But heavy doors to grand halls shut after her, shaking the breath into Victoria's system. The faint flicker of triumph was swamped by expectation, by burden, and then even farther, by recognition of the very harsh truth: the "assignment" was no present, but some challenge a lot worse than killing. It'd either break or harden the thing inside.She turned down the turn of the curved corridor, heels clicking on polished stone, step after step repeating her resolve. Diego was in the study. His face wore its usual unreadable expression, but his stoicism was there - a man with few words, fewer allegiances, and yet always her father's shadow, the loyal enforcer."Miss Giupere," he greeted with a slight nod, his deep voice rumbling. "I assume you know the stakes."Victoria folded her arms and rested her chin on them. "Lecture, lecture, Diego, save your lectures. What's the assignment?"He handed her a sliver of a dossier, his dark eyes raking over her face for even the slightest hesitation. "
Victoria leaned back into the SUV, her eyes still fixed on the spread of the metropolis in the colors of sunrise. She could feel each glint of light to reflect off those skyscrapers as a challenge, a taunt from a city that had seen her at her worst. But that was the past. The weak, desperate woman confined to her father's mansion no longer existed. What rose in her place was a force to be reckoned with—sharp, relentless, and unyielding.Her fingers ran along the edge of the seat, tracing out possibilities in her mind. Carla, Arnulfo, Valentine, her father—each one had played a part in her fall, and each one would play a part in her rise. They just didn't know it yet.The silence was broken when Diego sat next to her. "You're quiet. Thinking about the next move?"Victoria turned to him with a smirk on her lips. "Always. The difference is, this time I'm not just playing to survive. I'm playing to win."Diego studied her for a moment before giving a curt nod. "Good. That's the Victoria w
The sun had dipped low into the horizon. Golden rays, then tinges of crimson spread through the city like rays from some portent of the blood to come. The glint of steel flashed up into the skyline and brought it back into mind-the point.As Victoria entered the strategy room, the air was thick with tension. Maps, surveillance footage, and tactical notes covered every surface, and her team stood at attention, waiting for her command. Diego was already there, his arms crossed as he studied a map of Carla’s remaining strongholds.He looked up as she approached, his expression unreadable. “We’ve got everything in place. The teams are ready to move on your signal.”"Good," she said softly, her voice smooth but imperative. She stood before the map, her gaze roaming over each detail. "Carla thinks she's safe because she's cornered. But desperate people are careless. We can use that against her."Diego furrowed his brow. "What if she's prepared for that? If she's leading you into a trap?"A
The responses came back swift and assured."Understood.""Ready.""Let's do this."Victoria allowed herself one final deep breath before the SUV came to a stop. The doors opened, and she stepped out into the cool night air.The city waited, trembling under the weight of the coming storm.Victoria adjusted her jacket, every movement deliberate and precise. She turned to her team, her gaze fierce and unwavering."It's time," she said, her voice heavy with destiny.And with that, the Giupere name would thunder back to the streets, an unstoppable force reclaiming its throne.Carla was pacing the length of her dark hideout. A single bulb, casting sharp shadows on the concrete walls, cast flickering light. Her mind was racing over what Cardo had brought her: Victoria Giupere was coming for her.Cardo stood next to him with his arms folded, watching over Carla. "The information came from one of our moles," he explained. "Victoria is gathering her troops. She'll only be a matter of time befor
Cardo nodded, his jaw set with determination. "Consider it done. The men will be prepared for anything."A cold smile crossed Carla's face as she turned her head slightly to one side. Her voice went down to a menacing whisper: "The word's already out, Cardo. Victoria's walking into a trap, and she doesn't even know it."She leaned over the table, her eyes scanning the map as if already seeing the path to Victoria’s destruction. "Victoria doesn’t realize it yet, but her empire… all that power she thinks she’s built? It’s standing on borrowed time. And when it collapses, it’ll bury her."Cardo took a step closer, the loyalty in his eyes unwavering. "We’ll make sure of it, Carla. Whatever it takes."But Carla turned all the way toward him, her face a perfect amalgamation of steel and fire. "Good. Because this isn't just about revenge, Cardo. It's about sending a message. No one—no one—betrays me and walks away unscathed."As Cardo leaves to carry out her orders, Carla's eyes remained glu
He wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer. “Together,” he echoed. “We’re stronger than anything they can throw at us.”Valentine closed her eyes, savoring the warmth of his embrace. She could feel the tension of the outside world trying to creep in, but with Arnulfo by her side, she found solace in the stillness between them."Together," she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. "No matter what."Arnulfo tightened his hold on her, his hand gently caressing her back. “I promise you, nothing and no one will come between us. We’ll protect what’s ours, Valentine. This family. it’s everything.”She lifted her head slightly, looking up at him with a soft, trusting smile. “I believe you.”Time stood still between them. But for that one moment, brief and transient, the rumpus of the world outside seemed to fade away. There was no danger, no chaos, just the still, certain peace of love and the power they found in each other.As night deepened, Arnulfo pulled her back toward the co
