But that made no sense. When someone as prominent as Esperanza Vega died, it couldn't be hidden. Too many connections, too many people who'd notice her absence.Unless—"No," Alejandro said aloud. "No, there's no way she survived. The Devil's Hand is irreversible. I checked with Santiago before using it. There's no cure."But the silence gnawed at him. He needed to know. Needed to confirm that his revenge had succeeded, that Diego was suffering as intended.Alejandro grabbed his jacket and headed out, making the drive to the Vega estate on the city's outskirts. It was reckless—showing up at their front door after poisoning Esperanza—but he couldn't contain his curiosity anymore.He needed proof she was dead.The estate's gates were closed but not locked. Alejandro slipped through on foot, moving with the confidence of someone who felt untouchable. His training, his skills, his newfound power—all of it made him feel invincible.He approached the main house and rang the doorbell, fully

Diego's eyes, glazed with fever and pain, turned toward the window. He could barely focus, the red streaks pulsing across his skin making it hard to concentrate on anything."I have a proposition for you," Santiago continued, his voice carrying the tone of someone making a business offer. "Annul your marriage to my sister. Sign the papers, walk away from the Vega family, and I'll pay you handsomely. Ten million euros. Enough to live comfortably for the rest of your life."Diego's mouth moved, trying to form words, but only groans of agony escaped."Oh, wait—" Santiago's smile was cruel. "The rest of your life. That's not very long now, is it? Maybe a few days at most, from what I understand."Diego forced himself onto his hands and knees, glaring at Santiago through the glass."So let me revise the offer," Santiago continued. "Annul the marriage, and I'll make sure the money goes to whoever you designate as beneficiary. Your friend Gael, perhaps? Or some charity you care about. At lea

Esperanza had spent the day in the medical wing with her father, monitoring Diego's condition from outside the quarantine chamber. When evening came, Ricardo insisted she get some rest, promising to alert her immediately if anything changed.Exhausted and emotionally drained, Esperanza made her way back to what had been their honeymoon suite—a beautiful set of rooms in the estate's west wing that now felt painfully empty without Diego.As she approached, she heard music. Loud, thumping bass that echoed through the corridor.Her steps quickened. The closer she got, the clearer it became—there was a party happening. In her suite.Esperanza pushed open the doors to find the space transformed. Dozens of people she didn't know filled the rooms, drinking expensive champagne, laughing, dancing. The intimate space she'd shared with Diego had been invaded.And at the center of it all stood Santiago, holding court with a group of his wealthy friends."—I mean, really, the man is completely usel

Santiago noticed Esperanza's rage and quickly calculated his next move. He waved dismissively at his remaining guests. "Everyone out. Family matter. You understand."The crowd dispersed quickly, sensing the danger in staying. Within minutes, the suite had emptied—everyone except Santiago, Esperanza, and one other man who'd been standing quietly near Santiago the entire evening.The sudden silence after the music cut was what drew Diego's attention. Despite the pain, despite barely being able to stand, he grabbed his crutches and made his way slowly down the stairs.Each step was agony. The curse still burned through his system, the red streaks visible on his exposed skin. But he needed to see what was happening, needed to make sure Esperanza was safe.He reached the bottom of the stairs just as Santiago turned toward him with a smirk that made Diego's blood boil."Ah, Diego!" Santiago's voice was poisonously cheerful. "Perfect timing! I wanted to introduce Esperanza to someone very sp

Santiago gave Diego one final smirk as he adjusted his jacket. "Think about what I said, Esperanza. You have options. Better options.""Get out," was all she said, her voice cold and final.Santiago and Luca walked out, their expensive shoes clicking against the marble floors, leaving destruction and broken glass in their wake.The moment the door closed behind them, Esperanza turned to Diego, and to his absolute shock, her expression crumbled into something vulnerable and apologetic."Diego, I'm so sorry."Diego blinked, confused. "What? You're apologizing to me?""For my brother. For that disgusting display. For bringing that pompous idiot here and—" Her voice broke. "I'm so sorry you had to stand there and listen to them treat you like you were disposable."Diego stood frozen on his crutches, his mind struggling to process this moment. This was the complete opposite of every experience he'd had with Isabella. Back then, when people had insulted him or diminished him, Isabella had e