“Betraying? No,” Victor said firmly. “Not even spying. But connections are good as long as they do no harm. Besides, the Reaper’s offer is tempting, Val. He promised resources, information, and alliances that could elevate us beyond our wildest dreams. But there’s a catch. You have to join his mafia.”
I took a step back, trying to process everything. “So, you want me to leave the Red Blood Gang and work for him?”
“Not want, Valentina. It’s up to you,” Victor said, his tone serious. “This could make us more powerful, but it’s a risk, so I won’t force you.”
I fell silent then. I already had a fair share of people I can't trust, but could I trust this mysterious Reaper?
Could I leave the Red Blood Gang for a chance at something greater?
"So, are you in or not?"
"So, are you in or not?"
I locked eyes with Victor, feeling my resolve harden. “I’m in.”
He chuckled then. “You're really something else, Valentina. So decisive. No wonder the Reaper likes you.”
I took a breath, ready to ditch Max and all his drama. And maybe, just maybe, this was my chance to become something more.
Something greater than just Max’s girlfriend.
“Alright,” I said, breaking the silence. “So what’s next?”
Victor pulled out his phone and dialed a number. “We’ll see.”
The phone rang a few times before someone picked up.
“She agreed,” Victor directly announced, and I heard a man laugh.
“Good! I knew she would. Have her meet me at 9 p.m. at the old warehouse on Riverside.”
Victor hung up and turned to me. “Pack up, Valentina. Leave the Mafia house. You’re meeting him at 9 p.m.”
“What do I tell the others?”
“Don’t worry about that. I’ll handle it,” Victor said reassuringly.
I went to my room and started packing. Clothes, essentials, a few mementos. Each item in my bag felt like shedding an old skin. But I was ready.
Before leaving, I went back to Victor’s office with my bags.
“Victor,” I called. “I just wanted to say goodbye. And thank you for everything.”
He looked up. “You'll be alright, Valentina. You’ve always been stronger than you give yourself credit for.”
I nodded, feeling a lump in my throat. “I hope so. This... this is a big step.”
“It is,” he agreed, standing up and walking around his desk to stand in front of me. “But you’re ready for it. If anyone can do this, it’s you.”
“Thank you,” I whispered. “I won’t let you down.”
Victor smiled, a rare, genuine smile. “Good luck, Val. Go show them what you’re made of.”