[ Country J: At the Airport Arrival Area… ]

"Spade, did their flight arrive? Check it again. Big Boss is not responding to my message." Jack said, nudging Spade's shoulder, who was sitting next to him.

Spade was busy playing on his laptop.

"Their plane has touched down. Just wait. They will pass through this arrival gate. We will see them once they are here. So, relax."

It's been two years since Alexander began working under the Sawada Clan to atone for his grandfather's crime.

Today, he was returning to the Red Dragon Mafia and resumed his leadership.

Mr. Hiroshi had forgiven his grandfather. With Alexander's loyalty, the alliance between the Red Dragon Mafia and the Sawada Clan was preserved.

No more hostility left between the two organizations.

Aside from that, Hanabi and Alexander had been dating for two years. The domineering leader of the Red Dragon Mafia pampered the fierce lady of the Sawada Clan.

Hanabi was meant to become the future lady of the Red Dragon Mafia. Tonight, aside from the Homecoming Party for Alexander, they would also announce the engagement of the couple.

"By the way, Jack, Lady Hanabi told me that she brought a friend. Since our Boss and Miss Hanabi are going to be busy with their engagement party, she requested us to entertain and accompany her friend."

Jack narrowed his eyes upon hearing that. "I have no time for that. You can do it yourself. There is no need for us to go together."

Spade pouted his lips. It seemed that Jack was dumping this task on him alone.

"I'm a computer addict. How am I supposed to entertain Lady Hanabi's friend? Isn't it best to do it together?"

Jack merely arched his eyebrow. "No. I have to train our new members."

Spade rolled his eyes skyward. "You can postpone the training. Besides, she will not stay long. Only three days. Can't you sacrifice your three days?"

"Her friend is a woman… so it's best for you to entertain her. Not me. Don't get me involved in this." Jack blatantly said his outright refusal.

Spade could only sigh in defeat. Jack was a stubborn man. If he said "No", nothing could ever change his mind.

"This is also your chance. You are looking for someone to date, right? Why don't you treat her as your date?" Jack added with a sneer.

"Hmmp! Fine. I will! You traitor!"

Spade moved away from Jack, pretending to be upset.

While waiting for their arrival, he secretly informed Hanabi that Jack refused her request.

'Hahaha. Let's see. Our Clan leader pampered Miss Hanabi so much. I wonder how Jack will be forced to do what he doesn't want to do.' Spade smiled mischievously after sending his message to Hanabi.

"I'll just buy some drinks. Please keep an eye on the arrival gate."

Spade just nodded, watching Jack's retreating back.

It didn't take long before he spotted Alexander and Hanabi at the arrival gate. They were holding their luggage. A charming woman trailed them behind.

"Oh, she might be Miss Hanabi's friend. What is her name again?" Spade rubbed his chin, trying to recall the woman's name.

After a while, his eyes lit up as he finally remembered. "Right. She's Kathleen!"

Without any further delay, Spade made his way to them.

"Boss! Lady Hanabi! I'm here! Let me take care of your luggage!"

"Hi, Spade. Where's Jack?" Hanabi asked.

A blush subconsciously crept over Kathleen's cheeks when Jack was mentioned. Instinctively, she roamed her eyes around, searching for him.

"He went to buy a drink. He might be thirsty."

Spade's expression brightened when he locked gaze with Kathleen. "Hi, Miss Kathleen, welcome to our home country. I will be your tour guide for three days. I hope you will enjoy your stay here."

Hanabi and Alexander just exchanged meaningful glances with one another while Kathleen gave Spade a sheepish smile. She looked somewhat nervous.

It didn't take long before Jack found the group. He approached them, holding the two canned drinks he bought for himself and Spade.

However, the moment he reached them, his feet froze as his eyes lingered on someone's figure… hauntingly familiar.

Clatter! Clatter!

With an utter shock, Jack dropped the canned drinks to the floor.

"Oh! Here is Jack!" Spade exclaimed upon noticing his presence.

