ey's

ce. The aroma of aged leather and cigar smoke filled his office. A fire p

zed at a large oil painting showing our family-a heritage of strength, aggr

bowed my head slightly

measured. "Did you ta

mos

made hi

g away any pretense or hesitation. My father had a way of looking at people, o

his tone carrying the

lice, Carlos Mendes is still alive. My men have fo

us, tension winding tigh

ed just a fraction, a rare sign of approva

e desk, resting his hand on its surface. "If you keep this up, if you keep show

Mich

said, but we both unde

rone he thought he was entitled to. And our father, despite ye

nod. "I won't d

lips, barely there, gone in a

e with a motio

d left, shutting t

ith relief, releasing the tens

uly intended to choose me over Mic

meant to be ruled. With prec

t. I pulled out my phone and answe

al

the speaker. "Boss, we got

d. "What

chuckle. "He's gett

moment. Then, a dark

tic,"

ou want us to hit

was meant to symbolize a fresh start, a day for joy and happ

ard have his vows," I said. "Th

d slipped the phone

los Mendes wo

n, he w

ia'

was lively with l

iding warmth to the crowd of guests. Walls were adorned with white a

en though the heaviness on my chest

rror, fixing the lace sleeves of her dress. She appeared lovely, glowing, in fact. Her deep

d, her expression easi

act of blush and a brush. "You look perfect,"

aking her head.

hrough the mirro

ered, no hesitat

have nothi

ed slowly

dressed in a sharp navy suit. His face revealed nothin

ime," h

tightened momentarily

ilence descended on the audien

s voice echoing across the big hall. Wanda and her fiancé stoo

ore me, my heart hurting from

The crowd stood up clapping for the newly wedded couple

doors b

heir clapping, gasps rippled through the guests as a group

in dark suits, g

ear. One individual, a man with defined features and a wicked grin

entertained grin s

d out. "Did you really th

his fingers going whi

priest stammered,

ifting his gun and aim

silence, t

pierced

expanding on his shirt. He coughed out blood,

scre

sing uselessly against the wound,

watching Carlos with some

run farther

e one final shud

at followed wa

d Wanda, his smirk widening.

eyes, her body shaking

less, my nails pe

"We'll take our leave now. E