The Ace And the Four Kings
Xyrine Jean's POV
"I knew it. From the very beginning, Spade was only playing with her."
"So pity."
"If only they were on the same level, maybe they'd still be together."
"Yes, she's nothing but a pathetic loser."
I tried to ignore the hushed whispers around me, but before I could fully shut them out, Ella suddenly stood up and faced them all.
"You! If you have nothing good to say, then just keep your mouths shut!"
"Ella, stop," I tried to calm her.
"No, Xyrine! This is too much! They have no idea what's really happening, yet they speak as if they know everything!"
I was about to say something when the entire cafeteria fell silent. My gaze instinctively shifted toward the entrance, but I quickly looked away.
"Let's go, Ella," I urged.
"No, Xyrine! We're not leaving! Prove to them that their words don't affect you!"
I wanted to let out a bitter smile at what she said.
How can I prove that when my own tears betray me?
Even though every part of me wanted to walk out of that cafeteria, I followed Ella's lead. I forced myself to focus on my food, but I couldn't help it—I stole a glance in Spade's direction. He was sitting with Monique, and when I saw them smiling at each other, I immediately looked away.
"Idiot," I muttered under my breath.
"Ella, please..." I stood up.
She looked at me with sorrow in her gaze. "I'm sorry, cuz. I'm sorry that there's nothing I can do to ease your pain. If only I could..."
Her words reminded me of what Louren told me yesterday.
"You already know the solution to everything that's happening."
Is that really the only way?
Yesterday, I had already made up my mind. But then I thought, if I approach him now, it would be as if I were disregarding everything he did to my mom. He was the reason she took her own life. And yet, I couldn't deny it—he was also the only way I could fix things with Spade.
I clenched my jaw.
No. This ends here.
Thirteen years ago, I was helpless—I was too young to do anything.
But now? Now, I can finally take control and do what needs to be done.
Yes. I'll follow Louren's advice. I need to talk to Spade. I need to tell him the truth. I need to tell him that I am Xander Montreal's daughter. And then, maybe… everything will finally fall into place.
"Ella, I'll see you later. There's something I need to do," I whispered hurriedly before turning away.
"Wait, Xyrine, where are you going?"
I faced her. "To Spade."
Without another word, I turned and walked toward Class A.
When I reached the front of the classroom, I stood still, positioning myself right by the door.
"Just a little longer... Just a little longer, Spade," I murmured, hugging my knees.
The sound of the elevator's censor beeping made me lift my head. My chest tightened when I saw him step out. I exhaled in relief—finally, he was here. I took a step forward… then froze.
He wasn't alone.
Monique was with him.
I steeled myself. It didn't matter if she was there. I needed to talk to him, no matter what.
When he noticed me, I was about to smile at him—but before I could, his expression shifted. My stomach twisted when he suddenly smiled at me.
That smile.
I know I've seen that smile before.
Monique was just about to step out of the elevator when Spade suddenly grabbed her by the arm, pulled her against his waist… and kissed her.
Right in front of me.
I wanted to look away, to turn around and run, but it was too late. My body wouldn't move. I stood there, frozen, unable to do anything but watch.
His eyes never left mine as he reached out and pressed the elevator button. Slowly, the doors closed.
Even after it shut completely, I remained standing in place—like a fool.
Tears trickled down my cheeks before I even realized I was crying.
I turned away and forced myself to walk.
"It's fine, Xyrine. Just tell him what you need to say next time," I whispered, smiling bitterly.
"That's right. It's okay."
I wiped my tears away—only for them to fall again.
I returned to my classroom, my mind blank. No matter how hard I tried to push the image away, the scene kept replaying in my head.
"Xyrine, are you okay?"
Instead of answering, I stood up.
"Ella, I need to step out."
I turned my back on her and ran.I didn't stop until I reached the maze.
Almost there. Just a little more. Then, I heard it—a guitar strumming softly.
I leaned against the frame of the maze and listened to Louren as he sang.
"But now that you came into my life, I feel complete... The flowers bloom, my mornings shine, and I can see..."
That night, you asked me what I had done to you because every day you didn't see me, it felt like you were dying.
Spade… do you still feel that way?
Because I do.
"Your love is like the sun that lights up my whole world, I feel the warmth inside… Your love is like a river that flows through my pain, I feel the chills inside..."
I couldn't hold it in anymore. I covered my mouth with my hand, trying to stifle my sobs.
A moment later, my eyelids grew heavy. And before I knew it, I had fallen asleep.
