S2 Chapter 39 : Revenge and Sorrow

The Ace and the Four Kings

Xyrine Jean's POV

I stared at my own reflection in the mirror.

A black tube gown hugged my figure, and my short hair fell in soft curls around my face. My gaze drifted downward, settling on my lips—now painted a bold shade of red. If revenge had a look, then I would gladly embrace this new version of myself.

["Do what you want to do with her."]

Tears welled up at the memory of his final words before he walked away yesterday.

None of this was real, right? All those moments—you never truly meant them. So why does it hurt this much?

I tilted my head up, willing the tears not to fall.

Don't worry. This time, I'll fight for us. This time, I'll do whatever it takes to bring us back to what we once were.

This time, it's my turn, Spade.

"All done, young lady," the court lady beside me said.

I stood, taking one last look at my reflection in the mirror.

"You will never shed another tear."

With that final promise, I reached for the half-mask resting on the vanity and secured it over my face.

With measured steps, I exited the room—the grand halls of the Guevara mansion stretching out before me. My heels echoed softly against the polished marble floor as I walked down the long corridor, my mind replaying the events that led me here.

I once swore that no matter what, I would never use Uncle for revenge. But now, I realized something even more unbearable—I could never crawl back to my father just to prove my worth to the world.

FLASHBACK

"I'm accepting it." My voice was firm, my gaze unwavering as I met Uncle Julyo's eyes.

"After thirteen years, I never thought I'd hear you say that," he replied, leaning back in his chair.

"I've reached a point where I have no other choice."

"Are you certain?"

"There is nothing I am more certain of, Uncle."

"Once you step into this world, there is no turning back."

"If this is what it takes to make those who trampled on me regret ever crossing paths with me—then I will embrace the offer you've held out for so long."

A slow, satisfied smile curved his lips as he rose to his feet and extended a hand toward me.

"Then it is my honor to welcome you—"

"Welcome to the Guevara Clan, Xyrine Jean Guevara."

END OF FLASHBACK

Taking a deep breath, I reached the top of the grand staircase, where Uncle Julyo was already waiting.

"It's time to show those who belittled you who you really are—and what you are capable of," he said, offering his arm.

I inhaled deeply once more before taking his hand, my grip steady.

"Please give a warm round of applause for the one and only heiress of the Guevara Clan Enterprise and the Guevara Group of Companies—Ms. Xyrine Jean Guevara!"

Thunderous applause erupted throughout the mansion as Uncle Julyo and I descended the staircase.

I scanned the sea of faces before me. Most of them, I recognized. After all, I had once been an assassin in the shadows, eliminating their enemies in politics, business, and personal vendettas.

Tonight, the most powerful families in the country were in attendance. Their heirs—many of whom studied at Montreal University—stood among them, including the infamous Four Kings and Althea.

There was no denying it—the room was filled with the elite, the untouchable.

And yet, the thought only brought a knowing smirk to my lips.

Tonight, these people—these very symbols of power—would be the tools I wield.

Then, as my gaze continued to sweep across the hall, I saw him.

A familiar face.

A man whose mere presence ignited the fire burning within me.

President Conrad Sy.

Spade's father.

"Once again, please give a round of applause as she takes the stage to introduce herself as the esteemed heiress of Guevara Enterprise and the Guevara Group of Companies."

As the sound of applause echoed around me, I reached for the microphone. My gaze swept over the faces in the crowd—admiration flickering in their eyes—before I finally spoke.

"Good evening, everyone. Some of you may be wondering, perhaps even astonished, at how, in the blink of an eye, a powerful and influential man like Julyo Guevara suddenly has an heir." I paused, allowing a subtle smirk to grace my lips. "I can't blame you. After all, the truth is—I'm not even related to him by blood."

"THAT'S BECAUSE SHE IS A MONTREAL!"

A commanding voice rang out, cutting through the murmurs of the crowd. Instantly, all heads turned toward the grand entrance of the Guevara mansion, where a man stood tall, flanked by several of his bodyguards.

I exchanged a glance with Uncle Julyo. He smirked, clearly pleased that everything was unfolding according to his plans.

