Behind Mask

Edward and all the other friends who were combing the forest than were shocked when they heard the loud sound of gunfire. Looking back, they realized that Tristan and Alfonso didn't even show the bridge of their nose.

Worried that something might happen to the two of them, Edward and the others decide to go back into the forest in search of Tristan and Alfonso's whereabouts. The atmosphere became tense when, in the middle of the trip, the sound of gunshots echoed loudly in the air.

Edward, who was already filled with panic at that time, hastily quickened his pace. When he arrived at the location, he and the others were shocked. There was Tristan, who seemed to have a conservative attitude while pointing his weapon.

Meanwhile, Alfonso sat on the ground. Beside the man are two coyotes suspected of having died from being shot by Tristan's weapon.

"Tristan!" Edward reflexively ran and immediately approached. Of course, he was both worried and afraid that the wild beasts might harm his best friend and the father of the woman he liked. "You are okay?" Edward asked, checking all over Tristan's body. I'm just afraid that the man will get hurt or bruised.

"I'm totally okay, Ed. I could even shoot you."

To ensure Tristan was okay, Edward's gaze turned to Alfonso, who was still sitting on the ground. He rushed over, intending to help.

"Uncle, let me help."

Edward quickly reached out his hand and led Alfonso so he could stand up straight. Seconds later helped clean up the debris that littered Alfonso's coat while again asking, "Uncle are you okay?"

Alfonso nodded confidently. If we look at it, it's not a worry. While receiving a drink of water from Felix, he responded to Edward's question, who looked worried.

"Uncle is fine. Luckily Tristan managed to shoot the coyote, which turned out to have been targeting us both from afar."

Alfonso said while heaving a sigh of relief. He looked at Tristan from a distance. In his fixed gaze, the ocean blue beads no longer displayed the glint of anger he had seen before. Tristan now seemed calmer. The man smiled as Edward praised him for successfully immobilizing two coyotes without getting hurt.

Alfonso, this time perhaps, should be grateful for two things. First, Tristan didn't take his life today, maybe because he started to believe or consider what he had explained. Second, no matter what, Tristan has managed to save his life from being targeted by a coyote that might pounce and injure him at any time. Or there is another option: Tristan deliberately lets him live because there is a purpose and purpose. I don't know.

For sure Alfonso doesn't want to bother. His main goal was to convince Tristan to believe and side with him. "Since the situation is well under control, we can continue our journey before it gets really dark," said Edward afterward.

Once they left the forest, everyone took the initiative to take Alfonso to his residence in the Mayfair district. When they arrived, they saw Sophia and her mother waiting on the house's terrace and immediately greeted Alfonso's arrival with a worried expression.

Previously, Edward had taken the time to contact Sophia and then tell her about the incident that had happened to her father.

"Papa ..."

Sophia immediately landed a hug as soon as she saw Alfonso get out of the car. The worry that had been ambushing him slowly disappeared when he found his father, who was in good condition.

"It's okay, Sophia," Alfonso whispered as the Princess hugged him tightly. "Papa is fine. In fact very well."

Sophia spread her arms. She nodded and then invited everyone who brought her father into the house.

"Thank you so much for taking care of my Papa as best you can," Sophia said sincerely when everyone was sitting in the living room.

"Don't be shy, Sophia," Edward said. "It's our duty to protect each other. But you also need to know, this is all thanks to Tristan. He protected Uncle Alfonso from attacks by stray dogs," said the man excitedly. Instead of boasting about himself, Edward, without awkwardness, even told the greatness of Tristan to the woman he was after. Ironic indeed.

The corners of Sophia's lips lifted high. She immediately showed a sense of emotion and pride to Tristan, who had been so relaxed from the start. Even her father also agreed with what Edward had just said.

"Edward's right. If Tristan wasn't there at that time, Papa might have been injured because he was hit by a pack of coyotes. If you were there at that time, maybe you could see firsthand how Tristan took aim and shot his target right on target. Maybe Papa used to be as good as he was when he was younger."

Everyone laughed at Alfonso's words. After talking a little and enjoying the dinner that Sophia's house had deliberately served, everyone said goodbye to go home. Do not forget Sophia and Alfonso again thanked Edward and also Tristan.

Arriving at the house, Tristan immediately brought his feet to meet Raphael, who was in the reading room. Evaporating all his annoyance, the man even punched one corner of the wall until the back of his hand turned red.

Raphael, from his seat, just silently watched. After folding his glasses, he closed the book in his hand. Seconds later, he waved at Tristan, ordering the man to sit next to him immediately.

"So what nonsense have you heard today?" asked Raphael casually. He even put his shoulders back on the chair. Get ready to listen to whatever Tristan has to tell him after this.

