Warm air and the faint scent of jet fuel greeted them the moment the cabin door opened. The gentle hum of engines blended with the distant murmur of airport activity, luggage trucks rolling, radios crackling, and the faint roar of departing planes.

Timothy was the first to step down from the Gulfstream's stairs, the Singaporean ground staff already lined up to greet him. He turned back, offering his hand to his mother as Evelyn descended carefully, her eyes wide as they took in the view around them.

"It feels… different," Evelyn said softly, glancing around the clean tarmac, where every vehicle seemed to move in perfect order.

Timothy smiled. "Welcome to Singapore, Ma."

Angela hurried past him with a grin. "It's so clean here! Even the air smells nice!"

Hana followed last, clutching her tablet case against her chest. She paused briefly at the bottom of the stairs, the tropical breeze brushing her hair as she looked around, the skyline in the distance, the perfectly paved taxiways, the palm trees swaying beyond the fence. For someone who had never been out of the Philippines before, the feeling was quietly surreal.

She let out a small breath. "So this is Singapore…"

Timothy turned to her with a half-smile. "First time abroad?"

Hana nodded. "Yeah. It feels… organized. Even the airport looks like it's straight out of a movie."

"Wait until you see the inside," he said as a sleek black Mercedes Sprinter van pulled up nearby.

Two uniformed staff bowed politely. "Welcome to Singapore, Mr. Guerrero. Immigration clearance and luggage handling have been arranged. You may proceed directly to your vehicle."

"Appreciate it," Timothy said with a nod.

He gestured for his family to enter first. Evelyn hesitated for a moment, still soaking in the sight of the massive terminal buildings shimmering under the afternoon sun.

"It's so modern," she murmured. "I never imagined I'd set foot in another country, Tim."

Timothy looked at her fondly. "You deserve this, Ma. You worked all your life so I could get here. Now it's my turn to take you places."

Her eyes softened as she gently touched his arm. "You've already made me proud. But thank you."

Inside the Sprinter, the cool air-conditioning and subtle scent of leather welcomed them. The seats were spacious, and a small screen at the front displayed their route, Changi Airport to Marina Bay Sands.

As the van began to move, Hana leaned slightly toward the window, her eyes following the palm-lined expressways and pristine overpasses. Every sign was precise, every roadmark clear. It was like watching another world, one that functioned exactly as it should.

Angela's voice broke the quiet admiration. "Brother, can we go to Universal Studios tomorrow?"

Timothy chuckled. "We'll see. Depends if you behave during the dinner tonight."

"I always behave," she said with mock innocence, earning a small laugh from Hana.

Evelyn smiled warmly at the exchange. "You sound just like your father when you talk business, Tim. Always calm, always thinking."

Timothy turned toward her, his tone softening. "Maybe. But I think I got your patience, Ma."

The vehicle crossed the Benjamin Sheares Bridge, the skyline of Singapore spreading before them, Marina Bay Sands rising like a monument, the gleaming skyscrapers reflected in the blue water below.

Hana's lips parted slightly in awe. "It's even more beautiful up close."

Timothy nodded. "This city never fails to impress. You'll get used to it after a few trips."

She smiled faintly. "Let's hope this is the first of many."

A few minutes later, the Sprinter pulled up to the private entrance of Marina Bay Sands. Valets and bellboys moved quickly, unloading their bags. Evelyn and Angela stepped out first, marveling at the hotel's glass facade and towering height.

Hana followed, momentarily lost in the grandeur of it all, the high ceilings, the distant sound of water fountains, the cool air tinged with luxury.

Timothy watched their reactions quietly, then said, "Check-in's handled. You and Angela will stay in the suite next to mine, Ma. Hana and I will head to the office once you're settled."

Evelyn smiled and nodded. "We'll be fine. You go ahead and work."

"No, I'll show you to your room and then we leave," Timothy said as he gestured toward the lobby.

A staff member in a dark navy uniform approached, bowing politely. "Mr. Guerrero, your suites are ready. Please, this way."

They followed through the marble-floored lobby, where the light shimmered through glass walls overlooking the vast atrium. A massive art installation hung overhead—thousands of golden leaves that seemed to float in midair. Evelyn looked up in quiet awe, while Angela spun slowly, trying to take in everything at once.

"Wow," Angela whispered. "This doesn't even feel like a hotel. It's like a palace!"

Timothy smiled at her excitement as they stepped into a private elevator that glided silently upward. Within seconds, the doors opened to a luxurious corridor lined with muted gold lighting and plush carpeting. The scent of orchid perfume lingered faintly in the air.

Their suite was at the end of the hall. Timothy swiped the access card and pushed open the door.

Evelyn froze for a moment upon seeing the view. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the skyline of Singapore, the Marina Bay glimmering below with sailboats drifting in the water. The suite itself was elegantly modern, light wood finishes, soft cream tones, and sleek furniture that radiated understated sophistication.

Angela darted past the couch toward the window. "Brother, you can see everything from here! Even the big ferris wheel!"

Timothy laughed quietly. "That's the Singapore Flyer. You'll probably see it lit up tonight."

Evelyn walked slowly to the center of the room, her hand brushing over the marble counter.

"Tim, this is… too much," she said softly. "You didn't have to go this far for us."

"I wanted to," he replied simply. "You've earned this comfort, Ma. After everything you've done, this is the least I can give back."

She turned toward him, her eyes full of pride and warmth. "You've grown into someone your father would've admired."

Timothy gave a faint smile, his gaze softening. "I hope so."

Hana stood quietly by the entrance, her tablet still in hand, but her expression gentle as she watched the family moment unfold. There was something about seeing him like this, relaxed, human, that made her chest feel warm.

"Alright," Timothy said after a moment, regaining his tone of quiet authority. "Room service is available 24/7. If you need anything, just call the concierge. Hana and I will head to the office first and return before dinner."

Evelyn nodded. "Don't worry about us. Go finish your work. We'll be fine here."

Angela grinned. "Don't take too long, brother! I want to swim in the infinity pool later!"

Timothy chuckled and ruffled her hair. "You'll get your chance."

He turned to Hana, who straightened slightly, ready to go. Together, they stepped out into the corridor as the elevator doors slid open.

Behind them, Evelyn watched her son leave with quiet pride, the boy who once dreamed of success now guiding them through a world she never imagined visiting.

As the doors closed, Hana glanced sideways at Timothy. "They look happy."

"They deserve to be," he replied softly, pressing the elevator button for the lobby. "And that's what makes all of this worth it."

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