05
but
Ciara’s Pov
The steady beep of the hospital monitor filled the room as I leaned back against the pillows, my body still weak my mind sharper than ever. My father’s words from last night replayed in my head: Now that’s my daughter.
For the first time in a long time, I felt like myself again.
I glanced around the hospital room, my family gathered close. Adam sat at the foot of my bed, scrolling through his phone. My mother sat beside me, absentmindedly stroking my hand, while my father stood near the window, deep in thought.
“I meant what I said,” I said, breaking the silence. “I want to be involved in the business again, No more
shadows.”
Adam’s head snapped up, a slow grin spreading across his face. “I was hoping you’d say that.”
My father turned, his sharp gaze meeting mine. “Are you sure, hija? The cartel business is not what it used to be.”
“I’ve never been more sure,” I replied firmly.
Adam chuckled. “Well then, let me catch you up.”
He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “Things have changed over the years, Ciara. The Salvador Cartel is still one of the most powerful, but there’s a new player in town–The Gurrelio Cartel.”
I frowned. “I’ve never heard of them.”
“Neither had we until about two years ago,” Adam admitted. “They grew fast–too fast. No one knows who their leader is. We’ve tried to arrange meetings, but their only response has been that they’ll speak to you.”
I blinked. “Me?”
Adam nodded. “That’s what they keep saying They’ll only negotiate with the heiress of the Salvador Cartel ”
The Divorced on Queen
My parents exchanged looks, their unease palpable.
“We don’t need them,” my father said after a moment. “We align with only the strongest cartel leaders in Mexico.
If they don’t want to deal with us, so be it.”
I considered his words, but something about this Gurrelio Cartel intrigued me. A leader who refused to reveal himself? A cartel that grew almost overnight? And now, for some reason, they wanted me
“I want to meet him,” I said.
Adam looked stunned. “You’re serious?”
I nodded. “Set up a meeting.”
My father narrowed his eyes. “Are you sure, Clara? We know nothing about this man,
“All the more reason to meet him,” I countered. “I want to know who he is and why he’s so interested in me.”
A tense silence filled the room before Adam finally exhaled. “Alright, sis. I’ll make it happen
I smiled at him as I ran a hand through his hair, “That’s my little brother.”
Adam’s face scrunched up and I chuckled, I knew he didn’t like it when I ruffled his hair. He patted his hair and scowled at me playfully.
“I’m not so little again,” he stated, puffing out his chest.
I chuckled and nodded, “Yes, I can see the girls all lining up and falling over at your feet.”
My words caused everyone to laugh as they shook their heads. I was glad to see that they were happy and no longer terrified about my health again
Two days later, I was discharged from the hospital.
The fresh air felt good against my skin as I stepped out, Marco at my side. I had missed the feeling of freedom, the ability to move without looking over my shoulder. But this time, things were different. I wasn’t just Ciara I was
the heiress.
Adam had arranged the meeting at a private estate on the outskirts of the city. It was neutral ground–safe, yet isolated. As our convoy pulled up, I took a deep breath, steadying myself.
“You ready for this, Mistress?” Marco asked, his voice low, “Maybe we should go home first”
I met his gaze. “I was born ready, Marco. Don’t worry, once we’re done here we will go home to celebrate.”
He smirked. “That’s what I like to hear.”
We stepped inside, the air thick with the scent of expensive cigars and whiskey. A long conference table sat in the center of the dimly lit room. Marco stayed close, his hand resting on his concealed weapon.
The double doors at the far end of the room creaked open, and my breath hitched.
Standing there, exuding power and mystery, was the last person I expected to see
The man who had saved my life at the cemetery.
His dark eyes locked onto mine, his expression unreadable.
“Hello, heiress,” he said smoothly.
My heart pounded.
Who was he?
