IN THE HANDS OF A STRANGER

The success of the Ominous Solstice virtual reality game leads to Noah Montfort’s mysterious death. A decade after, his daughter, Ondrea, is eager to find out the truth. She wanted to work in SamTel to unearth the shreds of evidence that the Samañiegos hid from the authorities. Ondrea’s mother, Josie, and brother, Ethan, tried to hide the truth from her. She was only nine years old when Noah’s sudden death happened. However, she doesn’t believe her father is dead. Endless nightmare made her conclude that he was trapped or hidden somewhere in the parallel world. Ondrea had the hinge to find where her father was. And the only way is to enter the enemy's kingdom, and she will lure them with her talent and put herself as bait.           Everything has gone out as Ondrea planned since she was fourteen until all of it falls apart when she falls in love with Dixson Samañiego’s son—Drake. Ondrea was at SamTel to avenge her father. But she ended in the hands of a stranger. . . # # # August 30, Sunday, 7:00 PM Samañiego Telecoms Headquarters Issaquah, Washington At SamTels conference hall. . . “TONIGHT, we celebrate Samañiego Telecoms and de la Roche Technologies company merger. The union of our companies marks us the strongest telecommunication and technology transformation provider around the globe,” announced Dixson Samaniego. The employees, investors, board members, guests, the de la Roche family, Ylona, and Maureen were there. The crowd applauded as Dixson started his speech. “The relaunch of Ominous Solstice will be in the coming months. SamTel is looking forward to making it happen by the end of this year. We are reviving the most awaited comeback of the first fantasy virtual 3D game in the world. We updated new features on this game, and it will be out in the market with an exciting new adventure level called Phantom Maze. Along with our company merger, the Ominous Solstice, I finally decided to retire. Therefore, from today onwards, I proclaim my son, Drake Aristotle Bluford Samañiego, to assume my position as the new chairman of the board and president of Samañiego Telecommunications and Digital Innovations.” Drake Samañiego walked to the podium proudly, head held up high. Drake was grinning, waving to the crowd blissfully. He acted like he did not commit a crime, and not even on the creases of his forehead can anyone see guilt inside him. He was proud of himself. Drake is too proud to be in front of hundreds of people to claim his father’s throne. The ruthless Dixson Samañiego now takes leave as the king of his empire. On August 29, the devastating news of Ondrea Echeverria's assault shook Washington state residents. 'The suspect is at large while the victim lies at the hospital dying.'   Drake already knew about his poor teenage girlfriend, Eya. He knows she was on a deathbed fighting for her life in the hospital. He is aware that his unborn child might end in a miscarriage at any time. However, he still proceeds with his inauguration as the new chief executive officer of SamTel. He was unafraid of the truth he might end up behind bars. Drake stands still and looks at the crowd-held head high with his classic mesmerizing smile that Eya fell in love with. Then he looked at his father. “Thank you, Chairman Samañiego, for entrusting me, SamTel. Rest assured, my dedication and commitment are all for the success of the company and all of our employees.” The employees roared, and the audience rose to their feet. Everyone in front of Drake has given him a standing ovation, including his family and his wife. On the right corner beside the podium, Drake’s sister observed the surroundings inside the hall. Maureen hinted something was odd. Then, she became suspicious of why there were police inside their company event. Indeed, her father did not request protection. A few milliseconds, several men in black shirts walked discreetly closer to where Drake was. As the cops slowly stride towards the front where Drake is giving a speech, Maureen muttered to her mother . . . “Mum, what’s happening?” The hall is now surrounded by law enforcement agents, and a few police officers are standing on each escape. Several special agents from the crime investigation team arrived disguised in civilian blending with the crowd. None of the people of that hall that night knew why the police officers were walking towards Drake. Drake could see the police officers steadily approaching him, and yet he continued with his speech. “To my wife, Ale—” Ylona Samañiego fainted when she saw the two police officers holding Drake. The other put a handcuff on him, and they forcefully put him down to his knees when he tried to resist. “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. Do you understand the rights I have just read to you?” The law enforcement officer stated reverberantly. “Y-yes,” Drake replied, baffled. “With these rights in mind, do you wish to speak to me?” Drake did not respond. Then the police officer continued Miranda’s oath. “You do not have to say anything. But it may harm your defense if you do not mention when questioned something which, later, you’ll rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence.” “You may question me with my lawyer,” he said flusteredly. Dixson Samañiego was tremulous. Maureen was in total thunderstruck, and Alexa was panic-stricken and hysterically screaming. “Get up,” the police commanded Drake. “Drake!” Alexa screamed, reaching her husband’s arms. “Shhh! Calm down,” Drake buried his lips in his wife’s forehead, “I’ll be okay, Alex.” “How can you be, okay? Why are they taking you? What happened? What did you do? Is it—” Drake nodded.  “How can you be so reckless, Drake?” “It wasn’t me, Alex. I was drunk. I don’t remember anything.”  A few minutes ago, he had it the position he yearned for. Finally, he is the CEO of SamTel, but seconds after, he’s captured behind bars. Drake is in the interrogation room with Detective Callahan and detained in custody, awaiting his first court trial. # # #  At the police station. . . “How stupid can you be, Drake?” Dixson grunted anxiously. He did not care about his son, and he cared about his reputation and the stocks of his company that drastically plummeted hours after his son’s arrest.” “I got nothing to do with that girl, Dad.”  “Nothing to do,” his eyes widened,” do you take me as a fool?”  “I did not beat her up. I did not. I swear I did not.”  “Dixson enough!” Ylona screamed.        “That’s what happened when you spoil your son and treat him like a child. For goodness’ sake, Ylona! He’s old enough.” “Maureen, contact the PR department. We must remedy all these immediately,” said Dixson.” Drake, you are going to admit your affair with that girl.” “No! He is not doing that, Dixson. Are you out of your mind?” “Leave it to me. That girl is sick, and she has suffered from severe depression after Noah’s death.” “You know, Ondrea?” asked Ylona. “Of course, I do. Would I allow Eya to work in our company under your son’s supervision if I don’t know her and I wouldn’t benefit from her?” “You know Eya, and you played damn all this time, Dad?” asked Drake. “Drake, like her worthless father, Eya is a computer geek, and she’s a brainiac whiz on computer games. We wouldn’t have Phantom Maze if not for her. I am impressed with her talent than yours! She will bring me millions. But you? You bring me humiliation! You bring nothing but shame!” “Lancelot!” called Dixson to his lawyer. “Let him stay here for a couple of days or more. He needs to learn his mistake.” “There is no bail for his case right now, and they might take Drake to the correctional jail after his detention here.” # # # Lancelot was right. Drake was held in custody until his first court trial. He was transferred to Washington Corrections Center after Eya had a miscarriage two weeks after the accident. Detective Callahan gathered sufficient evidence, and he raised the case into attempted murder.  Attorney Lancelot Javier, the Samañiegos family lawyer, filed a petition for Drake’s temporary release after being brutally beaten by his fellow inmates inside his cell. Ylona Samañiego pleaded to release his son on bail as he is not safe inside the corrections center. Drake was released after posting a $300,000 bond. He was placed on house arrest, forbidden to leave the country or his house premises until the second hearing and the juror deliberation of their verdict. # # #