I tightened my grip on the microphone and smiled. "That's right," I admitted. "Because I am also a Montreal."

A ripple of gasps and hushed whispers surged through the grand hall as the weight of my words settled upon them.

"I must admit, everything tonight is unfolding rather quickly, and we are all eager to know the woman behind that mask."

I arched a brow at the familiar voice.

Turning towards President Conrad Sy, I met his calculating gaze.

"You wish to see my face?"

"It would be an honor to finally witness the young heiress of two of the most powerful corporations in this country," he said, his tone laced with intrigue.

A smirk tugged at my lips. Without hesitation, I stepped forward, my fingers grazing the edge of my half-mask. Slowly, deliberately, I removed it, locking eyes with him the entire time.

The moment my face was revealed, I savored the flicker of disbelief that crossed his features.

"I-I… It's… you?" he stammered, eyes widening in shock.

"That's right," I said smoothly, my voice carrying an edge of satisfaction. "I am the same woman you humiliated and belittled in front of countless people on your birthday. Do you remember?"

I tilted my head, a smile ghosting my lips, though my clenched jaw betrayed the simmering rage within me.

"But how—?"

"How could a woman with no family, a mere charity case living off the scraps of her so-called relatives, suddenly emerge as the rightful heiress to not one but two corporate empires?"

"Impossible…" he whispered, shaking his head in disbelief. "This is utterly absurd!"

I almost laughed at his feeble attempt to deny the reality unfolding before him. But the amusement was fleeting—eclipsed by the memory of the very words he once spat at me in disdain.

"I had no idea my son's standards had fallen this low."

I echoed his words softly, watching as recognition dawned upon him. His expression hardened, his throat bobbing as he swallowed thickly.

"I… I don't know what you're talking about," he denied, but the way his voice wavered only fueled my fury.

I clenched my fists.

"HOW DARE YOU STAND HERE AND DENY YOUR ARROGANCE RIGHT TO MY FACE!" I roared, my voice slicing through the tension like a blade.

"Xyrine… my daughter…"

The broken plea made me freeze. Slowly, I turned to see Xander Montreal—kneeling before me.

The great Xander Montreal, who prided himself on power and prestige, now knelt before me in front of the very people who once watched him reign supreme.

The irony was almost laughable.

"Aren't you ashamed, Father?" I taunted, tilting my head. "Kneeling before me like this?"

"If this is the only way for me to seek your forgiveness," his voice cracked, his head bowed in submission, "then I will humble myself before you and the entire world. I will atone for everything."

"You're mistaken," I said coldly.

He lifted his head, his tear-filled eyes searching mine.

"There is another way."

"Tell me what it is," he pleaded. "I will give up everything if that's what it takes."

I exhaled slowly, steadying the storm raging inside me. My gaze flickered to Uncle Julyo, silently seeking his approval. He gave a single nod—my signal to proceed.

"Give me Montreal University," I declared, my voice unwavering.

Silence fell over the hall. Xander Montreal stiffened. I watched as his throat bobbed, his breathing uneven.

"Now tell me," I whispered, a victorious smirk curling my lips, "are you still so certain you would give me everything, Xander Montreal?"

"I would give up anything I have if it meant having my only child return to me."

He lifted his head and met my gaze directly.

"I'm not just giving you Montreal University—I am transferring the entire Montreal Group of Companies to your name, Xi jean."

Xi Jaen, Huh?

His words sent a shockwave through the entire room. It wasn't just me who was stunned—everyone who heard them was left in utter disbelief.

This moment should have been my victory. The time to rejoice.

But for some reason, I felt nothing. An unbearable emptiness settled in my chest, as if everything happening right now was a mistake.

I glanced around and saw countless eyes fixated on me. Then, I turned back to Mr. Montreal.

He was kneeling. In front of me. Crying.

And when I truly looked at him—when I took in his face, his desperation—something sharp and painful carved its way into my chest.

Was this right? My own father… kneeling before me?

I didn't even realize that the tears I had been holding back had finally fallen.

"Daddy…" The word left my lips before I could stop it.