Tristan took a deep breath. After a day of holding back his emotions, he wanted to vent all the annoyance and pain that had been whacking him for a long time. Had he not remembered what Raphael said this morning, he might have killed Alfonso right then and there.

"Tristan, Uncle knows it's not easy for you to walk hand in hand with someone who has clearly destroyed your family. But, Uncle, please, never act rashly."

Tristan nodded in understanding. Trying to do what Raphael ordered.

"So when can I finish that bastard?" Tristan asked afterward.

"There's no need to smear your hands with Alfonso's filthy blood, son. There are many ways to destroy a man without touching him."

"Fine," said Tristan. "I'll follow Uncle's entire advice."

After he finished hugging Raphael and was about to say goodbye, the man Tristan thought of as his father again paused in his steps.

"Uncle is sure, Alfonso must be looking for a way to talk to you one-on-one. You need to remember, son, never believe anything that man tells you. Everything he tells you is nothing more than a big lie."

This morning, Tristan tried to restrain himself from shooting Alfonso while in the forest at Raphael's request. He even saved the man's life from the ambush of wild animals that wanted to pounce on him. What's not good, Tristan with Alfonso today?

"Tristan..." Raphael scolded once more. "Did you hear what Uncle said?"

Tristan closed his eyes. He nodded slowly, then spoke.

"I'm sorry, Uncle. Today was really hard for me."

Raphael smiled faintly. Directing his right hand, he gently patted Tristan's shoulder as he encouraged.

"Uncle understands how you feel. You have to be patient. Keep playing pretty and calculating. Don't be a reckless person who can destroy you in the end."

Tristan nodded in agreement. The two of them were silent for a moment before Tristan spoke again.

"Alfonso was trying to convince me that he wasn't the cause of Papa's death."

Raphael chuckles. The man's lips formed a smile. "Uncle guess, that bastard must have argued otherwise he couldn't have harmed Andrew while he was hurting himself, right?"

"Yes, Uncle was right," Tristan said flatly. "Alfonso said exactly that. He also asked me to think clearly. Even as if accusing, maybe Uncle Raphael is taking advantage of this situation for personal gain."

Raphael flinched. Staring at Tristan carefully while returning a faint smile. He was not the least bit offended by what he had just heard. He considers Alfonso's accusations of being nonsense that he doesn't need to worry about.

"You've grown, Tristan," Raphael muttered under his breath. "Uncle I think Uncle doesn't need to explain much to you anymore. You too have the right to find out for yourself who is right here or just bullshit."

Raphael then straightened up to reach for the coffee cup on his desk. After taking a sip of the drink, he spoke again to Tristan.

"Now get some rest. It would help if you got some sleep because tomorrow is your schedule for an important meeting with the vendors participating in the joint venture. Uncle thinks you should look good tomorrow."

Tristan nodded. After briefly hugging Uncle's body, he dragged his feet lazily towards the room. While Raphael himself immediately took his cell phone. Hastily looking for Fabio's contact and then contacted him.

"Fabio, tomorrow morning, please give me a report on whatever you've been up to this week. Don't forget to ask your men to keep an eye on Alfonso from a distance. I don't want to risk that bastard getting close to Tristan and influencing him."

***

"Sophia, what are you doing here?"

Those words came out when Tristan suddenly found Sophia, who was already waiting for him in the lobby of the Foxtail Corporation building. Previously, he had not even received the slightest notification from the phone or text message that Sophia wanted to visit his office.

This was Tristan's question. For what purpose did the woman meet him this time.

"Tristan." Sophia got up and immediately smiled. "Sorry if I stopped by without telling you beforehand. I just wanted to leave this to you." Sophia then handed her a box containing food that she might have specially prepared for Tristan.

"Sushi?" Tristan asked as he accepted the black box from Sophia.

"Yeah," Sophia said, nodding. "I purposely made futomaki for you to eat later. This is a thank you for protecting Papa from harm."

"Good grief," Tristan exclaimed slightly. "There's no need to bother like this, Sophia. I sincerely do."

"No," replied Sophia. "I do have to thank you. Our family is indebted or even indebted to you."

Tristan just smiled. His blue beads nailed Sophia's face, which was only smeared with light make-up this morning.

"You're exaggerating. Even if you were in danger yesterday, I might as well do the same, Sophia."

Sophia's cheeks suddenly turned red. So flattered after hearing what Tristan said to him. She had never once failed to make Sophia's heart skip a beat.

"No, Tristan. I'm not the least bit bothered. I hope you try it when you get to the room." Sophia then grabbed the sling bag she was carrying, preparing to say goodbye.

"I have to say goodbye because I have to continue working. Thank you again very much for your help."

Tristan motioned for Sophia to leave. Meanwhile, he hurried back to continue his steps towards his office. Mario had already greeted him when he arrived with a pile of files to check.

