Chanting this prayer in my mind, I tried his number again, but it was still unreadable. I had left some voice messages for him in hopes he would switch on his phone and hear my messages. But clearly, he didn’t.

My phone blared in my hand, making my heart leap, thinking it was him. But disappointment soon filled me as Cassie’s name flashed across the screen.

“Cassie, I can’t talk to you right now. I’m a little bus—”

“Em, did you see the news?” I cringed at her loud screech. “Oh, God! It’s everywhere! I can’t even recognize his face!”

“What are you talking about?” I rubbed my temple, getting restless. I needed to stop Ace. “Look, Cassie. I’ll call you later. I’m in the middle of a—”

“It’s about Antonio! Didn’t you see it yet?”

She again cut me off. But the name she took grabbed my attention.

“Wait, Antonio?” I frowned. “What about him?”

“God, Em, what world are you living in? The internet is going crazy over this. Antonio’s butt is in the open now. Everything his stupid ass has done, all his illegal businesses is out now. It’s all over the internet. That prick is even involved with human trafficking. Can you believe that?” I could imagine her shaking her head. “He got out of the jail last time, I don’t know how, but this time no one can save him. Everyone knows his deeds. He’s going to rot in jail for the rest of his life!”

I gasped. “You mean, he’s been exposed before the world? But how?” Last time, he got out using his connection with some powerful politicians. But if the media had proof against him in their hands now, no one can save him.

“You and I both know who is behind this.”

Of course. Who else? But why didn’t he tell me anything?

“Though I hate that man, I can’t help but feel pity the way he’s looking covered in blood,” she said.

“What are you talking about?”

She sighed. “You don’t know anything, do you? I’m sending you a video. Watch it.”

Moments later, my phone buzzed as she sent me a message, at the same time the elevator’s doors opened, letting me move out.

As soon as I opened the video, my eyes widened at the sight.

Antonio was lying on a stretcher as some people carried him inside a hospital. His face was battered with bruises and cuts, the same went with his hands. Blood soaked his shirt and the side of his head. He looked horrible.

I read the headline.

‘The famous business tycoon Antonio Raymond was found beaten brutally and unconscious in his own apartment. Police are looking into the matter. Though people are content with his state with his illegal activities now out before the world.’

I stood there, shocked.