Chapter 23: Convictions

The sun was just starting to set when Tiffany joined Yuan in the Tambayan.

The school premises were nearly deserted, but the duo had decided to linger a little longer. Smoke curled from their expensive cigarettes, rising into the cooling air as they gazed at the sky above them. Shades of orange and pink stretched across the horizon, bathing everything in a soft, fleeting glow.

Tiffany took another drag of her cigarette and exhaled slowly. She was well aware of Yuan's lingering stares, but as always, she ignored him.

"I'm having lunch with a new friend tomorrow," she said.

Yuan let out a short chuckle, twitching his mouth into his usual cocky smirk. "The famous Steffy Rivera is making friends?"

"Yes. Was that surprising to you?"

"Tiffany, you are a bitch in this school. Yeah, you're popular, but everybody is intimidated by you. And now, you're telling me you're finally having lunch with a friend?" He gave a slow nod, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "That's nice."

"Nice? You call it nice?" she scoffed. "It feels great, asshole. It's not just nice."

"Fine," Yuan said, laughing. "I'm happy for you. Just don't forget—we're on a mission here." He took another puff of his cigarette before asking, "Who's this friend anyway? A dude?"

Tiffany rolled her eyes. "Of course not. Actually…she's in your files."

Yuan's eyebrows shot up. "You've read my files?" He turned to her, eyes wide with disbelief. "That's not allowed, Tiffany."

"Don't worry," she said with a giggle. "I just made sure you weren't interfering with my mission."

Yuan clicked his tongue in annoyance, but Tiffany only smirked in amusement.

Silence settled between them as they continued to take in the view, watching the colors above slowly fade into deeper hues.

Tiffany took the last drag of her cigarette before flicking the butt onto the ground. She crushed it under her heel, extinguishing what little life was left in it.

"You know," she murmured, "there were times I wanted to be like the normal kids." She exhaled, letting the thought settle in the air. "Those who aren't born with a silver spoon in their mouths." A slight cringe crossed her face as she recalled Teacher Greg's words.

"But of course," she added with a smirk, "I wouldn't trade my fucking rich life for anything."

Yuan scoffed. "We are normal, Tiffany. Normal and privileged." He turned to her. "You shouldn't think like that. It's not our fault we were born rich.

Tiffany shot him a knowing look. "After we accomplish our mission, Yuan… what do you think will happen to you?"

For a moment, Yuan was silent. "W-well…" he finally said, shrugging his shoulders. "Probably, my father will wed me off to some Mafia princess."

Tiffany let out a soft giggle. "The mafias swore to stay out of the Alpha Brotherhood's operations. So, that's impossible."

He smirked. "If that's the case, maybe our fathers will just force us to get married—"

"But do you know what else I know?" Tiffany cut him off.

Yuan raised an eyebrow. "Tell me."

Tiffany leaned in, her lips dangerously close to his ear as she whispered, "I'm not going to marry you and give you the chance to snatch the Brotherhood from me. I will rule the Brotherhood, Yuan."

He took a slow step back, eyeing her with a mix of amusement and wariness. "You're very competitive."

Tiffany folded her arms and smirked. "I was born and trained that way."

Yuan studied her for a moment. "Tell me, Tiffany, why do you want to rule the Brotherhood so much?"

Tiffany exhaled, tilting her head back to admire the sky. The last remnants of sunlight painted the clouds in shades of gold and violet.

Yuan followed her gaze, tucking his hands into his pockets.

"It's my duty, Yuan," she finally said. "It's the del Cargador's heirloom—something meant to be passed down from generation to generation. Our bloodline is bound to govern the Brotherhood forever."

"But your generation failed to conceive a male heir, Tiffany. You know that."

Her gaze snapped to his, her expression darkening. She raised an eyebrow, her voice dripping with disdain. "You and the Don truly share the same opinion about me."

Yuan held her gaze. "You misunderstand me," he said finally, his voice measured. "This isn't about your sexuality."

Tiffany let out a short, bitter laugh. "Isn't it? Do you think I don't hear the whispers? That I don't see the doubt in the Don's eyes?"

She took a step closer, shoulders squared. "If I were a man, there would be no discussion. No challenges. No questions. The Brotherhood would be mine by right."

Yuan's lips pressed into a thin line, but he didn't look away. "You're not wrong," he admitted. "But traditions don't change overnight, Tiffany."

"I'll show you," she said, her fingers curled into fists.

Without another word, she turned on her heel and walked away. Her heart pounded loudly.

The sky had darkened now, the last traces of orange hues swallowed by the encroaching night. She knew that anytime now, the Brotherhood would come for her.

 And she would be ready.