Mactan International Airport.

Jenica exited the airport with her suitcase in tow. Her right hand was holding the suitcase's handle, while the left was holding a child's small hand who was just five years old.

The toddler grimaced and tilted his head upward, looking at his mother's towering stature. "Mom, I want Aunt Carol, not other nannies!"

Jenica sighed. "Your Aunt Carol is busy, Sham. If you're a good boy, I'll buy you a mocha cake. Isn't that your favorite?"

The child could only nod and sulk as he followed his mother's lead.

Jenica shook her head as she glanced down at her grumpy son. She must be careful not to spoil him too much, or he will turn into a brat like his playmates in the States.

She gazed over at the massive buildings in the distance. "Fuego Empire," she said softly, a smile on her lips. "It's been five years and I'm back."

It's been five years since she flew abroad to get away from her insanely wealthy, dying husband. She had lost contact with the man, but she still kept up with his news.

"Ah! Miss Gia is getting married! Look girls, her fiance is the owner of Fuego Empire!" cried the girl who followed her out of the airport.

Jenica just shifted her focus to the two women, both of whom were staring at their phones.

"Are you sure about that?" asked the girl's companion.

"Yes! You know Miss Gia, don't you? She's a great singer songwriter plus award winning artist. She recently released a statement that she's engaged to the CEO of the Fuego Empire."

Fuego Empire's CEO?

Jenica narrowed her eyes and arched her brow. As far as she knows, the CEO of Fuego Empire is currently her husband, then why do they say he is the fiance of that celebrity named Gia?

Her vision darkened as she recalled her husband's pale and suffering face. Her husband had the audacity to find another woman after five years? Good. Very well done.

Jenica grimaced and clinched her hands, irritated by the cheers for her husband and his so-called fiancee. For Pete's sake, she's his wife right now!

She clenched her teeth but was taken aback when she felt her son's small hand gripping her palm.

"Mom, are you okay?" said the child, lifting his head to gaze at her.

She grinned as she lowered her gaze to Shamrock. "Good Sham, Mom is fine," she said as she stroked his smooth shoulder-length hair.

One of the reasons she flew back to the country with her son was to attend the wedding of Alexander Fuego, her shameless husband.

Aside from the fact that their marriage certificate is still legal, that damn husband made her pregnant, causing her grief. She told him before signing the marriage contract that she had no intention of having a kid, but he broke his vow. And, with the world expecting his marriage to Gia Antonete, where does her son fit in?

She is his hidden wife, and if it is revealed that Alex has a son, what will the public think of her son? A bastard?

She's not going to let anyone make fun of Shamrock! Then pardon her for taking her son back to the country to meet his bastard father!

The taxi cab she had hail and ridden in earlier had come to a halt in front of an affluent subdivision. She was holding Sham's hand and ready to enter the massive gate when the guard stopped them.

"Miss, wait a minute. You are not allowed to enter if you are not a homeowner."

She turned to face the guard. "I am Mr. Fuego's wife," she stated.

"Ah, Miss..." said the guard. "Several women have introduced themselves as Mr. Fuego's wives and girlfriends, but none of them earned the approval of Mr. Fuego's housekeeper. If you don't want to be dragged away, leave on your own." He stared at Sham as he spoke, "Don't tell me this is Mr. Fuego's son? Miss, Sir Fuego has imprisoned many liars," the ugly man sneered, mocking both her and the boy.

His words caused Jenica's blood to boil. "Don't you remember me? I used to live here five years ago!"

"Miss, I've already heard your words multiple times from different women. You can't fool me so please leave!"

Jenica cursed quietly as she gazed at the enormous houses within the development. She squinted. Just wait, Alexander Fuego!

With a gloomy expression, she drew Sham away. She had no idea that after five years she wouldn't be able to enter that stupid subdivision. She remembered how the guards used to bow to her whenever they saw her.

"Mom, the weather's hot!" cried Sham.

She noticed her son was bathing in his sweat. Jenica bit her bottom lip and quickly snatched the bull cap from the edge of the luggage. "Wait a moment, Sham. Mom will look for a car, okay?" she asked, putting a handkerchief under the child's back.

