Nathan stepped into his office at the hospital, his chest heaving with fatigue. Without hesitating, he reached for the landline and dialed home.
Back at the Shikongo residence, Kuku Veronica stood in front of Nathan's bedroom, knocking persistently.
"Nate?" she called softly. No response.
Puzzled, she walked to the living room—just in time to see Catty walking through the door.
Monica arched an eyebrow. "Sneaking in at this hour? That's… lame, even for you."
"Morning, Monica. Morning everyone—servants included," Catty replied with a sly smirk.
"Where did you sleep last night? Does Nate even know?" Monica pressed.
Before Catty could respond, Damien descended the stairs with Cinthia at his side.
"I have a house, Monica. Unlike you, I don't need approval to use it," Catty replied coldly.
She walked toward Grandma with a well-rehearsed sweetness. "Kuku, my love… how did you sleep? I'm terribly sorry—I was exhausted after visiting my parents and forgot to mention I'd be sleeping at my place."
"It's alright, dear. But… where's Nathan?" Kuku asked, her voice laced with concern.
Catty's mask flickered. "Nathan? He must still be asleep. I'll go check—"
"He's not in his room," Kuku interrupted.
A sharp pause filled the room.
"Wait… did he even come home last night?" Kuku asked, her tone shifting from confusion to fear.
The landline rang.
Monica lunged for it. "Shikongo residence. Monica speaking."
"Hey, kiddo. It's me," came Nathan's voice, tired but firm.
"Nate!" Monica cried. Everyone leaned in.
"Put it on speaker," Kuku commanded.
"Yes," Monica said, pressing the button.
"Tell Ruben to bring me a fresh suit. And women's clothes—size 32. Shoes too, both male and female. Size 5 for the lady."
The room went silent.
"…Ladies' shoes?" Kuku echoed.
Catty's eyes widened, remembering the jacket she found in Nathan's room just days ago.
"Where are you, Nathan?" she asked, voice trembling.
"If I start explaining now, I'll never finish. Just tell Ruben to bring the stuff to the hospital."
"Hospital?! Are you hurt?" Kuku gasped.
"I'm fine, Kuku. Really." He sounded distracted. Another call came in. "I've got another line. Just trust me."
He switched calls. The family sat frozen in confusion and dread.
"…They were kind of paralyzed," Nathan was saying. "Anyway, good job. Just get it to the garage—we might as well sell it." He hung up.
Meanwhile, Cinthia made her way to Ruben's room. He was still asleep, oblivious to the storm outside his door. She watched him a moment—until Vicky's name flashed across her phone screen, yanking her back.
At that same moment, Tonia slipped into Vicky's bedroom. Her eyes scanned the scattered items: Vicky's planner, files, tools—all focused on one thing—Nathan Shikongo's engagement.
"She wouldn't leave these behind if she went to the venue," Tonia murmured, eyes narrowing. She tried calling again. Still voicemail.
Upstairs, Monica dragged Catty into her room.
"You're hurting my wrist," Catty hissed.
"Girl… I haven't even started," Monica snapped.
Inside the room, Monica pulled out the torn jacket and threw it at her.
Catty stared at it, confused. "Why are you showing me this?"
"Don't play dumb. Mom told me you tore it."
"That jacket was in Nate's room…"
"…and you decided to shred it like a wild cat. If you think my brother's cheating, why the hell are you still marrying him?" Monica said, eyes blazing.
"Wait… did you set me up?" Catty whispered, a wave of realization crashing over her.
Monica smiled—slow, dark, and triumphant.
"Why would you do that?" Catty asked, stepping back.
"What if I tell Nate that his fiancée is so insecure, she went through his stuff and ripped my jacket in a jealous rage? You think that'll make you look good?"
Catty froze, panic setting in.
"I'm sorry, Moni… I didn't know it was yours. Please. I'll replace it. I'll buy you a hundred of them—"
"Oh, honey," Monica said, voice syrupy with venom. "I'm not looking for an apology. I'm looking for a reason to throw you out of my brother's life."
Catty's knees nearly gave way.
"You think I gave up just because he humiliated me in front of the whole family?" Monica's voice dropped to a whisper. "I thought you were the player. Turns out… I am."
Catty stood in silence, stunned, regret painting her face like a bruise.