Alfonso Craigh Adelaide just one day set foot in London, England. After years of living in Germany, he decided to return home because he had to participate in a mega project joint venture with other big companies.
Before this, he had vowed never to revisit London because he had a dark memory of that city. In the past, even when Sophia insisted on moving to Queen Elizabeth’s country, Alfonso did not immediately give permission.
There were many things he had to consider. Apart from safety, Alfonso didn’t want anything wrong to happen to the princess. Whenever she gave the news, Sophia ensured that she was okay. The woman must have told Alfonso that she was surrounded by many good friends who always helped when needed.
Sophia also said she was close to two men who both caught her eye. Alfonso never forbids or limits the relationship of the princess. He often supports everything Sophia chooses. That’s why when Sophia invited him to attend a dinner with his friends, Alfonso didn’t refuse in the slightest.
However, a big reality he found today. There was one young man who, from the beginning, entered the restaurant and stole the attention. His distinctive appearance and demeanor reminded Alfonso of someone. What surprised him even more, was when the man introduced himself. Alfonso was sure that his ears had heard correctly.
“Uncle’s right. My name is Tristan or Tristan Quartararo, son of the late Andrew John Quartararo, owner of Foxtail Corporation.”
For the sake of hearing this sentence, Alfonso, who was sipping the wine in his hand, immediately choked. The wife, Mikaila Adelaide, even-handed her a napkin to wipe her wet lips. Alfonso had to clear his throat for a while before normalizing his face, and he was shocked to hear Tristan’s name.
“So you’re Andrew John Quartararo and Gracia’s son?”
Raising his glass, Tristan nodded and then invited Alfonso to return a toast. After gulping down his drink, it was Tristan’s turn to introduce the other members who were also present at this dinner.
“Yes. Uncle’s guess is correct. Besides that, Uncle also has to get acquainted with the beautiful woman beside me,” Tristan pointed at Aurora. “She is Aurora Athena Smith, the only daughter of Raphael Gamaliel Smith.”
Hearing that name, Alfonso’s eyes widened again, filled with shock. He just realized that the two guests today are not ordinary people. Eliminating his nervousness, Alfonso took a deep breath. He kept trying to normalize his facial expression to calm down.
There are many big secrets that he deliberately keeps tightly in his heart until this moment, and he can’t just reveal them. That’s why Alfonso chose to smile a little instead of telling.
Seconds later greeted Aurora in a friendly manner.
“Nice to meet you two. Uncle is increasingly convinced that good people have surrounded Sophia.”
Everyone then ate the food that was already available. Even Tristan and Aurora also enjoyed the meal. Edward seemed to talk the most out of all the people that night. He made everything into a discussion until the atmosphere became fluid and familiar with each other.
“I heard Uncle likes hunting?” Edward asked enthusiastically when they had all finished their meal.
“Of course,” said Alfonso, nodding. “In the past, when Uncle was young, Uncle often hunted in the forest. Every time he came home, our group always brought many wild boars and some wild deer. It was only when he moved to Hamburg that Uncle had not done this activity for a long time. There’s also no hunting partner,” the man complained. Then took another sip of the wine in his hand.
Everyone seemed serious, listening to stories from Alfonso’s experience. Edward, who had prepared many plans to attract the man’s attention, immediately launched his action. Full of confidence, he conveyed his intentions. “Tomorrow, Sunday, we happen to be hunting. If Uncle has more time, maybe he can come with us,” he asked politely.
Alfonso seemed to be considering whether he should accept the invitation from his daughter’s friends. While thinking about it, he replied, “That seems interesting. Who’s coming tomorrow?” he asked curiously. “And which forest are you guys going to?”
“There might be five people coming along,” Edward said. “I, Jacob, Nicholas, Tristan, and Danial are co-workers, Sophia. For the forest itself, we chose New Hampshire.”
Alfonso’s eyebrows shot up high. “New Hampshire near Southampton?” he asked with certainty. “That new forest, often dubbed the ghost forest, isn’t it?”
“Uncle is right,” Edward said with a laugh. “I don’t think Uncle knows about the forest.” “Of course Uncle does. But to hunt there, Uncle has never really,” he replied with a look full of regret. “It seems that Uncle has to come with you.”
Edward’s expression brightened. He was delighted that Alfonso finally agreed to the plan he proposed. , this moment was used as a stepping stone for him to win the heart of the father of the woman he was after.
“Then, we will agree together tonight. We’d better meet tomorrow at what time and where to meet,” Edward confirmed to his friends.
“It’s good. We gather directly at the location at nine in the morning. So, before sunset, we can go back without having to go home late,” Nicholas suggested, which was immediately approved by the other participants.
When the agreement resounded, one by one the guests that Sophia had invited looked farewell to go home. It was the same with Tristan and Aurora, before getting in the car the man said goodbye in person to Alfonso.
“Thanks for dinner, Uncle. It’s so nice to meet the Adelaide family,” he said with a smile. “You’re welcome,” said Alfonso. “Uncle hope, next time we can meet again.”
