miguel, impeccably dressed in a black suit with a crisp white shirt and a silver tie, stands tall with an air of authority. His calm demeanor belies elegance as he directs the maids with precision, orchestrating the delivery of a lavish feast and a massive wrapped present into the room.

"What is all this?" I asked in awe.

"Just something you requested for."

Was Miguel's short reply. And immediately the maids excused themselves leaving me and Miguel in the room.

"I just want to go home, all this is making me feel much worse."

I said, sitting up.

"I'm really sorry Miss."

He said after a short bow, and he left the room immediately, as though he was trying to avoid the conversation. Leaving me, to wonder what present was wrapped.

Walking toward the table, filled with a lot of edibles. I sighed. I really don't have the appetite. So I turned and walked towards the huge present, which was some feet away from the table.

I looked for an edge and after finding one, I slowly started to peel the wrap. With each strip removed, my expression shifts from anticipation to numbness, all I want is to go home, being here is starting to take a mental toll on me. As the layers of wrapping paper fall away, revealing the canvas I had longed for, a surge of joy floods my senses. My numbness dissolves into a wave of elation, and a radiant smile spreads across my face.

"How thoughtful of you Mr Chaplin."