Capítulo 17: No One Can Take Her

"Oh my God!" Lisa screamed, as her eyes widened in awe.

The expansive living room was painted a delicate pale pink and white, with tasteful white sofas, pink floor pillows, and other intricately designed furniture arranged beautifully across the room. Fresh flowers, arranged in beautiful vases, gave the room a natural scent.

"Your boss is so generous. I love this!" Lisa squealed.

"I'm not taking you in," Alessia said, crossing her arms with her chin raised.

"Sis, pleaseeeee."

"You can go play all the video games you want."

"No, you can't do this to me, Alessia. I'll only come on weekends," Lisa said, hugging Alessia's hand.

"Okay, let's go now."

Lisa took after their dad with her sheen black hair and average stature. That, along with her bubbly and childlike nature, made her look younger than Matteo. Among the trio, she knew least about their father. Mamma made sure they never got close. Now grown, she couldn't even remember anything about their father.

Alessia rubbed Lisa's hair fondly. Even though she failed everything and even if she lost anything, she would always be glad that Lisa's smile and innocence were forever preserved.

***

It was Monday, and Xavier was as motivated as ever to go to work. All he did before was sign important documents, but now he was willing to attend every meeting and even the cafeteria for lunch.

Thomas flung Xavier's door open before stomping in like an angered kid.

"Why are you trying to take my job away from me?"

"Bring me the summary for today's meeting," Xavier said without sparing whining Thomas a glance.

"Are you even listening to me? Miss Alessia thinks I'm a perverted official. Please clarify the issue about the car and the house."

"Should I then be the perverted official?" he said, raising his head.

"From afar and even up close, you look like a vile, perverted official, you slippery stalker."

"Get out."

"I'll go tell her myself."

"I'll take you along to China for your vacation."

Thomas's eyes widened in horror at that statement.

"For my sanity, I shall lay down my dignity and righteousness," he pledged with his palm on his chest before adjusting his glasses.

China was the headquarters of Xavier's underworld organization. When he was starting at 23, Thomas, who was 5 years older, was his greatest ally. They entered China illegally together then.

Xavier excelled in the use of arms and combat; he never hesitated to pull the trigger or snap a neck. He was a born killer. He didn't fear death either. In 4 years, he became the second-hand man of Shi, the Lion. In the 5th year, he killed his boss and took over. By that time, he already had solid connections in Italy; that way, he was able to come back to the country as a businessman.

Those 6 years were the darkest in Thomas's life. He had saved Xavier, who was his brother's classmate then, by swapping his brother's dead body for his. How Xavier grew from a timid middle school boy to a psychopath made Thomas's heart tighten anytime he thought about it.

"What are you waiting for?"

Thomas gave a wistful smile before walking closer to his table.

"I didn't swim 5 seas to make you this successful for you to die before me. Xavier, please, I can see it in your eyes that you're willing to live now. Why don't we...?"

"Thomas," Xavier called out his name for the first time in years.

"Okay, okay," he said, raising his hand in surrender, walking backwards.

"I'm going to China either way," Xavier said as Thomas reached for the doorknob.

"Lee is now irredeemable?"

"Yes, I have to go make some things clear."

"Okay, I'll be here."

"Make sure she never cries."

"Yes, my Lord. This pervert will take good care of her."

"Don't be too nice too."

Thomas clapped amusedly. "You think I'll try to take her? I get that I have the charm, though," he said, flipping his hair. His grinning ears raised his round-rimmed glasses continuously.

"No one can take her."

"I don't think she'll date someone like you, though."

"She likes a gentleman," he said, smiling to himself, reminiscing how cute she was the other night at the hotel.

Thomas held onto his chest as if his heart had stopped beating.

"Don't, Xavier. Think about how she'll feel if you kill him."

"Only Alessia can kill him. She must miss him already."

"I never knew you were this accommodating, Xavier. Don't tell me you'll make him impotent like you did to Marco?"

"No, Alessia wants to see it in 3D."

"I'm lost in this discussion, like always. Whatever it is, don't cause trouble, Xavier. I'm busy."

"Let's have a welcome party for Miss Alessia Angneli."

"You've been ignoring her for a week now, and now a party? No one will come."

"I don't need anyone to come, just Alessia."

"Then go tell her yourself! If I invite her to a club with a hotel, what will she think?"

"Then have your next meeting with Mr. Andre at 36. 7 pm tomorrow. Take her along."

"I'll do that. When will you go to China?"

"Weekend."

"Okay, little brother. Don't die." Thomas before finally leaving. He walked straight to Alessia's office.

Knock

"Come in."

"Good day, Miss Alessia."

Alessia looked up, her left eyebrow raised. She had always kept her distance from this suspiciously kind man.

"May I sit?"

"Well, I can't say no."

Thomas gave an awkward laugh before sitting.

"How is work going?"

"Very well. Sir, I have a question."

"Please ask away."

"Why is Mr. Xavier not acknowledging me? I believe I will need to work directly with the chief executive as his assistant."

"He takes time before he warms up to people. I'll introduce you to him today."

"I'll appreciate that."

Thomas suddenly drooped his head, removing his glasses. He wiped the unruly teardrops, as he tried to find words to communicate how he felt at the moment.

Can you please save Xavier?" came Thomas's hoarse plea like a bombshell.

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