Santiago's eyes went wide as saucers. Even Ricardo looked stunned, though his shock was mixed with confusion about why the Vincent heiress was claiming to be Diego's wife."The... the Vincent family?" Luca stammered, his earlier confidence evaporating. "As in the Royal District Vincents? The British nobility Vincents?""The very same." Draya's smile was all teeth and no warmth. "And I'll be sure to mention your charming manner to my father. I'm certain the Andretti import business would love to lose all their contracts with Vincent Industries.""I... I didn't know... I apologize—""Your apology means nothing." Draya dismissed him with a wave of her hand before turning her attention to the others. "Now, someone explain to me what's happening here. You mentioned an Esperanza?"The presence of Ricardo Vega and Santiago already told her part of the story, but she wanted confirmation. Needed to hear it said aloud.It was Ricardo who answered, his voice heavy with exhaustion and confusion.

Because Esperanza had already suffered so much. The Devil's Hand. The separation. The manipulated photos. Her brother's betrayal. If Diego's actions now led to her public humiliation, to her reputation being dragged through the mud while she lay unconscious and defenseless..."You're a monster," Diego said quietly."I'm a survivor." Luca checked his watch casually. "So here's what's going to happen. You're going to walk away. Go home. Let the doctors do their job. And I'll keep Esperanza's secret safe. Her reputation stays intact. Her business stays intact. Everyone wins.""Except Esperanza might never wake up!" Diego's voice cracked with desperation. "Do you understand that? The doctors here can't help her. Their medicine, their procedures—they're not enough. If I don't treat her, if I don't use my abilities, her coma might be permanent!""That's quite a claim," Luca said skeptically. "What makes you think you're so special?""Because I saved her from the Devil's Hand!" Diego shouted

"She was your wife," Draya corrected. "Past tense. She threw that away. But I'm here now. I'm offering you everything—my hand, my fortune, my father's resources. All you have to do is let go of your pride and accept reality."Diego's jaw clenched so hard it ached. "You don't understand—""I understand perfectly." Draya's voice sharpened. "What's more important to you, Diego? Your wife's life or your pride? Because right now, you can't have both. Either you walk away and let her die to preserve your wounded ego, or you accept my offer, save her life, and then move forward with someone who actually values you."The words hit Diego like physical blows. His left hand throbbed with dark energy, responding to his emotional turmoil. The cursed voice in his head whispered agreement, encouraging him to take the deal, to let Esperanza go, to embrace the darkness fully.But another voice—quieter, weaker—reminded him of Esperanza's face when she'd said "I do." Reminded him of her fierce loyalty,

Santiago had been standing off to the side, guilt eating him alive, unable to watch the circus his mistakes had created. But seeing Luca eye Draya with that calculating expression pushed him over the edge.He'd already destroyed his sister's life with his debts and schemes. He wouldn't let Luca ruin anyone else."Luca," Santiago said, approaching with uncharacteristic determination. "We need to talk. Now."Luca barely glanced at him. "Not now, Santiago. Can't you see I'm—""What really happened in your office?" Santiago's voice was low but intense. "Tell me the truth. Not the story you've been feeding everyone else. The truth."Luca's eyes flickered with annoyance. "I already told you—""Bullshit." Santiago grabbed Luca's arm, pulling him toward a quieter alcove away from the others. "My sister loves Diego. She'd never cheat on him. Never. So what actually happened?"For a moment, Luca considered maintaining the lie. But Santiago knew Esperanza better than anyone. And the desperate lo

Draya's head turned slowly toward him, her eyes focusing with dangerous precision."I'm Luca Andretti," he continued smoothly, extending his hand. "I run Andretti Imports. Perhaps you've heard of us? We do a lot of business with European—""I know who you are," Draya interrupted coldly."Excellent! Then you know I'm a man of means and influence. And I have to say, I'm impressed by your dedication to Diego. It shows real character. But between you and me?" He leaned in conspiratorially. "That man isn't worth your time. A cripple playing healer? You deserve so much better. Someone like me, for instance. I could show you things Diego never could—"The slap cracked across his face like a gunshot.The entire hallway fell silent. Nurses froze mid-step. Doctors looked up from their charts. Even the distant beeping of monitors seemed to pause in shock.Luca's head had snapped to the side from the force, his cheek blooming bright red. He stared at Draya with absolute disbelief, his hand rising