*Marlene's POV*
I reached forward,watching my new diamonds catching the warm overhead lights as I struggled to keep composure. I can't look too confident but then again,I'd rather disintegrate into a puddle right now than let Vincenzo get a laugh out of this.
The quality of the envelope was noticeably higher than the simple brown paper bag I had brought in.
My ring slid over the paper as I unfolded the paper.
My eyes struck at the bottom searching for the magic number to end all of us out of our misery.
'NO SIBLING RELATIONS"
I smiled proudly to myself and flipped the paper to the room.
"Just as I said–"I annouced,give Evangeline a sympathetic look "There are no blood relations."
Evangeline's face retained it's irritable poise, her legs still crossed as she sat up right in the burgundy leather sofa at the end of the room.
I was almost tempted to reiterate the results so it sinked in the way I wanted it to.
Vincenzo reached forward and demanded to see the results for himself so I confidently handed him the paper and walked to Evangeline.
"You'll always be part of the family."I whispered as I pulled her stiff body into a hug. "And I'll always be your mother."
I heard a disapproving sound from Vincenzo but took the liberty to ignore it.
"My dear,"I called,cupping her cheeks."Say something."
She blinked slowly and drew in her breath,making me seethe internally with her unusual calm.
"I don't think there's anything left to say."
"Would you like to see the will now?"I asked her. "Before all the lawyer jumble if course–"
"I think she's received enough news for the night."Vincenzo objects and they share a brief eye exchange.
Well they are integrating fast…
She gently removed my hands from her face and gave me a tight smile.
"I need some air."
"Of course,"I smiled brightly. "Take as much time as you need."
Evangeline walks out of the room solemnly,leaving an uncomfortable silence in her wake.
I turned to the room sympathetically.
"She's always been very emotional,this really hit hard."
"Which is why I think you should save the rest of your information for another day."Vincenzo said coldly. "You may leave now."
"My information?"I questioned. "May I remind you that the folder in your hand is yours,you are the one that gave her false hope by putting on a show as if I was a liar."
Vincenzo glanced to his left. "Call security."
"Are you kicking me out?"
Robert got up to defend me but I grabbed his arm before he made a fool of both of us.
"It's fine."My grip tightens on Robert. "I will never be stepping back here anyway."
"Good."Vincenzo grunts and steps out of the way. "Because next time you do,I'll send pigs after you."
A smiled sheepishly as a surge of victory jolted me to life. I have successfully pissed the fucker off--he thought he could out smart me but I just fucking showed him and everyone in this room why I was Hector's business partner and not merely his wife.
The war might not been over yet but I won this battle,and unfortunately for Evangeline,I like to keep a winning streak.
*Juan's POV*
"I'm impressed by how you managed to get Vincenzo's results in your favour."I finally said.
Marlene turned back to glare at me with an air offense.Her hair was in big messy coils and the improperly washed eyeliner on her face testified to her witch status.
"What?"
"The results–even though Vincenzo provided his version,it was still wholly in your favour."
"And so you assumed I manipulated something."
Her eyes were narrowed at me now.
So I picked my next words carefully,to be sure not to raise suspicion to maintain an aloofness of curiosity and not send her after my tail.
I dealt with this woman for many years and she ran wild if she felt cornered.
"You've always had the genius to sort things out in your favour."I smiled. "I just assumed this was one of those times."
"Assumptions are very dangerous Juan."she said calmly,returning her attention to her reflection before her. "When you play the game right enough,you don't need to move around muscle."
My chest burnt with contempt over how happy she was,how easy she was having life after all she had done–to Hector,to Evangeline…to my sister.
"Has the body been cremated." She asked absently.
"Yes."I reply between clenched teeth.
She's too high on cloud nine to notice how extra moody I was today,so I let the last of my hate before she receives her surprise of the night.
I didn't plan to give a letter tonight.I usually do to make sure there were no dna to lead back to me. But tonight was different,something about watching your enemy be as happy as can be ticks something deep within you even if you were nicknamed Robot.
"Any news with the letters?"
"No."I replied dryly.
Her smile melted out of her face.
"You are getting sloppy Juan."
"I'm sorry."
"Pretty soon,you'll join my list of victims."
'I'm trying my best."
She glares at me but says nothing.
"You are lucky im in a good mood tonight." She walks towards me,her sharp nails reach for my face and pierces my cheek. "Next time I am met with a unsatisfactory answer to this question,you can assume that'll be your last day."
I nodded cordially and moved out of her way so she went into her room.
I held my breath after the door closed behind her,it'll take her eleven steps to get to her bed,one glance to see the letter on her pillow,two seconds to snatch and open it..
In approximately forty five seconds,she will call for me.
I held my breath–I waited,and waited…nothing.
I was beginning to suffocate now.If she doesn't call my name soon,I might actually die of hatred–
The door swings open and Marlene appears with a wide grin on her face.
I let out my breath in a gasp.
"I was right."she said with sadistic calm,walking out of the room with my letter in hand.
I felt my throat dry in a snap.
Did I not turn of the cameras.
I screwed up–I knew I shouldn't have rushed,I was sloppy and now I was alone in enemy territory–with her.
If I killed her now,I'll be dead in ten minutes,if I don't,she'll delay my death to a day or two.
I know which way I want to go.
My hand hovered over my gun as I attempted to give my last lick of cluelessness before I point the weapon between her eyes and kiss both our lives goodbye.
"The sender doesn't care about Hector."she shows me my own calligraphy with a glint in her eyes. "This was never about him."
I keep my hands over the gun.
"I don't understand."
"Of course you don't you stupid robot."she slaps the letter on my face. "The sender is not a mastermind,they are cowards,idiots–"
She barked out a laugh and danced around the hall.
"Two victories in one night,the gods must be in love with me."
I stared at the letter for the clue I didn't input.
It said,
'Beware of the enemies you make,not every cub is motherless"
"They care about Evangeline,their interest in Hector's death was only because she's related to him."she muttered wildly to herself. "And do you know the only ghost from my past that'll be that concerned about the little saint."
I braced myself and thought of the name along with her.
"Amelia."
"She's dead."I say bitterly. My heart was beating so fervently in my chest,I was sure my rib cages were vibrating.
"No,her ghost is still haunting me."she says. "And since Hector isn't here to sniff down my neck about her,I want every single trace of her gone…the nunnery-burnt,any family she has alive,get rid of them–"
"That's too many trails."
"Not if you do it correctly Juan."she slurs gliding back into her room. "Better use your expertise exceptionally lest we get caught."