While enjoying Sophia's Futomaki, Tristan focused on quickly completing the piled-up tasks. He certainly didn't forget that today he had to attend an important meeting at one of Emaar Properties' convention halls.

"Mister Tristan," said Mario, handing him something. "This is the report on the Bechtel Company you requested the other day."

Pointing the chopsticks to his mouth, Tristan looked up. Grabbing Mario's gift while talking. "Bechtel company will work with Foxtail for the smart city project, right?"

Mario nodded. "That's right, Mister. And from what I've seen, you need to know who owns this company and their background."

Tristan was intrigued. Continuing to enjoy his food, he read the reports listed on the map. There was written a name that made him a little surprised, then gave a meaningful smile.

Still, while reading the report from Mario, suddenly Aurora came. The woman spoiled asked Tristan to accompany her to lunch.

"I've eaten Aurora. You'll see for yourself, and I haven't even eaten this food yet," he complained.

Aurora glanced. Paying close attention to what food Tristan is currently enjoying.

"Sushi? Did you buy sushi? In what way?" inquired Aurora curiously.

As far as he remembers, as long as he knew Tristan, he didn't really like Asian food, especially Japanese. That's why he wondered why Tristan suddenly bought sushi.

"No. It's not a buy."

"Then what?" Aurora's eyes narrowed even more. "Do you have a secret fan who sends you lunch?"

This time Tristan was giggling, amused at the ridiculous expression Aurora showed. "Not from fans either, Aurora. It's from Sophia."

"I'm even more surprised that it's Sophia's, and you ate it all up? Oh, come on, Tristan. Seriously. You're not kidding, are you?"

"No." Tristan shook his head again. "I don't like sushi. Even intending to give it to Mario." "Then?"

"After I look, the appearance of this food is quite interesting. I'm just curious to try it. And it's delicious too," he explained honestly.

Aurora could sense that, if Tristan wasn't bragging about what he just said.

"Ah, it's up to you whether you want to finish him. Now hurry up and come with me. You must accompany me to lunch before we both go to the meeting."

"But, Aurora, I've--"

"No refusal, Mr. Tristan. If you're full, you don't need to eat. Just stay with me until it's finished," Aurora pleaded. The woman's eyes blinked like a child on purpose.

Tristan sighed tiredly. It's really hard to argue with Aurora's request. Especially if that woman has put on puppy eyes like now.

"Okay, Princess. Let's go now."

Aurora smiled broadly. She pulled Tristan's body and then pushed him out of the car park. This time, Aurora chose Chiltern Firehouse, located in Marylebone, for lunch. While Aurora was busy eating her lunch, Tristan himself chose green tea Freeze for him to enjoy while waiting.

Looking around in all directions, his blue eyes suddenly caught the presence of Sophia sitting not far from the entrance while enjoying lunch with a man. Squinting, Tristan finally knew the figure who was with the woman he was after. Was Edward, his own best friend.

After making sure Aurora had finished her lunch, Tristan got up. As soon as he approached the exit, he casually rebuked Edward, taking a bite of food.

"So here you are?" Edward immediately looked up. As soon as he found Tristan's figure, he immediately laughed, pointing his hand and asking Tristan to sit down and join. While Sophia looked nervous, his face seemed very awkward when he saw Tristan's presence near him.

"Have you had lunch?" Edward asked.

"Yes," said Tristan. "I ate Sushi earlier at the office."

Hearing the name sushi, Sophia looked up reflexively. She suddenly felt uncomfortable and worried, afraid that Tristan would think all kinds of things after seeing himself alone with Edward.

"Then why are you here when you've eaten?" surprised Edward.

"I'm accompanying Aurora to lunch," he pointed at the cashier's desk where Aurora was standing paying for food at that time.

Edward nodded in understanding. After taking a sip of the orange juice in his glass, he spoke again to Tristan.

"So you don't want to eat with me anymore?"

"No," said Tristan, shaking his head. "I'm really full. You go on with Sophia. I also don't want to disturb the date you two seem so intimate."

Tristan's words sounded sarcastic to Sophia's ears. As soon as Aurora came over, the man immediately said goodbye to Edward without even turning to look at Sophia. Ignoring Sophia, who was in the restaurant, Tristan hurried to his car to get to the Convention Hall owned by Emaar Properties.

All the vendors selected in the joint venture seemed to have gathered in full. As soon as he entered the meeting room, Tristan was immediately invited to take a seat not far from the presentation board.

One thing that makes Tristan look enthusiastic and smile with satisfaction. Right next to where he was sitting, there was a man he knew so well. As soon as their eyes met each other, without the slightest hesitation, Tristan immediately rebuked him.

"It's a pleasure to meet Uncle Alfonso here."