The gunfire thundered like a fierce storm, drowning the cries for help and the battle shouts all around. Victoria huddled behind the crumbling wall as she breathed slowly but rapidly. She carefully peeked around the edge, her keen eyes searching the chaos until they found the command post at the center of Carla's defenses.“There Marco,” she muttered, wiping sweat and grime from her brow. She turned to her lieutenant, a wiry man named Marco. “Cover me. I’m going in.”“Boss, it’s too dangerous!” Marco protested, his rifle gripped tightly in his hands.“I didn’t come this far to back down now,” Victoria snapped. Her voice was steel, her determination unshakable. “Hold the line. That’s an order.”She didn't wait for an answer, running out from her hiding as if she were a ghost between chaos and dust, bullets whizzing past her, acrid smoke filling up her lungs. Every step brought her closer to her target—and to Carla.On the other side of the battlefield, Carla stood with arms crossed, lo
The sounds of battle slowly gave way to the darkness of the night, with the faint hum of the city struggling to recover from that chaotic chaos. Victoria closed her eyes for a deep breath that felt heavier than usual, relief overpowering the fierce feeling of pride now. She had emerged victorious, against all odds, not only in battle but also in her claim to survival and power.She looked down at her hands, grazed and soiled, holding the scents of battle and fight. These were the hands of a queen, she thought—a queen forged in fire and steel. The night still stretched out before her, still young and uncertain. She could feel the weight of what was to come: alliances to rebuild, enemies to track, and trust to restore. But for that fleeting moment, she let herself bask in the victory.Marco cut through the silence in her mind with a gentle question. "What now, Victoria?"She looked at him, lips curling into a small determined smile. "Now we prepare for what next. This is just the starti
Arnulfo pulled at his collar. "Remind me again why I'm marrying your daughter?" Valentine raised an eyebrow. "Because you love me?"Arnulfo groaned and threw up his hands dramatically. "Damn. You got me there." Don Victor chuckled. "You'll live, Vegas." Valentine stood in front of the mirror staring at the wedding gown. It was breathtaking-ivory lace, delicate beadwork, a flowing skirt that made her feel like she was floating. But what caught her breath was how Don Victor sat behind her as a reflection. His eyes were misty, his face unreadable. " Papa?" she whispered He clears his throat: "You just look like your mother." A boulder formed in the throat of Valentine. "She'd be proud," he managed to breathe the words out so that his emotions were trembling about. Watering eyes with Valentine, "Really think so?" He bent down and cradled her face. "I know so." And in the blink of an eye, she dissolved in his arms. "I love you, Papa," she whispered. Don Victor's eyes closed, and he tighten
The morning sun trickled through the grand estate's windows, dimming to a golden view of the room in which Valentine sat, carrying her newborn baby, Victoria Elise. She sighed, taking a sip from her tea when suddenly, the doors burst open. Don Victor strode into the room, full of confidence as if he had just decided to move mountains. His voice boomed across the room."Well, Valentine, mi hija, it's off again. This time, we're getting married."Valentine nearly gagged on her tea. "What?" she blinked at him, wondering if her father had finally lost it.Don Victor gave her a look of annoyance, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "You and Arnulfo. Another wedding. A proper one. A wedding that will be remembered for generations!"Valentine opened her mouth, then closed it. “But we’re already married!”Her father waved a dismissive hand. "That wasn't a wedding. That was a disaster! Do you call being shot at, running for your life, and your sister trying to kill you a wedding
Arnulfo looked at the scene. His heart was heavy but not hollow. This was the man he had been fighting for—the man who once tried to kill him. Yet today, Don Victor was merely a father holding onto his final opportunity for redemption. Arnulfo stretched out, his gaze unyielding. To this, Don Victor displayed an expression that was unreadable. Neither spoke for some time. Then, among all the men standing there, the motion of Arnulfo's hands reached out towards him. It was a challenge, a gesture of peace offering, a guarantee. Don Victor held Valentine next to him, frozen. Then, in his slow drag, he took an indrawn breath and clasped Arnulfo's hand in return. Their grips were tight—not against foes—but two men who had seen each other enough to know for far too long. Two men whose pasts would contradict themselves yet could feel the same love, a love more ample for Valentine. “Take care of her,” muttered Don Victor so low that only a few words' meanings might be gathered. The smooth si
