Chapter 3
772words
A major shipment of contraband Felix had arranged was scheduled to arrive at the docks tonight.
The dock foreman had played them, diverting the entire shipment to their biggest rival, Chen "The Butcher."
Chen claimed it was payback for the deal that went south during their last partnership.
The "messed up" deal was actually Mina's handiwork.
Felix and Chen had been working together to import high-end electronics for overseas distribution.
I was handling supplier negotiations when Mina insisted on tagging along to "learn the business." Felix couldn't say no.
The supplier, Alahan, was a shrewd Indian businessman, and negotiations had reached a delicate impasse.
This was standard negotiation strategy, but Mina suddenly slammed her fist on the table.
"Stop being difficult!" she'd snapped. "Everyone knows Felix runs this town! His price is the only price!"
"You'll take what he offers, or you'll regret it!"
Alahan—whose connections ran deeper than Felix's and whose reputation was legendary—had gone purple with rage and walked out.
I'd chased him down and nearly lost my voice trying to salvage the deal, but the damage was done.
That was when Felix had shown his true colors, publicly flogging me until my dignity lay in tatters.
After hearing about Chen's betrayal, confused glances bounced around the room.
Only I caught the missing piece.
"How did Chen know about tonight's shipment schedule?"
Felix's brow furrowed at my question.
"There must be a rat among us!" Mina's shrill voice cut through the tension.
"Sister," she said with calculated hesitation, "I remember Chen saying something about you..."
She let the accusation dangle in the air, perfectly timed for maximum damage.
"String up the traitor!"
Felix roared like a man possessed, his body radiating murderous intent.
The room went deathly quiet.
"Who. Fucking. Dares?" I snarled.
I rose to my full height, shifting my weight to the balls of my feet, ready for combat.
"Still playing the loyal wife card?" Felix sneered.
His face was carved from stone, any trace of our history wiped clean.
"She's sold us out! She doesn't deserve your respect! If I don't make an example of her, I don't deserve to lead!"
"Tie her up!"
At his command, two men approached me reluctantly.
When they moved too slowly, Felix kicked them forward.
"Move it! String her up at the entrance!"
"Get everyone from the organization here! Each person gives her one lash! Let them all see what happens to traitors!"
"No one cuts her down until everyone's had their turn!"
The two men approached, shaking as they reached for my wrists.
I refused to be framed, but I couldn't bring myself to hurt these men who were just following orders.
As we grappled, something hit the floor with a sharp crack.
The crucifix.
The reddish diamond popped from its setting and rolled across the floor, catching the light with each turn.
I lunged for it, and as I closed my fingers around the stone, a drop of blood from my head wound splashed onto its surface.
Mina was right after all.
The diamond's red glow truly was the color of blood.
Blood I'd spilled protecting Felix over the years.
For five years, we'd fought through turf wars and hostile takeovers.
Each time, I'd stood as his shield, taking bullets meant for him.
It was my fists, my blood, my skill that had carved out the empire he now claimed as his alone.
I'd never cared about recognition.
I'd let him take all the glory, building his legend with my silent sacrifices.
But now my wounds came from the very man I'd sworn to protect.
I closed my eyes and squeezed the diamond until it bit into my palm.
The physical pain was nothing compared to the agony in my chest.
When I opened my eyes again, both tears and sentiment had evaporated.
Nothing remained worth saving.
I moved with lightning speed, shoving the two men aside with practiced ease.
In one fluid motion, I snatched the dagger from Felix's belt.
Before anyone could react, I was standing before Mina.
The blade flashed once.
Mina's pinky fingernail hit the floor with a tiny click.
Without hesitation, I sliced off my own pinky nail.
I scooped up both nail fragments and tossed them at her feet.
"You wanted to frame me over a broken nail? Here's a two-for-one special, sweetheart!"
Mina's face went chalk-white, her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water.
Felix lunged forward, reaching for my wrist.
"Sophia, what the hell—"
Blade extended, I backed toward the exit, keeping everyone at bay as I fled into the night.