She took a phone from her pocket as they stood in the shade of a huge tree. "Hello, Shimen. Are you busy now? I need your help. I'll send the address."

A dark automobile soon arrived opposite them. The driver's door opened, and a man with sunglasses stepped out. He was dressed casually in a polo shirt and smiled when he saw her.

"Jen, nice to see you back, but why are you here? Mama has been waiting for you for a while," Shimen asked as he took Shamrock in his arms. "Little boy, Uncle Shimen's here to fetch you. Are you happy?"

Sham pressed his lips together and averted his gaze. "I want my Dad!"

Jenica gave an uneasy smile. "Sorry. He's being naughty again because of the hot weather."

Shimen shook his head and laughed. "Sham, I'm also your godfather. You can call me Daddy..."

"No!" mumbled Sham.

Shimen only laughed as Jenica rebuked her son. The three climbed into the car and drove out of the private territory.

"What are your plans for today?" Shimen inquired as he drove.

Sham had fallen asleep in the rear while she was in the passenger seat. She felt relieved because the child was protected by a seatbelt.

Jenica sighed and turned to stare out the window. "I need to make sure Sham can return to his father; the news about him having a fiancee..." She closed her eyes and rubbed the side of her brow. "Too troublesome."

Shimen remained silent for a few seconds before speaking once more. "You ran away from that man five years ago. And now, you're coming back."

Jenica's lips curved up slightly. "I maybe too impulsive back then, but I don't regret my decision. If I stayed in his power, I might not be able to birth Sham," she blurted out.

A lot happened five years ago that drove her to flee. Shimen assisted her in leaving the country. And even though she was in another country, they never lost contact, that's why he became Sham's godfather when he presented himself.

"Where will you live with Sham?" Shimen asked.

"Just drop us at this address," she said, referring to the address of the house her assistant had purchased from abroad.

The car soon came to a halt in front of the two-story residence. Shimen took a peek around. "When are you going to visit the old mansion? Mama is looking forward seeing her little boy."

Jenica let out a quiet laugh. "Please say my thanks and promise to visit Tita when Sham adjusted to the country's climate."

"Good. I'll wait."

Shimen rejected her offer to enter the residence because he had received a call from his assistant informing him that there was an issue at the company. Jenica simply watched the automobile drive away before entering the house with the sleeping kid in her arms.

She called her assistant after she had placed Sham on the bed. "Locate Mr. Alexander Fuego and send someone from Nanny Center and direct the nanny into this house."

"Got it, Agent J."

Then there was a loud knock on the door. She opened it to see a woman in her mid-40s standing by the doorway. The woman gave her a friendly grin. "Ma'am, I'm from the Nanny Center. I was assigned by our staff head to be sent here."

"I see. Please come in," she said. "This is his school schedule," Jenica added, handing over the piece of paper. "In the next few days I will be busy so I won't be able to look after Sham."

The lady paid close attention to her instructions. Her overseas assistant was the one who contacted and recruited the old maid, so she has a lot of faith in her.

Jenica departed the residence after explaining the do's and don'ts to the elderly maid. Then she went to the address her assistant had given her.

It's a nightclub with people dancing enthusiastically in the dim light. Jenica grimaced and made her way to the second floor, where the VIP rooms were located.

Alex had disliked this type of location in the past, but why, of all places, would she find her husband here after five years?

She scowled. People do change with the passage of time.

As Jenica entered the farthest VIP room, she was met by dim lighting. Three men sat on the long chairs. A naked woman was dancing on a little platform in the middle of the room.

Jenica's eyes grew black. What on earth is her husband doing in this room?

"Miss, it's just you? Damn. The three of us won't be satisfied by only one woman. You might pass out in the middle," one of the three men smirked from ear to ear. "Add another woman. Hurry up and Mr. Fuego is getting impatient."

Jenica's ears perked up at what she heard. Mr. Fuego? Her husband has the audacity to ask women to perform such nasty things?

She clenched her teeth. Good. Very good.

She examined the three drunken men's features, but she couldn't recognize any of them. She noticed some movement in the darkness. Only then did she see there was another man seated in the area where the light did not shine.

Jenica could feel the heat of that man's eyes on her. She cursed softly as she approached the man in the dark.