Then Don Victor wanted to patch things up with Valentine, so he approached her again. "Valentine, you are my only living daughter. I hope you can forgive your father for not knowing you. I tried to search for your mom, and lately, I found the truth. Please, Valentine, my dear, forgive your dad." Tears filled Valentine's eyes. "But how can you forgive me? For killing Victoria, my only sister?Don Victor shivered. "Because I failed you first."Her breath hitched."You grew up alone," he went on, his voice thick with remorse. "You suffered alone. If I'd been there-if I'd known-you would never have had to fight for your life in the first place."He touched her hands, his fingers digging into hers. "So if you can do in your heart forgive me then I—" His voice broke. "Then I'll spend the rest of my days proving to you that I'm worthy to be your father."Valentine watched him as if studying every feature on his face for one sign of lies. Every mark of the brutal Don Victor that she knew seem
A very trusted man of Don Victor arrived at the hospital when the sun was barely rising. His face was serious, though his body was stiff with unspoken words. Valentine sat on a chair by the window; Arnulfo rested beside her. His wounds healed considerably, though he still needed to recover more time.She heard the footsteps turn. She saw the man. Her heart fell. There was something about him, and she felt her chest constrict."Señora Vegas," he said, respectful but low. "I come on behalf of Don Victor."Valentine stiffened, her fingers going instinctively to grab at the material of her dress. "What is it?" she asked sharply.The man took a deep breath before his eyes met hers. "It's about Victoria."Her heart stopped."Today is her final interment," he said. "Don Victor wanted you to know. He hopes you will come… to send your sister off."A lance shot through Valentine's chest. She gasped and felt her fingers begin to quiver.Her sister.Victoria was her sister.And she had murdered h
There on the veranda of his estate, Arnulfo sat sipping the sweet scent of a breeze carrying wet earth. He had healed the wound, and though the marks both on body and heart remain, he blew out slowly as he rested one hand over where the bullet tried to take him from this life. Nearly from Valentine and the child she had inside her womb.His tranquility was only temporary.The stillness shattered with the heavy sound of his steps. He need not turn around to know who he was but the heavy-laden air that felt fraught with tension and something else, deep within—it was something left unsaid.Don Victor.The older man stood behind him, a storm rolling in behind him. Whatever words were being said, his silence was saying louder than they ever could.Arnulfo straightened himself but did not turn. "I was expecting you.“Is that so?” Don Victor’s voice was gravelly, lined with years of authority. Years of power. But beneath it was something else—grief, perhaps. Or anger. “Then you know why I’m
Dark eyes met his; something she had never seen in him before; regret, pain, a sadness so deep that there weren't enough words to account for it. They were both silent for what felt like an eternity. And then, after the great long silence,he spoke."Valentina," he said, his voice rough, unsteady.She flinched. She hated it when he said that. That wasn't his name for her. Not today. Not ever before.Her fists were curled tight at her sides. "Don't say that."He exhaled, nodding slightly. "I… I understand." His voice cracked, but he went on speaking. "I don't expect forgiveness. I don't even expect you to look at me without hatred. But I need you to know—I never knew. If I had—She laughed, the laugh sharp, bitter. "If you'd known? What, Don Victor? Would it have been any different? Would you have come to find me? Raised me?" Her voice cracked as she took a step closer, the burning eyes intense. "Or just another soldier in your empire?His face contorted into a grimace as if she slap
The door shut with a soft click behind Don Victor, and silence swallowed the hospital room. The revelation was like a boulder, suffocating Valentine's chest.She could hardly believe it.Victoria. her sister.Don Victor. her father.It felt like a bad joke on truth.Arnulfo grasped her hands in a tight grip but a gentle one as he said worriedly, "Valentine, speak to me.".She shuddered, drawing an involuntary breath into her lungs. Her fingers were clutching him hard. "I don't know what to say my love," she whispered. "I don't know how to feel,Arnulfo."Arnulfo touched her cheek and raised her chin. "Then don't make yourself understand everything right now," he said, soft. "Just breathe."Breathe.How was she supposed to breathe when her entire world had just been turned inside out?She forced her hands free from his hold, wrapped them around her body to hug herself, and started pacing the room. "All this time," she said shaking her head in disbelief. "I thought I was alone. I thought
Valentine sat up on the bed in the hospital, her head in her hands. Arnulfo sat besides her, had his arm thrown over her shoulder, said not a word while holding her back.Valentine sat up when she heard a knock on the door.Arnulfo's muscles tensed. The door opened slowly, and Don Victor entered.Valentine's head snapped up. Her eyes were red and puffy. "What do you want?" she croaked.Don Victor's eyes softened, but his face remained unreadable. "To talk.""There is nothing to talk about."Don Victor took another step inside. "There's everything to talk about."Valentine shook her head, turning away. "You can't come out of the woodwork now and pretend you care about me."Don Victor took a breath. "I always cared."She laughed, and the sound was bitter. "Liar.""I didn't know about you," Don Victor said. "If I had—""If you had known," Valentine cut him off, her voice shaking with anger, "what? You would have raised me in your world? In a world full of blood and power and control?"Do