He froze. Shock flashed in his eyes, but when he fully registered what I had just called him, he quickly stood up. He reached for me, ready to embrace me—but I took a step back.

"No…" My voice trembled. "No! This is madness!" I shouted before turning on my heels and running out of the mansion.

I didn't stop until I reached the large fountain at the back of the estate. My knees gave out, and I collapsed, my sobs breaking the silence of the night.

"What is happening to me, Xyrine? What is happening to my life?" My fingers clutched at my chest, the ache unbearable. "All I ever wanted was to love and be loved… but why does it feel impossible? Do people like me not deserve love? Do we not deserve to be happy?"

Through my tear-blurred vision, I caught a glimpse of a shadow near me.

"Spade?" I quickly stood up, my heart leaping in hope. I turned toward the figure, but when I looked—there was no one there.

"Spade, are you here?" My voice cracked as I desperately scanned my surroundings.

Nothing.

Panic surged in me as I ran, searching, hoping to find him. But it was futile. He was gone.

I found myself in the middle of the garden when I suddenly felt a presence behind me.

"Spade?" A hopeful smile curled my lips as I turned around—But the moment I saw who it was, the smile vanished.

The blood drained from my face. My entire body went rigid.

"Long time no see, XJ," the man in front of me said, a smirk stretching across his lips. A red bandana was wrapped around his head, and across his face was a deep, unmistakable scar—one that I had given him two years ago.

"Kier?" I breathed.

More figures emerged from the shadows—men wearing the same red bandanas. They surrounded me, closing off any escape.

"What are Illuminati scum like you doing in the Guevara mansion?" I demanded.

Kier chuckled darkly. "So, the rumors were true—you really did abandon your life as an assassin, Ace."

"I have no time for you." I turned my back on them, prepared to leave, but his voice made me halt.

"You know, you look much better in a gown, acting like a princess, than you ever did as an assassin," he taunted, his laughter grating on my nerves.

I clenched my fists. "You should all leave while I'm still in this gown," I warned, my voice dangerously low.

He clicked his tongue. "Oh? Have you already forgotten what you owe us?" His expression darkened. "Not only did you leave me with this scar, but you also slaughtered half of our group. Do you think we'd just walk away after all that?" His smirk widened. "Especially now that you're right in front of us and—"

CRACK!

In less than a heartbeat, I was behind him. He hadn't even seen me move. His head was twisted at an unnatural angle.

"I've already told you," I whispered coldly into his ear. "I have no time for this."

CLICK!

The sharp sound of a gun being cocked sent a chill down my spine.

I inhaled sharply as I felt the cold steel of the barrel pressed against my back.

"Do you think a mere gun can kill me?" My voice was devoid of emotion—ice-cold and unyielding.

Kier let out a deep, mocking laugh. "You really are something else," he admitted. "But let me ask you something, Ace—will you still be this fearless once we have the most important person in your life?"

My breath hitched.

What does he mean?

I tensed as he snapped his fingers. From the shadows, two more Illuminati members stepped forward—dragging someone with them.

My world came to a screeching halt when I saw who it was.

Unconscious. Helpless.

No. My chest tightened. My hands trembled.

"D-don't touch him." My voice cracked.

Kier grinned. "Then obey our orders quietly."

His words were the last thing I heard before the overwhelming scent of chloroform filled my senses—before darkness consumed me whole.

Slowly, I opened my eyes as a sharp pain shot through my entire body. I tried to stand, but my hands and feet were tightly bound to a chair.

I struggled against the restraints, my breathing ragged, until I caught sight of a figure before me.

Tears instantly welled up in my eyes. "Spade?"

He smiled at me despite being in the same situation—his hands and feet bound, forced to kneel on the cold, unforgiving floor.

"Spade, why are you here? Who brought you here?!" My voice trembled with desperation.

"Xyrine, just five minutes," he said with a soft smile, and I froze.

What does he mean?

"Let me stare at your face for five minutes."

When I saw the tears streaming down his face, mine fell just as fast. "Spade, I'm rich now. We can be together again. Nothing can stand in our way anymore. After this, we'll finally be happy again!" I sobbed, my words spilling out like a desperate plea.

