"Yeah, I know that." He replied, carefully listening to every word being said to him.
"Yeah, I need to go now; I have to get to the faculty room." He excused himself.
"Bye." He ended the call, letting out a deep sigh before heading to the faculty room—where Edward was.
He shook his head in dismay.
"Hey, Anthony. Morning." Edward greeted him casually.
"Yeah, morning," he replied. "You look unusually cheerful today?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
Edward smirked, even laughed. "Look at me now—I'm alive and kicking. Karma's not chasing me like you said it would. Well, maybe a little, but still, I'm a teacher." He boasted proudly.
"That's good to hear, but I only wish you had used that chance to change yourself." Anthony said while fixing his things.
Edward chuckled. "Damn, how could I change? I'm enjoying this life. Look—over the last three years, I've got five million sitting in my account. That's a blessing." He laughed again.
Anthony sighed. "And you blew it on friends, alcohol, women, and gambling." He shook his head.
"Stop disturbing your ex. You don't go chasing after your exes, do you?" Anthony added.
Edward's tone turned serious. "I need revenge—for her brother and for that man who punched me."
"But you've already taken your revenge, haven't you? Five million is more than enough."
"Not for me." Edward's gaze turned cold and sharp. "I heard the Montero clan is filthy rich. I'm certain I can profit from them. I won't stop until their family suffers—because of the woman they stole from me. Even though I failed to kidnap those two kids, I'll have another chance."
"That's too much, Edward. Don't drag the children into this."
"Why not? I can make money out of them. Especially Nadia. Once Faith is back in my hands, I'll turn her into the star of my private site, along with her friend Veron. Online business—it's a goldmine."
Anthony shook his head in disgust. "Too much. You don't realize what's coming for you, Edward. I've warned you before—the world doesn't stay tilted in one direction. Even if you're at the top now, it'll bring you down eventually."
"Whatever." Edward smirked, a cruel glint in his eyes. "I just love watching people struggle." He laughed.
Anthony kept silent. The clock was ticking closer to class time.
You'll never change, Edward. Not until you learn your lesson. He muttered in his thoughts.
He quickly sent a copy of their conversation to someone he was helping—of course, he knew the Monteros, especially Frank's cousin, Clover, and Andrew. He'd known Andrew since college.
It was one of the reasons why he chose to help them—part of his own revenge against the man who wronged him.
We're so close. He thought to himself. So close.
Edward, you don't even know the kind of people you're going up against. I've warned you countless times as a colleague, but you're too stubborn. He sighed deeply.
After sending the message, he casually returned to the faculty room to grab his things. He was the one gathering information, after all—especially after Clover personally sought him out.
He hesitated to get involved, worried he'd be dragged into the mess, but they knew his past, the reason why he'd once gotten close to Edward, even siding with him.
He let out another heavy sigh. He had to stay calm now.
*****
Later that night, bottles clinked on the table.
"What's the plan, Edward?" one of his companions asked during their drinking session.
"We stick to it. We need to monitor their every move."
"You sure?" another man asked. "We've failed three times already."
"Yeah, I'm sure. We just have to be patient." Edward answered confidently.
"I have to be honest, though," the man muttered. "What if they already know?"
Edward laughed mockingly. "Know what?"
"Ed, you're fighting against rich people, aren't you? What if they're already aware of our plans?"
"Could you calm down? Who the hell would dare dig into my identity, huh?" Edward snapped.
"We're just being cautious, man. What if they're just watching us silently?"
"Nope. Relax. Calm yourselves." Edward waved it off.
The man didn't argue further, only sighed heavily.
Edward quietly sipped his liquor, weighing things in his head.
Nah, it's just coincidence. He convinced himself.
But was it really a coincidence that someone always showed up to ruin his attempts?
You're losing it, Edward. He shook his head, brushing off the thought.
Well, if they want to play games, I'll play. He smirked and downed his glass.
He no longer had contact with Mariely. She had clearly changed her number after receiving that five million from her boyfriend.
Edward laughed bitterly.
Oh, Mariely. I'll follow you to the ends of the earth if you don't end up in my hands. Your body, your soul, and even the people you love—I'll drag them all to hell. You're the only woman who dares defy me, only because your boyfriend is rich. He seethed in his thoughts.
Next time we meet, you won't escape. I'll make you and your loved ones suffer, slowly.
He forced himself to calm down, savoring the excitement that was building up in him.
It's your fault for not locking me away when you had the chance. He laughed to himself.
Edward was still the same reckless teacher, preying on his female students. He never believed in the karma Anthony always warned him about.
He touched his cheek—still remembering the fists that struck him and the slap Faith once gave him.
I'll give it back to you, Faith—tenfold. He whispered in his thoughts.
"Hey, I need to go. Time to rest." He told his drinking buddies.
They nodded, and Edward left their hideout, driving off into the night.
As he passed by the Celestial residence, a twisted grin spread across his face. The house remained quiet and still.
Soon… I'll bring chaos to your family and to you. Faith Mariely Celestial.