My CEO Boss Is A Masked Internet Sensation-Chapter 232: Arata’s Family

(Karsten)

I had to follow the police to the precinct and file an official report of Arata’s kidnapping and give them my statement.

According to the standard procedure, they took my fingerprints and the video from my phone before giving it back. The process of tracking the number instantly began.

I was asked to go home but stay put. Any more video from the kidnapper and the police wanted to be informed.

Arata’s apartment became a no-entry zone, so I left Caysir there in case her family arrived; he was to bring them to my place.

I returned home when the dawn had already broken.

When I entered, Ma was pacing the living room with a visible agitation in her gait while Asbela stood at one side, trying to calm her down.

"Karsten, where have you been? Where is Arata?" Ma bombarded me with questions as her eyes found me.

Tiredly, I dragged myself closer to her and wrapped my arms around her calming shoulders and hugged.

Closing my eyes, I tried to find a semblance of peace, but there was only restlessness and uncertainty about the future.

"Karsten, talk to me." Ma rubbed my back in affection, but her voice shook.

"Someone took Arata, Ma....Someone kidnapped her."

The words almost choked me. Squeezing my eyes shut, I hoped the wetness pooling in them wouldn’t leak out.

Asbela gasped, but Ma stayed quiet as she separated me from herself and strongly held my shoulders.

The determination flashed on her face as she stared me dead in the eye.

"How?"

My gaze shifted to Asbela, who was on the verge of breaking down, so I dismissed her with a shake of my head, wanting to be alone with Ma.

Once we had the needed privacy, I began narrating the whole truth to her. How I made Arata sign a contract to just avoid getting grilled for marriage, and also to avoid Urisa.

How I played with her feelings and ended up breaking her heart, but kept the fake relationship going.

Ma’s face twisted and went rigid, but she didn’t interrupt my ramblings.

I also revealed how I had developed feelings for her, but she hated me for breaking her heart and believed I was most likely stalking her.

I told her everything apart from Azul and Arata’s pregnancy.

Those were our secrets, and I wasn’t going to reveal them until Arata wanted to.

She listened quietly and calmly before beginning.

"Firstly, I want to slap you, Karsten, for becoming this cold man who doesn’t recognise feelings. I never wanted you to be someone like that. But, I will refrain because I am at fault too. I pushed you towards Urisa, not understanding what you wanted." She snatched in a deep breath, and I could see she was struggling not to shed tears.

"Secondly, you are a Toledo. That Serpent on your neck represents principles. It’s time to accept the role you were born to take. The power will help you get her back, those resources will be beneficial in locating her."

I completely agreed, knowing this moment was vital in my life. I was no longer afraid of that position.

It was mine, and up to me how to use that power.

Before I could answer, there was a commotion outside. Our attention was diverted as Caysir rushed inside and informed me.

"Miss Arata’s family is here."

Ma and I immediately left our seats and walked out. Somehow, the nervousness gripped every limb in my body.

This was not how I had envisioned meeting her family. We walked out, and right in front stood the man, the legend, who had single-handedly changed the way power dynamics worked.

Tailored black dress pants with a sharp blue shirt. His salt and pepper hair set backwards as he stood facing me with eyes that were a direct replica of Arata’s.

I could see the resemblance, she had taken her features from her father.

Next to him stood a young man who seemed to have inherited his father’s hair and height, but his features were different. They weren’t that rugged, or maybe they were still developing.

A young girl and a burly-looking man, who was almost likely their bodyguard, accompanied them.

"Mr Kincaid!" I offered him an appreciative nod, extending my hand for him to shake.

His sharp eyes took me in, the gaze unsettling as if he could stare into my soul before he briefly shook it.

"My daughter, I need to know what happened. How did you lose her?" He asked with the calmness of a perfectionist. Even under such a difficult situation, his emotions were so controlled.

"Mr Kincaid, I am Camilla Chevalier. Let’s sit and talk." Ma smiled, but in a strained manner, and welcomed them.

The younger boy walked forward first.

"Hi! I am Zaylen, Arata’s brother. The police didn’t let us enter Arata’s apartment; they had it sealed and didn’t provide much information. But we would like to know anything that might lead us to find her," he asked with rationality while Zyair remained sceptical, pinning me with a sharp gaze, and so did the girl.

"Let’s sit and talk, and I will explain everything I know." I invited them again, and the boy ushered his father to move.

Once everyone was settled, I informed them about someone stalking Arata. The tension in the air almost suffocated me as her family’s anxiousness grew.

"Why wasn’t I informed? My daughter never hides anything from me," Zyair asked, gazing at me with a certain distaste.

"It was her decision; she didn’t want to worry you people, and we were trying to locate the stalker, but sadly, we couldn’t," I explained.

"It’s your incapability that led to my daughter getting kidnapped. Every time she comes to this city, something happens to her." Zyair’s eyes blazed with a fire which could devour me, and I knew his words were true.

"I accept, it’s my fault. I failed to protect your daughter. But I promise you, Mr Kincaid, I will bring her back."

"I don’t trust empty words, Mr Chevalier, especially from someone who couldn’t do one simple job." Zyair Kincaid was going to grill me alive.