"Miss!" yelled one of the three men as he approached her. He grabbed her arm to prevent her from advancing forward. "Didn't you hear me or did you just turn a deaf ear? I told you to add another girl or do you want the three of us to ruin you together? Well, that doesn't sound bad, isn't it?"

Jenica could smell alcohol on his breath. The man appeared to be intoxicated and unable to stand upright. She smirked and strucked him in the stomach.

The man growled and knelt, gripping his injured gut.

"What the h*ll!" cursed the man's buddy. "Dude, it's just a woman. Why are you so weak?"

His two companions burst out laughing.

The man kneeling in front of her flushed. Jenica's eyes widened as the man quickly stood up and pulled her down onto the couch behind her.

"You really irritate me. I won't stop until I teach you a lesson!" he stated while grasping the strap of her dress.

Jenica quickly grabbed and twisted the man's hand. The man was in tremendous pain. Smirking, she kicked the thing between his legs. The man collapsed on the floor, yelled, and gripped the injured object between his thighs.

"B*tch!" the man shouted.

Jenica risen up, chuckled and kicked him. "Good dogs don't stand in my way," she added, taking a step closer to the scumbag sitting in the shadows.

Jenica stood in front of Alexander Fuego, who was sipping his drink and staring at her gently. His lips curved upward, and his eyes squinted. "Done playing outside, wife?" he asked.

She pressed her lips together. Jenica scowled, raising one foot onto his inner thigh and placing it against the secret thing in between his legs. "So, Mr. Alexander Fuego, you've learned to appreciate beauty now?" she asked, pressing her foot into the man's jewels.

Alex winced and motioned for her to get closer. "What are you saying? I only love your body and no one else."

Jenica clenched her teeth and yanked her foot away from Alex's gem. She gasped in surprise as he reached out a hand and pulled her into his lap. His hot breath struck the back of her sensitive ear.

"Are you back for good?" he asked in hushed tones.

Someone intervened before she could respond. "Mr. Fuego, this woman... she's?"

Jenica turned to face the three men. She could see their eyes widening and their mouths gaping in disbelief. Sneering, she crossed her arms across her chest.

She was currently sitting on Mr. Fuego's lap while he was sipping a drink. She tried to break away, but his arm was tightly wrapped around her waist, preventing her from doing so.

'Many ladies will cry if you don't let go, Mr. Fuego.'

Alex seemed to ignore the men's ashened expressions and continued to tease Jenica.

"She's my woman," Alex said, smiling as he drew her closer to his body. He ran his fingers through her hair with a careless smile on his lips.

He was treating her like a pet.

Her cheeks were burning, and she was furious and ashamed. "What the hell are you doing? Let go," she murmured.

Alex burst out laughing. "Too bad, I can't let you go," he said softly, gently biting her ear. "I let you play outside for five long years and it's enough, or do you want me to cage you so you can't run away again?"

Jenica clenched her hand as she glared at his words. Her last memory of the man was his dying face. She assumed her husband would die, and she was terrified to be alone, especially when she was carrying their kid. Her husband's immediate family will undoubtedly eat her alive if they find out how Alex married her without their knowledge or consent.

And what will happen to the growing infant on her stomach if things go wrong? She didn't have to make a guess. So, out of terror, Jenica decided to flee the estate while it was in disarray.

But what changed in her husband after five years?

He was no longer the pale and frail man who had offered marriage to her previously. No longer was he the dying man who used to accompany her to the garden and chuckle whenever she made a joke about herself.

Jenica didn't glance at the men who were discreetly departing the room as she remembered the past. Even the woman dancing on the platform fled, and just the man who 'enjoyed' her kick between the thighs remained. He was glaring at her while sitting awkwardly on the sofa.

Jenica raised an eyebrow as she observed the man. Was he craving that 'sweet' kick again?

Alex saw Jenica's attention was not on him. He grimaced and followed her gaze. His face became solemn. "What do you want, Antonete?"

Dante chuckled. "Mr. Fuego, what do you mean by this?"

Jenica squinted. The man was now staring her in the eyes, indicating that he had recovered his senses from her previous kick. She gave him a sly grin. Dante's face flushed as he caught the sneer on her lips and turned his gaze away.