After 3 hours
"I love you so much, Xyrine."
I jolted upright, feeling a whisper brush against my ear. My eyes darted around, scanning my surroundings, but there was no one there.
Why did it feel like I had just heard Spade's voice? Was it just my imagination? But why did it seem so real?
A bitter smile formed on my lips as I realized I was only giving myself false hope. With a deep breath, I turned and walked back toward our classroom. The school day was almost over. Just as I neared the door, I noticed two girls standing in the corridor.
I was about to walk past them when Monique suddenly grabbed my arm. "We need to talk."
"You can talk here."
"Not here. Follow me."
Without waiting for my response, she turned and walked away, Althea following closely behind. I hesitated for a moment, but curiosity—or maybe something else—pushed me to follow them.
We stopped in front of the restroom.
"Althea, wait for me here," Monique instructed, and Althea nodded.
She stepped inside, and though I had a sinking feeling in my gut, I followed. The moment I entered, she locked the door behind us.
"What's the pro—"
"Xyrine, what do you have that I don't?"
Her back was turned to me, but I could hear the trembling in her voice, the raw pain breaking through.
What is she talking about?
She turned to face me, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "No matter what I do, no matter how hard I try to give him everything… why is it always you he's looking for?"
I stared at her, stunned. "What are you saying? Weren't you there when he pushed me away? Weren't you there when he kept saying over and over that he didn't know me anymore?"
Monique let out a choked sob. "Damn it, for fvck's sake, Xyrine!"
I flinched at the sheer agony in her voice.
"He's a good pretender! He always acts like he loves me when you're around, but the moment you're gone, it's like I don't exist!"
I froze.
"Yes, Xyrine, you heard me right. The night you had that accident, he almost killed every single one of his father's men—and even his own father. He even begged everyone there to let him go—just to find you. When he said in the cafeteria that he didn't love you anymore, that he didn't even know you… for a second, I almost believed him."
She let out a bitter laugh.
"But when you walked out with Louren, I saw it. I saw the rage in his eyes. I saw how hard it was for him to lie. I saw how much he was struggling to push you away. And you know what's even more pathetic?"
Tears rolled down her cheeks, but her lips curled into a humorless smile.
"Earlier, when we were in the elevator, I knew he saw you. That's why he suddenly kissed me. Our faces were so close that I felt the moment his tears fell. And then…"
Her voice cracked as she lowered her gaze, her entire body trembling.
"Do you know what he did?"
Her hands clenched into fists.
"He knelt in front of me."
A bitter chuckle escaped her lips, but there was nothing but pain in her eyes.
"And do you know what he said?"
She lifted her head and locked eyes with me. "He begged me. He begged me to let him go. He pleaded for me to call off our engagement."
A single tear slid down her cheek, her voice barely above a whisper.
"But do you know what's even more painful than that? It's watching the person you love kneeling in front of you, begging—crying—just so he can be free of you."
She let out a strangled sob. "Do you have any idea how much that fvcking hurts?"
I wiped the tears that had unknowingly fallen from my own eyes and met her gaze, my voice steady but laced with emotion.
"Does it hurt, Monique?" I inhaled sharply, trying to keep my composure. "That pain you're feeling right now… it's nothing compared to what I felt when I found out you were engaged to Spade. It's nothing compared to the pain I feel right now!"
"Shut up! You don't know what I'm feeling right now!" she screamed. "Shut up! You don't know what I really feel right now! You know what? This is all your fault! You're the reason it took so long for me to be legally recognized as a Montreal! And you're the only reason Spade could never love me!"
I scoffed. "Is it my fault that I existed in their lives before you did?"
She laughed dryly, shaking her head. "You know what? You're right. I'll never be happy as long as you exist."
"And I realized something… As long as I have him wrapped around my finger—thanks to your own father—he won't do a damn thing. He'll just turn a blind eye and pretend you don't exist. No matter what I do to you…"
My breath hitched as she pulled a small knife from her purse.
But what startled me more was that instead of aiming it at me, she turned the blade toward herself.
"Are you really that desperate that you'd hurt yourself?" I asked, disbelief evident in my tone.
"Yes! I'm fvcking desperate! I'll do anything just to get rid of you!" She looked completely unhinged now.
"You're insane, Monique."
"Then so be it! As long as it means you're out of my life!" she shrieked, her smile twisted and deranged.
"GOODBYE, XYRINE."
Before I could react, she drove the knife into her own shoulder.
