Esmeralda's Point of View
"My dear, have you heard about family factions?"
I looked at her and the maid questioningly, I think I've heard that before but that was described as something in the last 1990's, and it's already 2024.
She understood the hint and went on. "We, the Acierno's are one of the families with an old and strong foundation. Dating back to the 1800s when our ancestors began business and trading. I remember my grandfather telling me before that in order to be forever successful with money, you need to hide from the public eye. Because the public eye is the Pandora's box, it's evil, greedy, jealous, and destructive. " She paused for a moment to recollect before looking upwards and continuing her narration. "You know, I never thought that public eye that my grandfather was talking about was the public itself. And as I grew up, it started unveiling, the truth that my grandfather told me. I began seeing the jealousy and destruction the public could do once they noticed you. And that's why perhaps, people are called monsters. Their own benefit comes first and with or without care, they're going to do what they want to. "
I understood what she said, especially because that's the reality but....."I understand, but where does the faction thing come?"
She laughed a little at that question of mine. Then she gazed at the people around us. "They're that leader of the public eye my dear. They're the ones who truly, genuinely, try to tie you down. You know, they're not even as old as us, but the've quite managed to come as far as us. And even though it's suspicious, we didn't do anything. It's them who did everything and started these faction things. They gathered people, spies, allies, confidants, and everything you could think of. My family wasn't that much of an eyesore before, my family wasn't that notorious. We made sure that we were not the public center, yet one specific family did something that no one could forget. They were our neighbor so they knew almost half of our history and our present status, and that's what made them our rivals. The De los Santos family. My father was a genius though, because he did everything to divert the eyes from us, and made other dirtier families exposed. Since then, that's where factions started, because some said, my father had betrayed him, she and everyone were jealous of him naturally inheriting millions of millions of money. "
"That's really a great yet tragic life you experienced there madam, but how could you say your son's in their hands? Have you had an argument with them where their anger was fueled?"
She shook her head. "No," she uttered. "But there is a family that is known for doing dirty business and illegal ways to defeat and conquer their enemies."
“Who are they? Is it safe to know their name?” I asked with a building fear. I don’t even know why.
“You­­ don’t need to know about that my dear, you are too white to be tainted with the darkness of this world.”
I laughed at that. “I don’t think so madam, I have my own secrets.” I countered while trying to get her attention to the old man who is happily eating his pasta. He has this satisfied smile while reading a small book held in his other hand. “Look at him madam, what do you think of him?”
She was the one who laughed this time. “He’s satisfied with his life. Typical successful millionaire. “
Oh, I was astounded by her perspective. “Well, in our country, such a typical millionaire would be rare. His becoming old and satisfied is really hard to maintain. I really admire how you people here, in this first-world country, manage to get old while keeping your status well-balanced. And it seems you’ve already told me your biggest secret tip, that is to stay hidden and live humbly, isn’t it?”
“I’m glad you picked up the best lesson from my family’s history. Anyway, I shouldn’t really take up all your time. Mr. Lucretius must be looking for you. I heard he is neither a patient man nor a great socializer. “
“I’m surprised it’s a very accurate gossip,” I replied as I bid her goodbye, thankful that she realized reality, I just hope that someday, she’ll accept her grandson’s fate.
“Take care babe. “
“You too madam. Be happy always!”
“So in general, she still thinks that her grandson is alive and he might be in some hands of their rivals?”
“Yes, I don’t know, half of me believes her while the other half says he’s really dead.”
“Well, let’s just hope that whatever and wherever her grandson might be, she’ll be happy someday.”
I was so astounded by his response that I inadvertently looked at him questioningly. “Did you just say that?”
“Say what?”
“That she’ll be happy someday? Wow, that’s new! Now you’re a little bit caring about other-“
“Will you just continue selling your last flowers so we can go home? You had so much business that you forgot the real one.”
“Oh well, sorry about that, it’s just she was just really lovely. Don’t worry, here, it’s already done.”
“Then let’s go, I’m already tired of standing the whole day in this crowded park.”
‘Tsk, so lazy.’
So after we went back to Lucretius’ house, we were already being waited by a very festival-like dinner prepared by nonno Alejandro and the maids.
And while we were eating, nonno Alejandro began asking questions.
"So, did you two enjoy it?"
"Yes very much nonno." I responded first.
"Well of course you do, you had lots of unnecessary business."
"What do you mean unnecessary? I had a lot to learn from her though."
"Whatever."
After Lucretius said that he just finished his dinner silently, meanwhile me, continued talking with nonno Alejandro about my experience. I know this trip and activity is for Lucretius but clearly, he isn't seeing any of that. He can't seem even to have any lesson gathered.
After our dinner, we prepared for our flight tomorrow back to Singapore. I've managed to tell nonno Alejandro that Lucretius became a little better so now I need a rest from him first. Tough I hope it's a forever rest from him. He's a real headache most of the time. 
Morning came and nonno Alejandro accompanied me to the airport while Lucretius was still sleeping. No worries, I already left a goodbye note message to him. 
"Miss Esmeralda, thank you very much for your help. It's really great meeting and hiring you. Hoping for you to come back soon."
"Yes sure, and nonno Alejandro?"
"Yes?"
"Tell Lucretius, you're welcome."
He smiled. "Sure."
After the long hours of flight, I finally arrived home. 
"The queen is home! Welcome back, sister Esmeralda!" My sister shouted while running towards me upon seeing me getting down the cab that I ordered. 
"Yes I'm back hahaha, so where mom?"
"Here I am dear, it's so nice to see you again. How's Italy?"
"Nice yeah, but Singapore's still better since you're here."
"Awww.."
"So let's go ?"
"Yeah yeah, I have prepared food for you. I know you must be missing our dishes here."
"That's my mom. You really know me don't you?"
"Of course my dear, after all I raised you didn't I?"
"S o, how is this Mr. Lucretius doing?"
"Yeah, he's fine. A little bit of improvement. I honestly think he's not going to change. It's so hard to change that stoned man."