Mine alone

Chapter 161 – Daphne POV

It was all going so well—too well, in hindsight. We had a clear path, a cleaned-up board, and every piece falling into place. And then, of course, Valentino had to flip the damn thing like a spoiled child losing at chess.

Now, every move is reactionary. Every hour, another fire to put out.

I take the Ziploc bag Estela gave me and hold it up to the light. Marco's finger floats inside like a grotesque trophy, shriveled but undeniable. His death won't bring back the people he helped kill, but it sends a message.

And I make sure that message gets delivered.

First thing in the morning, the bag is sent—via a courier who's loyal, untraceable, and absolutely terrified—to wherever Valentino is currently hiding his cowardly face. I don't bother with a note. He'll know. That finger will say more than I ever could.