I stood there, paralyzed, as she let out a bloodcurdling scream.
"Althea! Help me! I'm bleeding!"
My heart pounded violently against my chest.
"What's going on in there?" Althea's frantic voice called from outside.
"Please, help me! Xyrine—she stabbed me!"
My blood ran cold.
"Wait, I'll call Spade!"
Monique's lips curled into a smile as fresh tears welled in my eyes.
"What the hell are you talking about, Monique?" I choked out.
She let out a sinister laugh. "Watch out."
Before I could process what was happening, the restroom door burst open.
I barely had time to react before Spade stormed inside.
"What the hell did you do?!" he roared.
I wanted to speak—wanted to tell him the truth—but my tongue felt heavy, my body frozen.
"Spade, she hurt me! She stabbed me!" Monique whimpered.
Tears cascaded down my cheeks.
"Xyrine, if anything happens to Monique, you won't get away with it."
His words shattered me.
He lifted Monique into his arms and carried her away.
I sank to the floor, my mind spinning.
What just happened?
I was still trying to make sense of everything when a hand rested gently on my shoulder.
"Shh, everything will be alright."
"Louren?"
I turned to him and immediately collapsed into his embrace. "I didn't do it. I swear, I didn't do it," I whispered, trembling.
"I believe you. I know you could never do something like that."
"But Spade… Monique… No, Monique did this! She did this to herself!" I gasped, my voice laced with panic.
"Sssh, it's okay. Just breathe," he soothed, holding me tighter.
A voice suddenly cut through the tense air.
"Miss Xyrine Jean Guevara, you are being called to the administration office."
I looked up and saw the student council secretary, standing beside a group of guards.
My heart clenched even more.
Louren took my hand. "Don't worry, you're not alone. I'm with you," he said, yet the unease in my chest refused to fade.
As we got closer to the Admin Office, the pounding in my chest grew louder. The moment we stepped inside, our eyes landed on Monique, who was being treated for her injuries.
I froze when I saw Spade standing beside her.
"Good afternoon, Miss Guevara." The Chancellor's voice cut through the room, making my stomach churn. "We're giving you a chance to explain your side as we conduct an investigation into the incident involving Miss Montreal."
Miss Montreal? My fists clenched instinctively.
"She has nothing to explain because she didn't do anything!" Louren tightened his grip on my hand.
"Why, Mr. Choi, have you seen what happened inside the washroom? Were you there before the incident occurred?"
My gaze shifted toward Spade.
What... Did those words really come out of his mouth?
"Why, Mr. Sy, were you also there before the incident happened? There's no evidence that can prove Miss Guevara did that act!"
"There is."
Everyone turned toward the voice. It was Althea.
"We ran into Xyrine earlier. She asked us to follow her to the washroom. We didn't want to at first, but she insisted," she said, her tone calm—too calm.
My lips parted slightly in disbelief. My fists clenched even tighter as she shot me a knowing glance and smirked subtly.
"When we got there, she only let Monique inside. I tried to follow, but she immediately locked the door..."
"Liar!" I shouted.
"Miss Guevara!" The Chancellor's sharp reprimand forced me to lower my head.
"Please continue, Miss Althea."
"I was outside when I heard Xyrine yelling at Monique. Then suddenly, Monique started screaming for help. I didn't know what to do, so I called Spade. The moment he arrived, he kicked the door open, and that's when we saw Monique—her shoulder covered in blood."
"Is that true, Mr. Sy?"
I turned to Spade, searching his expression for something—anything.
"It's… it's all true," he said, looking straight at me.
It felt like a bucket of ice had been dumped over my head.
"We all know that Montreal does not tolerate any form of violence, especially when committed against a non-VIP student." the Chancellor continued, his voice firm. "And since there is a witness to your actions, Miss Guevara, we are obligated to impose a punishment."
Monique suddenly spoke, her voice laced with amusement. "Let the Student Council President, Mr. Spade Inigo Sy, decide her punishment."
"Why?" Louren shot back.
Monique tilted her head, her smile sickly sweet. "He's the Student Council President and also the leader of the 4 Kings. He has the right to impose punishment on those who violate the university's regulations and code of conduct, doesn't he?"
"Miss Montreal has a point," the Chancellor agreed. "Now, Mr. Sy, we trust your judgment. Please let us know your decision, and rest assured, we will stand by it."
Spade didn't hesitate. "One week suspension is enough," he said, standing up.
