Hunter Mondiego sat in his office, his fingers drumming on the polished mahogany desk as he reviewed the latest findings from his investigators. The name Jonathan still lingered like a riddle waiting to be solved. His people had traced minor connections, but nothing concrete had emerged about who this Jonathan was or what his connection to Angel might be.
The Mondiego Empire's influence had allowed him access to private databases, but even then, Jonathan remained elusive. No last name, no official records linking him to Angel’s disappearance. It was as if he existed in the shadows. Hunter was not the kind of man to be deterred by obstacles. If anything, they only fueled his determination.
Philip Foster had promised to look into the name as well. Hunter didn’t fully trust him, but he knew the Fosters were desperate. Their influence in the city, while still considerable, paled in comparison to the Mondiego Empire’s growing power. Philip had come to him for help, and Hunter intended to make full use of that desperation.
Despite his personal mission, he couldn't ignore the growing responsibilities within their family business. The expansion into construction and design was demanding more of his time. His brother Kian had placed Celeste as the CEO of the new branches, but Hunter knew that if he wanted the board’s unwavering trust, he had to prove himself. Balancing his duties as a businessman and his relentless search for Angel was exhausting, but failure was not an option.
One evening, as he reviewed the architectural plans for a luxury high-rise project in Southbay City, his phone buzzed. It was an encrypted message from one of his investigators.
"Lead confirmed. Possible connection of Jonathan to the Harrington family."
Hunter’s grip tightened around the phone. The Harringtons were a powerful family with vast investments in real estate and high-end casinos. If Jonathan was tied to them, it could explain a lot. The casinos were notorious for their ties to underground dealings, and given that the Whitmores had been involved in Angel’s meeting, this connection made sense.
He immediately called Philip Foster.
"Hunter," Philip answered, his voice wary.
"Jonathan may be connected to the Harringtons. Does that name mean anything to you?"
There was a pause before Philip exhaled sharply. "It does. They own several casinos and resorts. If Jonathan is tied to them, then this is bigger than I thought. I’ll dig deeper and get back to you."
"Don’t take too long," Hunter warned. "If they have anything to do with Angel’s disappearance, I won’t be forgiving."
Philip didn’t respond immediately, but when he did, his tone was serious. "Neither will I."
---
Days passed with no concrete breakthrough. Hunter continued his role in the business, attending meetings, ensuring that their expansion projects were running smoothly, and keeping an eye on the city’s political landscape. He knew that if Jonathan had powerful connections, he would need to tread carefully.
Late one night, he received another message from his investigator. This time, it came with an address—a private casino in Greenbay Town owned by the Harringtons. It was a place known for its discretion, where only the elite gathered.
Hunter wasted no time. He booked a flight and was on his way the next morning. Greenbay Town was a growing hotspot for tourists, thanks to its luxurious accommodations and entertainment scene. It was also the perfect place for someone to disappear.
The moment he arrived, Hunter checked into the most exclusive hotel in town. From there, he wasted no time in heading toward the casino. Unlike the grand establishments in Southbay City, this one had a more exclusive air—no signs, no advertisements, only those who were invited knew of its existence.
Dressed in a sharp suit, Hunter walked through the entrance with confidence. The guards barely glanced at him, likely recognizing the Mondiego name from his registration. Inside, the scent of expensive cigars and aged whiskey filled the air. High-stakes tables were surrounded by some of the wealthiest individuals in the region.
He scanned the room, searching for any sign of Jonathan. He didn’t have a face to match to the name yet, but he was sure that if he stayed long enough, someone would reveal his presence.
At the bar, he ordered a whiskey and leaned against the counter. Within moments, he spotted a man in his early thirties with an air of arrogance, surrounded by security. He was laughing with another wealthy patron, his movements confident, his demeanor that of someone who belonged in this world of power and wealth.
Hunter turned to the bartender. "Who’s that?"
The bartender barely glanced before answering. "Jonathan Harrington. He runs this place."
Hunter’s jaw clenched. Finally, he had found him.
Taking his drink, he casually made his way closer, listening to the conversation as he approached. Jonathan was discussing recent business ventures, boasting about his connections in the industry.
Hunter waited for the right moment before speaking. "Impressive empire you have here, Jonathan."
Jonathan turned, looking Hunter up and down before offering a smirk. "And you are?"
"Hunter Mondiego."
That name caught his attention. Jonathan’s smirk faltered for a brief moment before he composed himself. "Mondiego? Now that’s a name I didn’t expect to hear in my casino. What brings you to Greenbay?"
Hunter took a sip of his drink. "I believe we have unfinished business. A certain café meeting you arranged a couple of months ago."
Jonathan's expression darkened slightly. "I don’t know what you’re talking about."
Hunter chuckled. "See, I think you do. And I think you also know where Angel Foster is."
Jonathan’s smirk returned, but this time, it was forced. "Mondiego I know your name has been in the tabloids these past few weeks is about you and your family but didn't you know there are lots of Jonathan names in Southbay City. Whoever the Jonathan you are looking for.. Pretty sure it wasn't me" 
Hunter leaned in, his voice low and threatening. " I may be a new in business in Southbay but I'm telling you I don’t stop until I get what I want. If you know where Angel is, tell me now, and I might consider playing nice."
Jonathan stared at him for a long moment before setting his drink down. "Then I think you found a wrong Jonathan to ask... My connection with Southbay City has long been cut off the moment they rejected my proposal for opening a casino hotel" 
Hunter knew this was not he was expected... His information was in end wrong " If ever I found out that you are involved your Casino will be forever buried down like it doesn't exist" 
Hunter then drink the whisky he ordered and left...