17 What Made Him Tenth On His First? (2/2)

”Attorney, I do not care about Professor Diwa,” I say. ”Frankly, he was acting like a college student himself when he was our professor back then. Now, he's all haughty and serious.”

”It's strange that I have no knowledge of his birth. Mr. de la Rama ordered me to know everything about every elite family in the country. I know for a fact that ever since the birth of his second child, he started finding a bride for him. Mistress Emma instantly fit the part because she is in the same age and it would resolve any friction RSC and Rade ever had.”

”That is why I tell you. He is nothing. Given that he knows Ysabel and claims that she is the true heir of the RSC, what – ”

”Oh, a claimant? What claims does she have?”

I did not expect that in every word I tried convincing him that a lowly college professor is no threat; he goes on and takes notice of a claimant I mentioned. The girl is literally out of the line of succession for any property her father has. As the law of this country says, an illegitimate child is not qualified for inheritance if the predecessor does not acknowledge he/she as the heir. Clearly, Raphael is stubborn to acknowledge Ysabel as his heir.

”Attorney, I know nothing,” I say flatly. ”I only investigate.”

Still, I still cannot remove my suspicion on him. He was quick to help us in everything we do. I honestly think he has his own hidden agenda like a double-dealing man that would lead me into a trap and get what he wants. Or, he could be that he means well and does this with the intention of helping a mutual friend. I cannot understand this man.

On the other hand, I turn my attention once more on the unknown lover. The priest has not been helpful at all. I saw four men that are familiar to me, but neither of them is likely to be the one.

The doctor is certainly not the unknown lover. He was in the presence of her parents when he gave the diagnosis. He can't have been the lover. Plus, he's too old. Next is Professor Diwa. It seems possible, but he does not seem to fit the ”son of the enemy and kindred spirit part”. I know he is no kindred spirit to Emma. They are so different in many ways I can list. Professor Diwa is a fun-loving kindly professor in his youth as our teacher. Emma, back then, was just a silent girl going about her own business, but she is famed for her skills and beauty. Also, as a Diwa, I am sure his social standing is high in society. I doubt he's a peasant.

Carlos is an economist and her former lover. He can't have been the lover as he has given the riddle that is the key to finding him. As for the young attorney, he is the one I truly do not know. As a lawyer, he may have been born poor, a self-made person at least. He may be a kindred spirit to her. He may be the son of the enemy. Also, behind that Nathan first name, I think it is just a shortened form of ”Jonathan”.

I cannot derive a conclusion. I might suspect the young lawyer as the man, but I do not know him as a person. On the following day, I decided to attend the evening mass. I went early as I wanted to get a private talk with the priest. Then, I saw him preparing for the mass. I kneel on the kneeler as I try to get his attention. I pretended to pray solemnly so that he might see that I am troubled. And, once I feel him sit by my side, I rise from the kneeler and sit beside him.

”Troubles once more, young lady?” the priest asks kindly.

”It's the same old problem, father,” I say in almost a whisper.

”I believe he went to the mass yesterday,” he says. ”You might have had a glimpse or talk with him.”

”Father, spare my agony,” I beg. ”Please tell me who he is.”

This priest is truly the most unusual one I know. He adheres to his vows as a priest and he did not even dare reveal words said in a confessional. Did that girl make the priest swear silence just like her wicked half-sister? This priest, however, may only be doing his duty, and I should commend him for that, but my suspicious nature has led me to think the opposite.

”Child, I cannot say anything,” he says.”I believe, your friend truly wanted to keep it all a secret. What I know are things you should not know.”

”Father, help me,” I ask once more. ”I beg of you.”

He sighs with my impertinence. I know inside him that he wants to tell me the truth but he has his own reasons why he cannot do so. The identity is a great help for me for it would remove one problem I have in my mind. This is also an act of open defiance against her father for all the insults he threw at me every time I'm with her.

”Do you know Romy Felizar?” he asks.

”Let me guess, is he another elite?” I ask.

”A possible heir, yes,” he answers. ”Member of the elite? Yes, but through a lateral claim. Anyway, I suggest you find him. He knows the man and he would most certainly help you if you say you do it in the name of your friend. He knows your friend. He lives around here, nearby.”