Chapter 272: Dear mama!!
The night had settled deep over Pearl Villa, and the rain that had ruled the past days now softened into a distant whisper against the glass panes, as if the storm itself had grown tired and chose to rest alongside the city it had drenched without mercy.
Miles sat alone in his room, the lights dim, the silence thick, and in his hands rested something far more fragile than any weapon he had ever held.
It was a diary.
Old, worn at the edges, its cover slightly faded, as if time had brushed against it gently yet persistently, preserving it not as an object, but as a memory that refused to disappear.
His fingers traced the corner of the page before he opened it slowly.
The faint scent of paper, ink, and something distant filled the air.
And then the words began.
[#...
Dear Mama,
You know I almost died today, I was walking back home from school as always and near Leo’s Cafe I saw that crazy little Leo was quarreling with his friend, they suddenly came in front of a high speed car.
There was a kind boy in a hoodie who tried to pull them back, but Leo’s friend fell on the street. I do not know how but somehow I was able to save his friend and the car did not hit me, it turned at the last moment and hit the street light pole. I know I was stupid but deep inside I could not stop myself, you taught me right that friends are precious.
Anyways, you know what, that kind boy rushed towards the car to check on the driver.
I followed him, and when he turned back I do not know why he froze looking at me. I saw his face under that hoodie. I asked him something but he said nothing, he kept looking at me like I looked like someone to him. To be honest that was kind of cute. Hearing the police siren he walked away. I saw him going away and he turned one last time looking at me. He was cool like a superhero. There were butterflies in my stomach.
I got scolded by the police though, and dad is still busy with his work always, I am sure he misses you too.
Love you mama,
Good night.
...
Flipping Pages
...
Dear mama,
Today I saw that boy again in Leo’s cafe, talking to Leo and her mother, maybe he is related to them. He looks almost my age. I do not know why but when I saw him my heartbeat was fast. I wonder if he goes to school here. I told my friends about him and now they are suspicious about me. Maybe I will ask Leo about him. The monsoon is coming.
...
Flipping Pages
...
Mama,
Today he treated us with hot cocoa. We met by chance today. That little Leo ran away after seeing me. It is not that I bully him or something, but that boy has deep eyes really, he looked so handsome today. My friends were talking behind me. I hid my shyness somehow, but the way he looks at me, I do not know what he really feels. He did not seem like a stranger to me at all. And he did not say his name. He said if fate allows that we meet again, he will tell his name. It was so cool.
...
Flipping Pages
...
Mama,
Today was the scariest day of my life. I was at your grave to meet you, but a few bad people came and kidnapped me. I do not know why, maybe they wanted money from dad. But somehow that boy reached there to save me. He did not even think about his own life, and he fought with those goons who were maybe double his age. I do not know what I should call it, stupidity or bravery, but if he was not there, I would be dead by now.
Dad was so worried. He even spent the entire night in front of the door of my room. I made him worry so much and I feel sad about it. Maybe that is why dad always hid that I am his daughter. It is sad for me, but he loves me so much. You know what that boy told me today, his name is Kai. Such a sweet name. I even took his number. Maybe I will ask him for a date.
.....#]
That page settled quietly as it closed, the faint sound of paper brushing against paper echoing in the stillness of the room.
Miles placed the diary beside him carefully, as if even the slightest carelessness could disturb the emotions preserved within it.
The room dimmed further as he reached toward the switch and turned off the light, allowing darkness to take over completely.
Outside, the rain continued its gentle rhythm, tapping against the windows, whispering stories only the night could understand.
He lay down, eyes closing slowly, the weight of memories resting somewhere deeper than sleep.
Because tomorrow was not a day for memories.
Tomorrow, the enemy would step into his territory.
....
The morning unfolded with a cold, metallic stillness inside the towering walls of the Federal Prison Citadel, where silence was not peace but discipline forced into existence.
The massive iron gates groaned as they slowly parted, their sound echoing across the concrete yard like a declaration.
A man stepped out.
Dominic Cross.
Once the powerful chairman of Cross Capital, the same man who had been dragged into chains under the weight of the ACE financial case in Star Harbor, now walked free as if nothing had ever touched him.
His polished shoes tapped against the ground with calm confidence, his expression composed, almost amused, as if prison had been nothing more than an inconvenient delay.
He adjusted his sleeves carefully, smoothing the fabric as though reclaiming control over his world piece by piece.
A sleek black car rolled forward and stopped right in front of him.
The rear door opened.
Dominic stepped in without hesitation.