He simply smiled, but when he gazed into my eyes, something about the way he looked at me made my heart clench.

Then, he shook his head. A bitter smile spread across his lips.

"It's too late...."

Too late? What does he mean?

Before I could ask, the heavy door burst open with a loud bang.

"Time's up."

Kier walked in, flanked by his men, each holding thick metal pipes in their hands.

"When luck's on your side, huh? Did you know this guy promised me a hefty sum in exchange for your freedom…"

"Then why haven't you let us go?!" I demanded, my panic rising.

He laughed—loud, cruel, unhinged.

"Uhhm, that's a tough one," he sneered. "You know no one escapes the intelligentsia. And before that ever happens, we have to break this one first… if he can even take it," he said, his tone laced with madness.

"You can't do this!" I screamed, but my defiance only made them laugh harder.

My heart pounded violently against my chest as they forced Spade to his feet, surrounding him like a pack of wolves closing in on their prey.

"W-what are you doing?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Spade turned his gaze to me, his breathing ragged.

"Xyrine, do you remember what I told you before I left?"

I met his eyes. "Spade..." I whispered, nodding as more tears spilled down my face.

His lips curved into a weak smile.

"Call for me—even if there's no certainty I'll come. Because no matter what happens, I will. And I will save you."

"Spade, no..." My voice shook. My entire body trembled.

Then, Kier stepped forward, gripping his metal pipe.

"Xyrine… I'm sorry."

"No, please—don't!" I begged, my voice breaking as Kier smirked.

The moment he swung the pipe, my heart nearly stopped.

"Noooooo!"

Tears burned my skin as they streamed down my face. In an instant, Spade collapsed onto the ground, blood spilling from his mouth in violent bursts.

"Stop! Please, I'm begging you—stop this!" I sobbed, my vision blurring.

"Baby, you are doing great. T-this will be over soon."

My breath hitched. My body froze. I looked up, horrified. Spade was smiling. His lips were painted red with his own blood.

"Spade, no… Please, stop this… I'm begging you…" I choked out, drowning in my own tears.

"What are you all waiting for?" Kier snapped. "Finish him."

My chest tightened as Spade knelt there, defenseless.

Without warning, a baseball bat slammed into his ribs. A sickening crack echoed through the room, followed by another brutal swing—a metal pipe smashing into his leg.

I squeezed my eyes shut. I couldn't bear to watch.

"Please… kill me instead!" I wailed. "I'm the one you want! It's my fault! Just take me!"

Kier clicked his tongue. "Oh? Why do you sound so weak all of a sudden? Shouldn't an assassin like you be used to sights like this?"

My breath caught in my throat.

Spade… heard that. He still could.

I turned to him, horror consuming me.

And then… he smiled.

"Don't worry," he whispered weakly. "I've always known."

I went rigid.

What…?

Tears slipped down my face as he continued, his voice barely a breath.

"I've known from the very beginning. If there's one good thing my obsession with you has brought me… it's that I learned to love you despite the life you live."

My entire world crumbled.

He knew all along?

"The hell are you waiting for?!" Kier barked. "I don't want to hear another word from this guy—finish him!"

I snapped my gaze to Spade.

"If this is the price I have to pay for all the pain I've caused you, then I'll accept it," he whispered, his voice cracking. "Just promise me one thing."

His lips trembled.

"Baby…"

A weak, broken smile.

"Please… be happy from now on."

Before I could respond, they descended on him like vultures.

"Spade, noooo!!!"

The world around me faded into a blur of blood and screams.

My chest tightened, and I could hardly breathe as his body collapsed, crumpling like a lifeless doll.

"Stop! Please, I beg you, stop!" I howled, my voice raw and shattered.

"Stop?" Kier sneered, stepping over Spade's barely conscious form. He picked up a pipe from the floor, twirling it in his hands. "Say that again."

I could only shake my head, my sobs suffocating me.

He smirked.

And then—he raised the metal pipe.

Right above Spade's head.

No.

No, no, no, no—

Tears blurred my vision as my entire body convulsed with terror.

With one swift motion, the pipe came crashing down.

"Noooooooo!"