After checking the progress of the two construction projects, Arlan and the other two returned to Catanduanes to pick up Terrence.
It was already 7:15 in the evening when they arrived. Terrence and a few young people were already there waiting for them.
Looking at the people behind Terrence, Arlan was surprised to see a familiar figure among the group.
"Owen!"
"Arlan, how are you?" Owen grinned when he saw Arlan's stunned expression.
Arlan laughed heartily as he bumped fists with Owen. "I'm good, buddy! I heard from Terrence that you will be playing for the local pro league next week. Congratulations!"
Owen chuckled at his words, but then he sighed bitterly while looking at Terrence. "It's nothing compared to Terrence. From what I heard, he would be the 17th pick in this year's NBA draft."
Terrence grabbed his shoulder as he said. "Enough about me. Let's go somewhere fun tonight."
The group headed to a famous bar in Catanduanes. The place wasn't as nice as Manila Heaven Club, but the venue was already pretty good. The only issue was that there was no private room so the group had to bear with the noise.
"Arlan, I heard from Terrence that you declined the offers from the NBA teams." Owen stared at him inquisitively.
Arlan nodded at his words. "Yeah. I'm not interested in becoming a professional basketball player. Besides, I already have some companies under my name so I don't have time for training. I haven't even played basketball since our last game."
Owen was speechless by his words.
"Stop persuading him. I already tried a couple of times, but this guy always changes the subject every time I mention it to him." Terrence smiled bitterly.
Arlan shrugged his shoulders.
"By the way, aren't you going to introduce us to this young lady?" Owen asked while looking at Krizia.
Arlan face palmed himself as he said. "Look at me. How could I forget this? Everyone, this beautiful woman beside me is the former General Manager of Pegasus Hotel, Krizia Rosalez."
Owen and the others were shocked when they heard Krizia's background.
"So you are actually the famous General Manager of Pegasus Hotel! It's a pleasure to meet you!"
"Hello, Miss Krizia! I'm..."
They quickly introduced themselves to Krizia. Everyone put on their best looks as they conversed with her. Krizia was a beautiful woman and she would attract attention wherever she goes.
Arlan turned a blind eye to their actions. He noticed that Krizia didn't show any interest in them.
Arlan was enjoying with the group when Khalon came to report something to him. "Boss, there are suspicious people outside. You guys should get out of here. I think that they don't have good intentions."
Khalon's arrival surprised the group because of his intimidating frame. They looked curiously at him, wondering what he whispered to Arlan.
Arlan furrowed his eyebrows. "I'm sorry, guys, but we have to move elsewhere." He muttered to the group.
"What happened, buddy?" Terrence knew that Khalon was Arlan's bodyguard. He must have discovered something that might endanger everyone.
Arlan stared at the entrance of the bar and said. "There is..."
Bang! Bang! Bang!
There were a few gunshots outside the bar and it startled the people inside, including Arlan's group.
"What happened?"
"We should get out of here. There is an exit on that side. Follow me." Khalon said in a solemn tone as he grabbed the pistol hidden in his suit.
Everyone inside the bar panicked when they heard the gunshots. Some people shouted in fear, while the others quickly ran towards the exit.
Arlan's group managed to remain calm, but they were also nervous. They followed Khalon towards the exit. However, they noticed that the people ahead of them suddenly stopped moving.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
"Ah! Help! They are shooting people!"
"Help me!"
"Both exits seem to be blocked." Arlan frowned as he quickly contacted Winter.
"Boss, you guys should head upstairs. I'll block the stairs while we wait for the police to arrive." Khalon said. He wouldn't be able to move freely if he had to take care of the group. Arlan understood this so he nodded in agreement.
"Alright. Everyone, follow me upstairs." Arlan led the others to the second floor. There were some young ladies among them and they were already crying in fear. Even Owen and the men in the group were anxious about the situation.
Arlan headed to the window to take a look at the situation outside. He noticed that there was a group of armed men barricading the area. They were wearing bulletproof vests and they all had a mask to cover their faces. "They killed the security guards..." Arlan muttered when he saw four people lying in pools of blood.
Everyone's faces fell upon hearing his words.
"Arlan, what's going on? Who are those people?" Terrence asked with a serious look. Other than Arlan and Krizia, he was the only one who remained calm.
Arlan shook his head. "I don't know. They don't look like your average criminals. They are also well-equipped and very organized." He replied.
"Did Leandro send them?" Krizia suddenly spoke.
"Leandro? You mean Leandro Manzano?" Owen's eyes widened.
"Don't tell me those people are part of the largest criminal organization in Maharlika..." The others started to panic when they heard Krizia mentioning Leandro's name.
"Don't panic, everyone! Khalon already called the police and they should be here in a few minutes. Let's find somewhere to hide while waiting for them." Arlan's words silenced them and everyone somehow managed to calm down after seeing his calm expression.
Arlan brought the group to a secluded corner. "Krizia, take this and stay here. I'll go down and help Khalon." He said while giving a pistol to Krizia.
Krizia grabbed the gun with her shaking arm as she nodded her head. "Take care of yourself."
"Wait! I'll go with you!" Terrence said as he grabbed Arlan's shoulder.
"No! Stay here and protect the group!" Arlan shook off Terrence's hand while looking at him sternly. He didn't know if Terrence was a skilled shooter and it was too dangerous. He didn't want to put his friends in danger.
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