Alex smiled and shook the goblet in his hand. "Should I report my matters to you?" he mocked, raising his naughty finger beneath Jenica's breast. Jenica froze and swatted the hand away. Alex let out a quiet laugh.

"If my guess is right, this woman should be your wife?" Dante said.

Alex's lips curled into a smile. "You knew? That's interesting," he said, but his voice was cold and emotionless.

Except for his confidante and the servants at his house, no one knows Alexander is married. Even Alex's family is unaware that he is currently married.

And it was one of the reasons Jenica brought her son to the country. She is concerned about her son's rightful place because, despite the fact that she and Alex have a marriage license, the man was still considered a bachelor in the eyes of the public.

So, if the wedding goes on and everyone learns about Shamrock, the public will undoubtedly accuse her and Sham as being homewreckers.

It is unlawful to marry while still not divorced, but things change when money and public opinion are involved. She may not have received a divorce letter at this time, but what about in the future? She has no faith in Alex or the people around him.

Dante burst out laughing. "Mr. Fuego, did you forget about your engagement with my sister Gia?" The man smiled, but his eyes were chilly. "Have you forgotten what your grandmother asked you to do?"

"Is that a threat, Antonete?" Alex asked, lowering the glass he was holding on the table and raising his hand. Two men in black entered. "Drag this bastard out."

Dante rose up and shook his clothes as the newcomer complied. "I know the way," Dante said, and a curious smile emerged on his lips. She grimaced, and Alex's face darkened. Dante waved his hand softly. "Goodbye, Mr. Fuego. I hope you can explain your matters later."

After chatting, Dante eventually emerged, followed by the men in black. Alex and Jenica were left inside.

She broke away from the man's lap, but he quickly wrapped his arm around her torso and drew her back. When Jenica's back landed on him, she could feel her husband's hot and powerful chest. Her cheeks began to flush.

Why is this jerk refusing to let her go? So clinging? What happened to her sickly and frail husband then?

"Get your hands off me!" she yelled, a bit growling.

"Hmm?" Alex asked, his mouth near to her ear. "Why? I haven't played with your body yet."

Jenica was taken aback. Her eyes hardened when she realized what Alex meant. "What the hell are you saying?" she smacked his finger on her covered breast. She snarled, "Have you lost your mind?"

"If I say yes, what will you do?" the man challenged, smiling sweetly.

Jenica's face was as red as a ripe tomato. She slapped his face with her fist raised. "Stop fooling around. I'm here because we have something to talk about. Don't involve your perverted mind in this business!" she shrieked.

Alex's face reddened as he gripped his injured cheek. The man moved his gaze to her parted lips. As she tried to push him away, he kissed her fiercely. Alex scowled. "What? You've grown courage in five years? Where is my submissive wife?"

Jenica smirked and slapped him on the other cheek. Alex took a deep breath and escalated his punishment. She saw herself lying on the plush sofa while the man pinned her hands over her head.

Alex let go of her lips to stare at her, causing her to cease struggling and return his hot gaze. She scowled. "What are you looking at?!"

"I haven't seen you in years, let me take a good look at your face," he said tenderly as he caressed her cheek.

Jenica was taken aback by the longing in his eyes. Under his stare, her heartbeat sped and her cheeks flushed hot. Jenica's pulse skipped a beat and she held her breath as Alex drew in closer.

"You've grown fat here," Alex observed abruptly, running his fingers over her stomach and waist. His hand reached for her breast. "Oh, they're bigger now," he continued, giving it a slight squeeze.

All those great feelings burst like bubbles, and Jenica's anger rose to the top of her head. "Bastard, get your hands off!" she yelled, shoving the man away.

Alex laughed and took both of her hands in his. He pinned them above her head once more and leaned in closer to her, beaming. "I'm not done checking your body. Don't be too hasty and we'll get down to our business later, wife."

"You bast  ---"

Alex's lips brushed up against her cheek. He kissed her on the brow, nose, chin, and lips with butterfly kisses.

Jenica's rage faded in an instant, and she could hear her heart hammering loudly. She was agitated. She tried to push her lips away from Alex's aggressive kiss, but the man was too domineering and wouldn't let her go for even a second.