He was about to leave when Monique called out, "One week suspension? Don't you think that's too light of a punishment?" She crossed her arms, dissatisfied.
"One month suspension."
Monique's lips curled into a smirk. "Are you serious? Instead of just suspending her, why don't we expel her altogether?"
My breath hitched. My eyes widened in horror as I turned to Monique.
"Goodbye, Xyrine."
So this is what she meant… This is why she said those words earlier. She wanted to get rid of me. To have me expelled from Montreal.
"Isn't that punishment too severe?" Louren asked, his frustration evident. "Expelling her just like that?"
Monique scoffed. "How can you say that, Louren, when you're one of the 4 Kings? Aren't you all used to kicking students out even when they haven't done anything? Xyrine stabbed me, so she definitely deserves to be expelled!"
"Madam Chancellor," Louren pleaded, his voice tense.
"Let's leave the decision to Mr. Sy," she responded, shifting the room's attention to Spade.
As I turned to him, I wanted to believe that what Monique had whispered to me in the washroom was true.
That he would never do this to me.
"So, Spade, what is your decision?"
Please… don't. Hate me if you must. Despise me. But please… don't let them expel me.
I watched him closely as he walked toward the door. He reached for the handle and pulled it open.
"Let's do what Monique wishes to happen."
As the door clicked shut behind him, my tears fell.
"Why…?" I whispered, my voice breaking as warm tears streamed down my cheeks.
Why, Spade?
"Don't worry, Xyrine! I'll find a way to prove your innocence!" Louren's voice was desperate, filled with determination.
"IT'S TOO LATE!"
A powerful voice echoed through the room.
Everyone turned toward the entrance. The entire administrative office fell silent as the man strode inside.
"President Montreal."
A chorus of reverent voices greeted him.
For a moment, time stood still.
Seeing him up close, I felt like I was dreaming.
"Thank you for informing me about this matter immediately." His voice was deep and commanding as he addressed the chancellor. Then, his expression hardened.
"Now… tell me. Who is the bastard responsible for harming my daughter?!"
His authoritative tone shifted the very atmosphere in the room.
I turned to Monique. Just moments ago, she had been grinning smugly. Now, her face was drained of color.
I lifted my head and met his gaze.
"I did."
I spoke with unwavering confidence, my chin raised high.
Mr. Montreal's piercing eyes landed on me. The weight of his presence sent an icy chill through my body.
For a brief moment, his jaw clenched in suppressed anger. But then… something changed. His expression softened, as though something clicked in his mind.
He took a slow step toward me, his eyes scanning my face carefully—almost in disbelief.
"Xy… Xy…" His lips trembled as his eyes glistened with unshed tears. "Xyrine…?"
His voice cracked with emotion.
I wanted to cry, but I held back.
"Thirteen years have passed," I said evenly. "Who would've thought we'd meet here?"
He took another step forward, arms outstretched—ready to embrace me.
But I stepped back.
I let my gaze sweep across the room, watching everyone's reactions.
Shock. Confusion. Disbelief.
But what pleased me the most… was Monique's expression.
This is it.
Without another word, I pulled out my phone and walked toward the chancellor's desk, completely ignoring Mr. Montreal.
"Before kicking me out, please let me play this audio recording."
Monique's face went completely pale. "W-What is that?" she stammered.
"Listen and find out," I answered coldly before turning to Mr. Montreal.
Watch closely. Watch the truth about the demon you raised.
Everyone's eyes were on my phone as I pressed play.
["Shut up! You don't know what I really feel right now! You know what? This is all your fault! You're the reason it took so long for me to be legally recognized as a Montreal! And you're the only reason Spade could never love me!"]
All eyes darted to Monique.
"This is fake! I never said anything like that!" she shrieked.
The chancellor raised a hand, signaling her to be silent.
["Is it my fault that I existed in their lives before you did?"]
["You know what? You're right. I'll never be happy as long as you exist."]
["And I realized something… As long as I have him wrapped around my finger—thanks to your own father—he won't do a damn thing. He'll just turn a blind eye and pretend you don't exist. No matter what I do to you…"]
Monique's breaths grew shallow. Panic filled her eyes.
"No! That's not true! Stop it!" she screamed hysterically.
"YOU SHUT UP!" Mr. Montreal's voice boomed through the room, filled with uncontained fury.
["Are you really that desperate that you'd hurt yourself?"
"Yes! I'm fvcking desperate! I'll do anything just to get rid of you!"
"You're insane, Monique."
"Then so be it! As long as it means you're out of my life!"]
