Chapter 50

CARLOS VALVERDE’s pov Tonight, the empire feels chilly. The walls are long with shadows, and the silence is more deafening than any gunfire. As I sit in my office, I can hear the sounds of chaos spreading in the distance: glass shattering, voices shouting, and running feet. I built this empire? Right under me, it's cracking. I reflect on the beginning of it all. The blood spilled was the price I paid. Every transaction, order, and betrayal is a component of the game. However, something feels different tonight. Now why did they turn against me? Was I to blame? Was it something I should have anticipated? Like a storm piercing a clear sky, my mind is racing. I recall the moments when I had faith in their loyalty and trusted them. A fool. I'm startled out of my reverie by a jarring knock on the door. "You wanted to see me?" Even though the voice is icy, I take a moment to respond. I'm waiting and watching. "The men you trusted are no longer faithful." That feels like a kick to the stomach.