While their lips fought for supremacy, the door unexpectedly opened and a woman showed up. "What the hell! Who is this b*tch seducing my man?! Let go of him, you sl*t!" she screamed, her cheeks reddened and puffing furiously.

The female lead has arrived.

Jenica caressed Alex's back softly and reached her hand up to the back of the man's head. Her eyes darted to Gia's direction, a smile on her face.

"You b*tch!" said the woman as she dashed over.

She was simply mocking Gia, but Alex appeared to enjoy it, and she felt their kiss deepen. He grasped her hand, interlaced their fingers, and trapped her naughty palm over her head as she softly pushed him.

Jenica noticed Alex's lips curling up. She squinted and clung her arms and legs to him, swapping positions. She was now on top, while the man lay below her, his lips swollen and inflamed. She scowled, recalling how she bit his lips earlier.

"You underestimated me," she said quietly, running her fingertips over her husband's beautiful cheeks. Alex's gaze was soft as he twisted his fingers through her hair.

When she sensed movement on the side, Jenica sat up quickly.

'Swiss!'

She took Gia's hand in hers and smiled as she moved her head to the side. "You can't afford to hurt me," she said, her eyes narrowing.

"Y-You, b*tch!" Gia exclaimed, violently pulling back her hand. The woman looked at Alex. "Honey, Kuya said you have a woman. I didn't believe him but seeing this ugly woman... What do you mean by this?!"

Honey?

Jenica raised a brow and glanced down at Alex. Her lips twitched and she held back her laughter. She remembered that this man didn't like it when she called him with lovely words, but is it okay with Gia? Well, well... Her husband was a fraud.

She kissed Alex on the chest and smiled sweetly at him. "I really like your face, handsome, but..." Jenica raised her hand to gently pat his cheek. "I don't sleep with hypocrites," she said modestly before leaving from his top.

"Where are you going?" Alex asked as she straightened her clothing. He propped himself up with his arm and glanced at her.

She smiled as she raised her brows and turned to face him. "Gonna leave. Your girlfriend is here so you don't need me anymore. Don't worry, I'll visit you again soon."

Gia's fist closed while Jenica and Alex talked. She couldn't believe that a stranger was more beautiful than she was. When Alex ignored her, her mood darkened and she became more envious. His entire attention was on that vile woman.

"Sl*t!" shouted Gia, pointing a finger at Jenica. "How dare you seduce my man!"

Jenica raised her hand and faced Gia. "Didn't anyone ever tell you that it's not good for a woman to cuss?" she asked as she walked past her. "Ahyaa... I didn't know Mr. Fuego's fiancee had no class," she said, shaking her head and grinning widely.

Gia's fury rose to the surface. How could that scumbag mock her?

She swiftly took out the little needles and hurled them at Jenica.

The latter raised her brows and tweaked the corner of her mouth. She took a step to the side, and all of the small and sharp needles fell to the floor. Jenica turned to face Gia, shaking her head. "What a lame shooter. A child is more sharp-eyed than you, Miss."

"W-What?"

"You might want to see a doctor," Jenica suggested, picking up a needle. If she wasn't used to looking for small objects, she might have overlooked the needle on the ground. "Mmm... This needle is good," she murmured as she pocketed it.

She gave Gia a thoughtful look before exiting the room.

Jenica extracted the needle from her pocket and examined it. She's seen and used a lot of hidden weapons over the years, but this is the first time she's seen needles. And a toxic one at that. Why doesn't she try it? Her lips moved.

She took her smartphone from her pocket and dialed her assistant in another country. "Investigate this thing for me," she said as she hung up the phone, snapping a photo before putting the needle away. She then forwarded it to her assistant.

She soon received a phone call. "The needle carries poison. The degree of lethality is unknown and it can only be used once. When exposed in the air, the poison loses its lethality and will immediately rot. The only record of this poisonous needle is found in a private island near Mindoro. It was used to assassinate a small government official."

"Only one record?" She scowled and reached into her pocket for the needle, only to be astonished when she couldn't locate any.