"When he said those words, that was when he plunged the knife into himself."
For a few minutes, silence blanketed the room—heavy, suffocating—until the chancellor finally shattered it.
"Miss Althea and Miss Monique, could you please explain what this audio recording is about?" the chancellor asked, disbelief evident in his voice.
"There's no need," Mr. Montreal declared with authority.
"That's fake! That's not—" SMACK!
The resounding slap echoed across the entire room as Mr. Montreal's palm met Monique's cheek.
"S-say it. H-have you known about Xyrine all along?" His voice was devoid of emotion, yet his presence carried the weight of unspoken fury.
"W-wait… Don't tell me she's also—" Mr. Montreal sucked in a sharp breath. "She's the same woman you had abducted on your birthday?" he asked, her voice trembling.
"Daddy, I'm sorry…" That was all Monique could manage to say, her head bowed in shame.
Mr. Montreal froze as the truth sank in. I watched as he crumbled under the realization of what he had unknowingly done to his own daughter. And as I saw the anguish twist his face, the familiar ache in my chest returned.
How does it feel now, knowing you were the reason Spade left me that night? My fists clenched at the thought.
"Monique… how could you? All this time…"
"Daddy, I'm sorr—" PAK!
"HOW DARE YOU CRY?!" His furious roar thundered through the room, shaking the very walls. "I GAVE YOU EVERYTHING—EVERYTHING YOU COULD EVER WANT! EVEN THE THINGS THAT RIGHTFULLY BELONGED TO MY REAL DAUGHTER, I HANDED THEM TO YOU WITHOUT HESITATION! AND THIS… THIS IS HOW YOU REPAY ME?!"
"Daddy…" Monique whispered, dazed.
"SPEAK!"
"I-I only did all of this because I was jealous of her!" she screamed through her sobs. "She was born with everything! And I had nothing! Can you really blame me?!"
Mr. Montreal clenched his jaw so tightly it trembled. His voice was laced with betrayal as he spoke. "Monique… I treated you as if you were my own child. You were there when I was losing my mind, desperately searching for my real daughter. And yet, instead of telling me the truth, you played with Xyrine like she was some toy? Xyrine—my one and only true daughter!"
He raised his hand again, as if to strike her once more, but he stopped.
I felt a wave of irritation. Why stop now? Someone like Monique didn't deserve mercy.
"Is that all you can do?" The words left my lips before I could stop them.
"Xyrine, my daughter…" He reached for me, but I stepped away.
"Tell me what you want to happen. I'll do anything for you," his voice broke, pleading.
I turned to Monique, who was now sobbing uncontrollably. Watch closely. Let me show you exactly who you dared to.
"Strip her of her name," I said without hesitation.
Silence fell, heavy and suffocating.
"Daddy, I'm sorry! Please! I swear I'll never do this again! I'm begging you, please forgive me! This will be the last time, I promise! Daddy, please!" Monique wailed, clutching his arm desperately.
But Mr. Montreal only exhaled sharply before fixing her with an unreadable stare. "Yes, Monique… This will be the last time."
He looked away as he continued, his voice cold and final.
"BECAUSE FROM THIS MOMENT ON, YOU ARE NO LONGER A MONTREAL."
"Daddy, no! Please! Have mercy!" she screamed, gripping his arm in a last, desperate attempt to hold onto the life she once had. But Mr. Montreal yanked himself free.
A part of me wanted to feel pity, but it was too late. I had warned her before.
I can turn the tables whenever I choose.
I remained still, watching them, my jaw clenched so tightly it ached. Then, slowly, Mr. Montreal turned to me.
"My daughter… I don't know what happened, why you vanished, or why you chose to return only now. But whether you believe me or not, I searched for you—relentlessly. For thirteen long years, I never stopped. Not for a single moment."
He let out a bitter, hollow laugh, tears streaming down his face.
"All this time, you were so close… right here, within my reach. And yet, I was blind. How could I have been so stupid?!"
His sobs broke through the air like shattered glass.
"But none of that matters anymore," he said, looking me in the eyes. "Tell me what I must do. I'll do anything for your forgiveness."
It doesn't matter anymore?
He says he'll do anything for my forgiveness?
As memories of all the humiliation and scorn I had endured resurfaced—memories of the countless times I was ridiculed, belittled, and torn apart—while he stood by and did nothing but support the very person who orchestrated it all, a lump formed in my throat. The weight of it all pressed down on my chest, threatening to crush me.
