<b>Chapter </b><b>536 </b>


    Absolutely not!”


    Caitlin’s respouse was instant and firm.


    “Knowing Zeke, he’d probably fly straight back to Graystone the moment he finds out. And if that happens, he’ll fall right into Zorra’s Wande. Jed we know exactly what happened, we can’t rule out the possibility that this was orchestrated by Zorro himself”


    “Because whether Alicia is alive or dead, she could be used as leverage against him.”


    Caitlin knew Zeke too well. Alicia had risked everything to save him. He owed her more than he could ever repay. There was no way he would stand by <i>f </i>she were in danger.


    If he rushed back now, the consequences would be devastating.


    “Then we wait. We hold off until the rescue operation brings news.”


    “Exactly.”


    Caitlin and Sebastian hade to an agreement–until they had concrete information about Alicia’s situation, they would keep the truth from Zeka


    Private estate.


    Zeke used the number Alicia had given him and sent her a message, letting her know he was safe and well.


    He waited a long time, but <i>no </i>reply came. Restless, he tried calling. But the only thing he got was an automated message: “The number you dialed cannot be reached.”


    Unable to get through, Zeke’s mind began to race with uneasy thoughts. Still, he forced himself to stay optimistic.


    Maybe she’s in surgery… maybe her phone’s just off.


    While he pondered this, a subordinate rushed in.


    “Zeke, Pierrick just left the house!”


    Zeke’s expression hardened.


    “Did he say where he was going?”


    “No.”


    “Got it.”


    A bad feeling crept in. Zeke grabbed his keys and walked out the door.


    Night had fallen. The city glittered with lights.


    Across town, Ximena stood silently at her floor–to–ceiling window, watching the skyline.


    She’d spent thest few days cleaning up her daughter’s mess, attending charity events, trying to salvage XEG’s public image. At least the scandal with


    Zora had finally died down.


    Now, her heart ached for her son.


    How much longer would she have to wait before beating him call her “Mom<b>“</b><b>? </b>


    Footsteps approached behind her. She assumed it was her assistant, but something felt.. off


    She turned and froze.


    From the shadows stepped a figure cloaked in menace. The sensation was like the grim reaper reaching for her throat.


    “Long time no see, Ms. Harris.”


    That voice–like a demon’s whisper. Ximena forced herself to stay calm.


    “Of course it’s you. What do you want?”


    Pierrick’s cold gaze pierced through her.


    “You know why I’m here. Betrayales with consequences. You defied the leader’s orders and sided with Caitlin. Opposing the leaderes at a price –and that price is due today.”


    Zorro had sent Pierrick to eliminate her. In Zorro’s eyes, Ximena was a pawn that had outlived her usefulness. She wasn’t meant to leave this room alive.


    After the initial terror passed, Ximena managed topose herself.


    She gave a soft, bitter chuckle.


    “Pierrick, do you really believe you’re fighting for the right cause? You think Zorro is someone worth following? If you were in my shoes, you would’ve betrayed him too.”


    “I would never betray the leader.”


    His voice was full of conviction.


    “And what has he given you in return? The title of mentor? You do realize he’s using you to fulfill his own ambitions, don’t you<i>? </i>Once you’re no longer useful, you’ll end up just <i>like </i>me.”


    “Save your breath. You won’t twist my mind. I’m here to <i>do </i>one thing–end yours.”


    Pierrick pulled out his weapon and aimed it directly at her.


    Ximena, having made peace with death, didn’t even flinch.


    “Then at least grant me onest request. Let me drink onest cup of my own tea.”


    She nced toward the tea set.


    “The water’s nearly boiling. Just a few minutes. Humor a dying woman’s final wish.”


    Pierrick didn’t answer. But when he didn’t stop her, she took it as consent.


    “Thank you. I’ll take that as a yes.”


    Ximena calmly walked over to the tea table and began preparing the brew. She moved with grace and precision, performing every step of the tea ceremony as if it were a ritual.


    When the tea was ready<i>, </i>she poured two cups. She ced one across from <i>her</i>.


    “Care for a taste?”


    “No.”


    She smiled faintly and lifted her own up, sipping the warm tea in silence.


    When she was done, she set it down and closed her eyes.


    *I’m ready. Go ahead.”


    She had already written her will, dividing her estate between her children. She had no real regrets except one.


    She never got to hear her son call her “Mom.”


    But isn’t that life? A little regret makes it whole.


    Ximena sat still, awaiting the end, Pierrick raised his weapon and aimed between her brows.


    *Bang!*


    Just as he pulled the trigger, another figure burst through the door and tackled him.


    The bullet missed its mark, striking Ximena in the shoulder instead of her head.


    Both men hit the ground hard. The attacker–Tyler–swiftly kicked Pierrick’s gun out of reach. They scrambled to their feet and began fighting inside the


    office.


    Ximenay slumped on the couch, blood seeping from her wound, her vision blurring as the pain overwhelmed her.


    The room filled with the sound of fists colliding, ss shattering, furniture breaking.


    Pierrick rolled, grabbed his weapon again, and turned it on Tyler. Tyler ducked behind a cab, returning fire with his own gun.


    The two exchanged rounds for several tense minutes until both were out of bullets.


    Realizing this fight wouldn’t end in his favor, Pierrick spotted an opening and bolted from the office.


    What he didn’t expect–what he couldn’t have imagined–was the figure waiting outside.


    *Bang!*


    A bullet mmed into Pierrick’s abdomen.


    He staggered, shocked, and looked up.


    Zeke stood in the hallway, gun raised.”


    “Zeke… you…”


    Why?


    They were supposed to be on the same side.


    *Bang. Bang. Bang.”


    Zeke didn’t hesitate.


    Pierrick copsed to the floor, twitching, his blood pooling beneath him.


    Zeke approached, eyes icy, towering over the dying man.


    Pierrick’s lips trembled. Blood spilled from his mouth.


    Zake looked down at him


    “You’re right. I’m not Zorro’s son Samir is. Take that little secret to the grave!


    *Bang!*


    A final shot. Right between the eyes.


    Tyler ran over.


    “Zeke, I’ve got things under control here. You need to check on Ximena–she might not make it!”


    Zeke’s heart sank.


    He turned and sprinted into the office.