Everyone turned silent when they sensed the strange look in Jack's eyes as he stared at Kathleen.

Kathleen was the woman whom he thought he would never see again. He fell in love with her. But he gave up pursuing her because of his background.

Aside from that, Kathleen had been in love with someone– Stephen.

'So… the friend Lady Hanabi brought here… is none other than Kathleen.'

The feelings he had thought he had already buried two years ago had resurfaced once more.

On the other hand, Kathleen waved her hand, her eyes still glued on Jack. It had been so long since the last time she had seen him.

In fact, Jack was the reason why she decided to tag along with Hanabi. She knew that Jack was here in Country J.

There was something she had regretted two years ago. She realized her feelings for him too late.

And now, she wanted to gamble. Perhaps, she could have a fresh start with him.

But still, it would depend on Jack whether he was willing… if he still wanted to get to know her better.

If he didn't want to… then she had no choice but to return home, move on, and focus on her career and business.

"Hi, Jack."

A simple greeting from Kathleen, yet his heart was already melting.

Damn it! She could easily affect him. Now, his heart was racing… pounding so wildly against his chest.

He was just trying to restrain himself from engulfing her in his arms and kissing her senseless. He missed her so much.

"Ahem, shall we go now?" Alexander said, giving them the cue to move.

There were other passengers passing by. They had to leave now.

Jack remained quiet, but his attention was focused only on Kathleen.

He was supposed to help her with her luggage, but Spade beat him to it.

"Miss Kathleen, you will ride with me. We brought two cars. Since Jack is going back to our base, he will be the one to send Miss Hanabi and our Boss to their house. As for us, I can tour you around the city."

Kathleen could only nod, hiding her disappointment. She thought she could spend some time alone with Jack. However, it seemed that he was busy.

"Hmm, Spade is clueless," Hanabi whispered to Alexander.

He just smirked and nodded. "Let them be. Just focus on me, Sweety."

After saying that, Alexander wrapped his arm around Hanabi's waist. They walked ahead, leaving the three behind.

A few minutes later, the group finally reached the parking area.

Spade opened the car door for Kathleen. She thanked him before entering the front passenger seat.

He was about to step into the driver's seat when suddenly, Jack grabbed him and snatched the car keys from him.

"Jack, what are you–"

"Just go to the other car. I will be the one to escort Miss Kathleen," Jack said firmly, giving him a fierce look.

Spade was momentarily stunned.

'Eh? I thought he didn't want to entertain her. He was hellbent on refusing to go with me. What has gotten into him? I can't believe this. Jack suddenly changed his mind. This is such a rare occurrence.'

Before Spade could argue with him, Jack hurriedly slipped into the car and slammed the door shut, sending Spade away.

Spade had no choice but to take the other car. "Sigh. I guess I have to be a third wheel today for the loving couple."

Meanwhile, inside the car, Kathleen couldn't help but smile. She witnessed how Jack rudely shut the door in front of Spade.

"I thought you didn't want to accompany me," Kathleen said teasingly.

Hanabi mentioned that Jack refused her request earlier.

Jack's expression softened when he turned to look at her. There was a hint of longing in his eyes.

"Why? Why are you here?" He asked her, not breaking their eye contact.

Kathleen's lips curled up into a charming smile. Then she gave him an honest answer.

"I came here because of you. Two years ago, you just disappeared without saying goodbye. I want to see you… again."

Jack was stunned for a long moment, just staring at her with complicated emotions.

But the moment he recovered, Jack could no longer hold back. He did what he had been dying to do with her ever since he had laid his eyes on her at the arrival gate.

He kissed her, hungrily and possessively.

Kathleen could only close her eyes as she responded to his kiss. That passionate kiss was rough yet hauntingly familiar.

Her heart was thumping so hard. She just got an answer.

Yes! This was the start of their new beginning. This time, she wouldn't allow him to leave and disappear from her life.

Her love for Stephen might have failed. But this time, she wanted to give it another try.

Jack had successfully won her heart, replacing Stephen.