"Yes, Agent J. Only one record found because these needles rot inside the victim's body even without air, and the autopsies can't detect any metal components on the corpses. I'm afraid, these poisonous needles are not made of metals but other materials that the human body can absorb."

Jenica's pupils constricted. That's why, after exposing the needle to air, she couldn't detect anything in her pocket.

She arched her brow. "This matter is also one of my missions?"

"Yes," said the person on the other end of the line, clearing his throat. "The organization wants you to investigate the ongoing illegal transaction between a local private entity and Jared's group. As well as to find out who made these poison needles."

She took a big breath and said, "Roger that." "I still have one request. I want to know who Gia Antonete is and investigate the Antonete Enterprise behind her."

"I'll look into it, Agent J."

She hung up the phone and stared out the window at the bright city not far away. The wind blew gently as she stood on the rooftop of the hotel where she would spend the night.

Jenica Laurel is not her sole identity. Most people are unaware that she is also a member of the International Crime Operatives headquartered in Europe. And her first aim in the country is to uncover the transaction carried out by Jared's group in the country, which is number one on the organization's wanted list.

And, in order to protect Shamrock, she will remain at the hotel until the task is completed.

She lightly tapped her brow. What a pity. She failed to do what she had planned tonight: to tell Alex about Shamrock, their son. Jenica picked up the phone once more and dialed her husband's number.

"Alex, this is Jenica," she said as someone picked up the call.

For a few seconds, the other line was silent before she heard Alex's voice. "You left me again. Jenica, do you think I enjoyed being played at?"

She grinned as she heard the fury in his voice. "Why is it still my fault? I'm not betrothed to some woman who chased me out..."

"You!"

"I called you because I have something to say. If you don't want to listen, that's your loss," Jenica replied, oblivious to the man's growing rage.

After a few seconds of stillness, he asked, "Where are you?"

She grinned. "Is Gia still there?"

"No. She left after you."

"Alright. Just wait for me."

So she returned to the bar, which was only a few blocks away from where she was staying. She was alerted when the smell of blood assaulted her nose and when she entered the VIP room, Jenica discovered a bloodied corpse near the door.

She walked inside the VIP area as if she owned the place, oblivious to the bloody mess near her feet. Looking around, she noticed Alex surrounded by two masked men, each wielding a knife.

Alex squinted his eyes. "What are you doing here? Run, right now!"

"Oh. Someone wants you dead?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

As far as she knows, no one attempted to kill Alex when he was on the point of death five years ago. But now that the man is in good health, someone dispatched an assassin to murder him? What nonsense!

"Bro, you deal with that stupid girl, and I'll deal with Fuego!" said one of the assassins.

The short man hurried towards Jenica. She squinted, unable to believe that someone had the balls to silence her.

Alex's face darkened and moved towards Jenica. But the assassin in front of him would not let him leave. Hissing, he dodged the impending sneak attack.

Because it is a VIP room, no one knows what is going on inside. Jenica will undoubtedly escape if she runs out right now. The thing is, she's not simply Jenica Laurel.

Her lips curled and she sprinted towards the approaching assassin. She could see the man's shock and wonder in his eyes. Yes. Who would rush blindly into danger? Well, only her.

She pulled the small dagger hidden inside her sleeve and swung it away. Jenica shied away from the assassin's blade and jumped around behind the man. Like a passing wind, a small and deep cut appeared on the assassin's neck. Blood splattered on the floor.

A precise cut.

"Brother!" yelled the assassin behind her as he charged towards her.

With a small and cold smile on her lips, Jenica looked over her shoulder to see the other assassin rushing towards her in complete madness. What a sight it was. She had no intention to dodge the incoming assault because she had a plan in mind.

But a stupid bastard shoved her aside and took her spot. Jenica's eyes grew as she gaped in surprise. "No!" she screamed.

'Splat'

Alex's blood trickled across the floor as the knife pressed against him.

When Jenica saw her husband kneeling in front of the assassin, she took a deep breath. The latter had raised the knife and was about to kill Alex when she dashed over to that damn assassin and thrust the dagger into his neck. The man collapsed, his eyes wide open.

Jenica seized her husband's cold body. "Alex... Alex! Wake up! Wake up!"