I lifted my gaze, scanning the faces surrounding us. I wanted them to witness this moment—to see with their own eyes how the great and revered Xander Montreal would bow before me.
"Kneel." My voice was devoid of emotion, cold and sharp like a blade.
"Miss Xyrine, that's too mu—"
"Stay out of this." I cut off the Chancellor before he could finish, my tone carrying an authority that left no room for argument. Then, I turned back to Mr. Montreal, who remained frozen, disbelief written all over his face.
"What are you waiting for? You heard me." My fists clenched at my sides, nails digging into my palms. "Kneel." My voice was steady, my chin held high.
"Xyrine…" Louren grabbed my arm, his touch hesitant, but I yanked it free without a second thought.
Why? Why did they all look so appalled? Was it so unthinkable for them to witness a man like Xander Montreal—someone they worshipped, someone they placed on a pedestal—bend his knees before someone they had trampled on for years?
"KNEEL!" This time, my voice echoed through the room, filled with raw fury.
Tears streamed down his face as he hung his head, his entire body trembling under the weight of his choices. I could see the hesitation, the battle waging within him. I almost looked away—but it was too late. My anger had consumed me.
"For you, my child… for you…" His voice was barely above a whisper as he slowly, painfully lowered himself, bending his knees until they met the cold floor beneath him.
"Daddy, don't do this! Xyrine, have you lost your mind?!" Monique's shrill cry shattered the tense silence as she rushed forward, trying to stop him.
"Don't call me 'Daddy,' Monique. Get out of my way!" His voice was firm as he pushed her aside.
A smirk curled at my lips as Monique suddenly fell to her knees before me.
"Xyrine, take me instead! I was the one behind all of this! Please, punish me instead—just don't make your father do this!" She sobbed, clutching the hem of my skirt as if her desperation could change my mind.
I stared down at her, expressionless.
"You?" My voice was eerily calm.
"Do you know the difference between us?" I asked, locking eyes with her, not a trace of pity in my gaze.
"Stand up."
Though confused, she scrambled to her feet, reaching for my arm. "Xyrine, please, stop this—" SMACK!
The sound of my palm striking her face rang through the air, reverberating off the walls. The force of it left a red mark blooming across her cheek. What amused me was that no one—not a single one of them—dared to stop me.
"Monique," I said, taking a slow step forward, my eyes locked onto hers. "You may have the Montreal name on paper… but I…" I clenched my fists, my nails nearly piercing my skin.
"I have Montreal blood running through my veins."
"And do you know how a true Montreal seeks vengeance?" My voice was razor-sharp, my jaw tight with unspoken rage.
"Stand up."
She remained frozen, her eyes filled with fear.
"I SAID, STAND UP!" I roared, and she shot to her feet as if yanked by invisible strings.
"Xyrine, please forgive me—" SMACK!
I didn't let her finish. This time, my slap sent her staggering back. The sting of it wasn't enough. My anger wasn't satisfied. I grabbed her by the collar and struck her again, harder. The moment I saw her lip split and blood trickle down her chin, something dark and vicious inside me purred in satisfaction.
"From now on, don't you dare attach the Montreal name to yourself." I spat the words at her like poison. "Because no matter what you do.."
"You will never be one of us!"
"Xyrine, please…"
At the sound of his voice, I turned to Mr. Montreal—now fully kneeling, head bowed, body trembling.
"Xyrine Jean… my child. I'm sorry. I am so, so sorry. Please… stop this and come back to me." His voice cracked, a desperate plea escaping his lips.
I averted my gaze, tilting my head up as I struggled to keep the burning tears at bay.
But damn it.
"Do you know who Julio Guevara is?" I finally spoke, my tone quieter but no less deadly.
Recognition flashed across his face, and for the first time, true terror settled in his eyes.
"How… how do you know that name?" His voice trembled. "That man's identity is highly classified. No one outside—wait…" His words trailed off as realization dawned on him, and his body stiffened.
"No… Don't tell me…" Tears flowed freely down his face now as he looked at me in horror.
I lowered my gaze, my lips pressing into a thin line.
"You're right."
"For thirteen years, my life was a living hell because of one man." I turned my back on him, exhaling shakily.
"And that man is not him…"
I walked toward the door, my final words slicing through the silence like a knife.
"But was my own father."
As I stepped out of the room, a lone tear carved its path down my cheek—silent, unseen.
But I didn't falter. I didn't look back.
Because this was only the beginning.
They would all pay.
Each. And. Every. One of them.