Inside, the driver handed him a secured phone without a word.
Dominic leaned back slightly, dialed the number from memory, and waited.
The line connected.
"Mr. Mordecai, thanks for this present you have given me, I will do anything for you."
His tone carried gratitude, but beneath it lingered something sharper, something far more dangerous.
There was a brief exchange, quiet but decisive.
"Alright, I am coming back to Star Harbor, do not worry, I will take care of your work, the rest of the arrangement my assistant there will help you with."
The call ended.
Dominic lowered the phone slowly, a faint smile forming as he looked out of the tinted window.
"Miles Sterling, I am coming back."
The car moved forward, disappearing into the city like a shadow returning to claim unfinished business.
...
Back in Star Harbor, inside Pearl Villa, warmth and quiet stood in contrast to the storm brewing beyond its walls.
Miles stepped out of the shower, water still tracing faint lines down his skin before he reached for a towel.
By the time he dressed and turned, Monica was already in the room, leaning slightly against the side table, her presence calm but alert.
"So, he is here," Miles said as he dried his hair, his voice steady but carrying a quiet edge.
"Yes," Monica replied, her eyes focused. "His flight landed a few minutes ago, but he was not spotted at the airport."
Miles stopped for a moment, then looked at her more sharply.
"Did he board the plane?"
"Yes, he boarded from Vespera," Monica confirmed.
A faint smirk touched Miles’ lips.
"So he has already started his game."
"Looks like it," Monica said, folding her arms. "Charles is scanning the airport footage to identify him. He must have slipped through using a disguise or alternative exit."
Miles walked toward the table, picking up his watch and fastening it slowly.
"Do not worry," he said calmly. "He will go to Kyle anyway. No matter how carefully he hides, his destination will expose him."
Monica nodded, but her expression shifted slightly.
"There is something else you need to know."
Miles glanced at her.
"What is it?"
"We got a message from Singh. Dominic Cross was released today from federal prison."
Miles paused, then asked quietly,
"Only him?"
Monica raised an eyebrow slightly.
"You say it like you expected more."
Miles exhaled softly, his tone turning thoughtful.
"They were never simple people. Wealth like theirs bends rules, and sometimes even breaks them silently. Governments are not always clean, Monica. That is one of the reasons I never joined the Provincial Army officially, even when the President asked multiple times."
Monica nodded in agreement.
"You are right. But Dominic has a personal grudge against you. He will definitely try something."
Miles gave a faint, almost dismissive smile.
"It will be fine. Just find out who arranged his release. That will tell us everything."
"Alright," Monica said, then glanced at the bed. "By the way, boss, you should not keep that diary lying around. Someone might find it."
Miles followed her gaze.
"Oh. I will put it back."
Monica turned toward the door.
"Aunt is calling you for breakfast."
"I will be there in a minute."
She nodded and left the room.
The door closed gently behind her.
Silence returned.
Miles walked toward the bed and picked up the diary again, his fingers lingering on its cover for just a second longer than necessary.
Then, without another thought, he reached for his phone and dialed a number.
The call connected far away, across continents, inside a quiet room in Paris.
A man sat on a couch, glasses resting on his face, a drink placed casually on the table beside him.
He picked up the call.
"Hello."
Miles spoke immediately.
"Are you drinking?"
The man chuckled lightly.
"Sometimes I do, but not regularly. I promise."
Miles’ tone softened just slightly.
"Marcel said you wanted to talk to me."
"Yes," the man replied, his voice turning serious. "There is something I found out that you need to know."
Miles’ expression sharpened.
"What is it?"
"There is going to be a deal this month in Vespera."
Miles leaned slightly against the table.
"What deal?"
"A weapons deal. With the same group."
Miles’ eyes narrowed.
"You mean Al-Qiyan?"
"I think so," the man said. "From what I heard, the weapon involved is not ordinary. It is a bioweapon. Something extremely dangerous."
For a brief moment, silence settled on the line.
Then Miles spoke, calm but decisive.
"Do not worry. I will alert the Graveyard base."
"Good," the man replied. Then his tone softened slightly. "Are you doing okay?"
Miles looked toward the window, where the faint rain still touched the glass.
"I am fine."
"You should come and meet me sometimes."
Miles allowed a small smile.
"I will. Take care."
The call ended.
Miles lowered the phone slowly, his gaze distant now, thoughts already moving ahead.
"Al-Qiyan," he murmured under his breath.
"I was wondering why you stayed quiet all these years."
His eyes darkened slightly, a calm storm gathering behind them.
"Looks like your time has come."