Tristan’s gaze then turned to Sophia. Holding Aurora’s hand, he said goodbye.
“Thank you very much for the invitation, Sophia. See you next time.”
Without waiting for an answer, Tristan immediately walked away. Leaving Sophia filled with jealousy, staring at Tristan until the man’s image disappeared by itself.
***
Towards the next day, very early in the morning, Tristan seemed busy preparing everything he needed for hunting. Aurora even helped the man check and then pack up what equipment Tristan would bring one by one.
“Coat, flashlight, digital compass, long-range binoculars, laser rangefinder, boat shoes, walkie-talkie.”
Aurora counted while put all the equipment on the table. “The rest of the rifle and supplies aren’t here yet,” said the woman. “I’ve put my hunting rifle in the car. For your supplies, it seems unnecessary. Edward said he would bring the food.”
Aurora nodded. Then went back to tidying everything up. “Are you guys going to stay? Or go home before sunset?” Aurora asked curiously.
Tristan shrugged. He wasn’t sure about this one. But it doesn’t seem to stay overnight. Don’t we all have to work tomorrow as usual?”
“Yes, you’re right,” said Aurora then.
While the two of them were busy checking preparations, Raphael had just finished eating breakfast and immediately called Tristan. He asked the man to follow his steps toward the living room. Read.
They were there for a long time, and it probably took about 30 minutes. Aurora was surprised. What exactly Tristan and his father were talking about this early. When they wanted to follow, the two men had already left. Raphael even accompanied Tristan to the car.
“Careful. Uncle hope, you can shoot your target right on target. Bring Uncle good news after this.”
The words were so calm but had meaning. I don’t know what target Raphael was referring to this time. Before actually getting in the car, Tristan first hugged the two families he loved so much. Hurried away.
Riding a full black Ford Ranger Raptor, Tristan cut through the streets of London to quickly reach the New Hampshire forest area not far from Southampton. After almost an hour of driving, he finally arrived at his destination strictly at nine in the morning.
Edward’s black Jeep Rubicon was parked next to several other cars. As soon as he got off, Tristan was immediately greeted by friends and other hunting participants.
“Since when did you guys arrive?” Tristan asked as he got out of the car and went straight to his friends.
“Not long ago. Maybe ten minutes ago,” Jacob said.
“So who else hasn’t come yet?” Tristan asked then.
“The rest of Uncle Alfonso and Felix, his assistant. Last night he informed him that he would be coming with an assistant.”
Not long after Edward explained, the man he had been waiting for finally arrived. Before carrying out today’s mission, they all seemed to pray first.
Then after that, Edward divided the members to form a hunting team.
“Jacob will be paired with Nicholas. Danial can be with Mr. Felix. Tristan is with the forest ranger. And I am alone with Uncle Alfonso.”
Alfonso and the others nodded in agreement. After ensuring all the necessities were brought in completely, everyone began to enter and comb the outskirts of the forest. Slowly and calculatingly, they continued walking until they reached the middle of the forest.
Tristan was the first person who managed to shoot a wild deer that was running into the forest. Then continued Danial and also Edward. In total, four animals they managed to bring home today.
Meanwhile, Alfonso saw Tristan’s agile and calculated movements made him even more stunned. He was truly amazed by the young man’s demeanor, who was very calm but able to read the situation in front of him.
Because of high interest and curiosity, Alfonso even asked Edward to change positions while they were combing the forest, intending to go home. He thought this was the right opportunity to have a serious talk with the son of his late best friend.
“Then the rangers and I will go first. Uncle and Tristan can follow in our footsteps from behind.”
Carrying all their equipment, they seemed to return to combing the path so they could get out of the forest as soon as possible. Tristan rolled his eyes to look around.
Meanwhile, Alfonso occasionally stole glances at the man next to him. Looking for the right moment to talk. “Looks like you’re used to hunting wild animals,” Alfonso muttered, opening the conversation. “From the way you hunt, aim, and fire, Uncle believes you’ve calculated everything carefully,” the man guessed.
As a person who has been involved for a long time and knows the ins and outs of hunting, Alfonso can guess which is a beginner, amateur, or professional.
Meanwhile, according to him, Tristan has been classified as a professional, judging by how the man catches his prey. “Uncle is too much,” said Tristan, still in a friendly tone. If he wanted to know, he struggled to keep himself from spilling his emotions that were ready to explode at any moment.
“But if I’m being honest, you look so professional. Looks like this great hunting talent passed down from your late Papa.”
Tristan smiled then the man again refuted Alfonso’s words which he considered too much. “No. The one who is the best at hunting is not Papa, as far as I know, Uncle Raphael. Besides, weren’t the three of you friends back then? It’s impossible not to know such a small thing. Papa also often tells me that when you’re hunting with you, Uncle Raphael always manages to come home with animals. prey.”
Alfonso chuckled softly at Tristan’s rebuttal. He also did not deny what the young man had told him. “Yes, you’re right. But so you know, your Papa is much better than the two of us. He’s always been known to give in.”
