C

f emotions that churned inside her. The blood that stained her clothes, the bitter taste of victory on her tongue-this was the moment

feeling she couldn't quite shake-something was off. She had expected satisfaction, a sense

ntina's pulse quickened as the sound of distant footsteps reached her ears. It was too soo

situation. Her instincts screamed at her to leave. But something held her in place. Th

to the study opened,

in waves. She wore a black silk dress, her eyes cold but calculating. She wasn't a p

said, her voice smooth, almost melo

her grip tightening around

-only sharpness, like the edge of a blade. "I am someone who's been wat

own her spine. She was not afraid, but she was unsettled. Waiting

nly one who's had a vendetta. A blood oath." Her eyes gleamed, a dangerous fire burni

rned to suspicion. "What

eyes-something twisted, something familiar. "Ricci was a fool. He thought his betrayal

woman walked forward, her heels clicking against the

t years planning this moment. She had studied Ricci's every move, his weaknesses, his habits. Sh

her voice laced with something bitter. "The man you've been

her blood run

g to a whisper. "Your father's death..

legs felt weak as the room seemed to spin. Her mind screamed for

her voice shaking with di

, Valentina. We were partners. And when the time came, when I saw how weak he had become, I made a

her. This was no longer just about Ricci. This was about her entire world being up

icci. I knew you'd kill him. But you didn't think t

down. She raised the knife, pointing it toward the woman. "You'r

e whether you believe it or not." She took a step forward, and Valentina instinctively took a step back, ke

ed at the entrance and glanced back, her smile cold and knowing. "You'll come for me next, I'm sure. But remembe

The woman was gone as quickly as she had come, leaving nothing bu

as the realization dawned. She had been