While focusing on walking straight, Tristan seemed to nod. Thinning his lips, he spoke in a relaxed tone.
“For this one, I agree. Papa is known as a person who likes to give in. The same goes for his family. But, darling. Because of his kindness, he was eventually taken advantage of. Even to the point of being harmed by his own best friend.”
Those piercing words echoed in the air. Silence fell upon both of them. Alfonso stopped in his tracks because he didn’t expect those words to come out of Tristan’s lips.
“Tristan …” called Alfonso quietly. Tristan, who had been walking straight, immediately stopped his steps. Turning around, he immediately cast a piercing gaze full of meaning.
“Why? Is there something Uncle wants to say? Or maybe Uncle wants to give me an important clarification about Papa’s death?”
As Tristan finished his words which made him gasp in surprise, Alfonso chose to take a step back. For a moment, he looked around to see if anyone was watching or hearing what Tristan had just said.
However, after confirming that it was quiet, Alfonso looked back at Tristan intently. In the end, in a low voice, he responded.
“Uncle doesn’t want to talk a lot. Uncle is also sure. All this time, you must have heard many versions about the cause of your Papa’s death, right? Before continuing any further, from the bottom of his heart, Uncle would like to apologize to you.”
Alfonso immediately fell to his knees on the ground. With a face full of regret, he apologized to Tristan and then spoke again. “Uncle should have said this apology on the day your Papa died. But Uncle’s condition was utterly impossible at that time. After the accident that happened to both of us, Uncle fell into a coma for several weeks. Then on the initiative of the whole extended family, Uncle was taken to Germany for treatment and eventually settled there.”
Tristan smiled wryly. He wasn’t the least bit interested in believing Alfonso’s words. “Apologies? Even after recovering, I’ve never heard Uncle intend to apologize, even if it was just a phone call.”
Still, on his knees, Alfonso nodded regretfully. Not in the slightest evading what Tristan had accused him of.
“Uncle knows this was a big mistake. But for God’s sake, Uncle regretted being such a coward. You need to know that everything Uncle is accused of is not true,” he said emphatically. Still hoping that Tristan would believe him.
“Allegations?” Tristan’s eyes narrowed immediately. “Allegations about what?” Alfonso sighed heavily. the burden he carries, and it isn’t easy to let go.
“Uncle is sure, and surely everyone must accuse Uncle of being the mastermind behind your Papa’s death, right? Everyone accuses it of the accident occurring a few minutes after your Papa moved into Uncle’s car.” There was a long pause before Alfonso finally resumed his sentence. “But you need to know, if it was planned to kill your Papa, why did Uncle bother come along and do it? Harm yourself? What is Tristan for? Uncle even went into a coma and had to undergo therapy due to difficulty walking due to this accident.”
“Enough, Uncle!” Tristan shouted in a high tone. An angry glint was etched on his face. “No matter how I dodged, Uncle could never believe it.”
Alfonso shook his head. Trying to convince Tristan to hear the whole explanation so there wouldn’t be a protracted misunderstanding. “Uncle isn’t making this up, Tristan. Try to think with a common sense where there are people who want to kill their target but endanger themselves. Uncle even has a good chance of dying the same as your Papa. Even the driver who brought us both died in the incident, right? Even if Uncle did not survive at that time, what was the purpose of this accident? Haven’t you ever thought that maybe someone else is using this event for personal gain?”
Tristan didn’t budge. Allowing silence to once again fall between the two of them. They were silent for a long time until, a second later, Alfonso spoke again.
“For God’s sake, Uncle, Not the cause of your Papa’s death, Tristan. Uncle could have sworn that. Or, if you don’t believe me, you can take Uncle’s life right now.”
“Stop your babbling, Uncle Alfonso!” Tristan shouted again in annoyance.
“No!” Again, Alfonso shook his head. “Uncle won’t stop until you believe what Uncle says. If killing Uncle’s life can erase the grudge in your heart, please shoot now. Uncle won’t fight back in the slightest.”
Alfonso then raised his hands. Resigned if Tristan fired a shot at his body. “Hurry up, Tristan. Shoot Uncle right now.”
Tristan clenched his fists tightly. The emotions he had been holding back seemed to have come to the surface. He struggled to contain himself, but Alfonso was testing his patience. “It’s useless for Uncle to try to convince you, Tristan. In the end, you’ll never believe anything, right?”
Tristan nodded. Hastily grabbed his gun, then aimed it straight at Alfonso. “You’d better kill Uncle right now so that the grudge you’ve harbored for so long can be paid off, Tristan Quartararo. Hurry up and shoot Uncle right now!”
Still, in a state of resignation with both arms raised, Alfonso purposely closed his eyes tightly. Right after that, there was a loud sound of gunshots, followed by the fall of a one almost defenseless victim.
All the hunting participants simultaneously stopped their steps when they heard gunshots. Realizing that Tristan and Alfonso seemed far behind, they quickly took the initiative to catch up again.
However, when they reached the search point, everyone was worried and surprised by the sight they saw.