Chapter 342

Marvin It had only been a few hours since I watched the video Anya left behind, along with countless files containing shocking information about Panther’s betrayal. Not only Panter, but also Tiago, the one I would take a bullet for.

And poor Anya…..

Poor Anya had to pay with her life for trying to expose him. She could’ve told me the truth, she could’ve asked for my help-but she didn’t. Her love for Tiago must’ve been so big, she must’ve wanted enough evidence to show me he got manipulated.

I felt shocked, numb, and in utter disbelief that my friend, my brother, had been betraying me. And on top of that, I had to deal with Elena’s lies.

How could I have been so blind? How could I have allowed myself to be played by three people I thought I could trust? I had always believed that I was strong, that my instincts were sharp. Yet, I was deceived.

Me.

The heir of the Castillo.

All this time I had been keeping a close eye on Victor, while it were those three I really had to look out for.

For a second, I wondered if I had been too harsh on Elena-but then, I realized I wasn’t. She was the daughter of George Torres, an acquaintance of Stevie Maddens.

The same man who’s murder I took the blame for, only to save my brother who didn’t give a shit about 1.

Panther, who had been like my brother hurt me more than Tiago and Elena combined. I had known him for ages, he was supposed to be by my side-dad and I gave him everything.

I guess this was his thanks.

I couldn’t help but wonder where all of that greed had gotten from. Cisco was my only nephew. Of course I would give the world. He didn’t need to be the heir or the boss for that.

Damn it, Panther.

Why did he had to take it that far?

This was not a minor misdemeanor. This was something serious.

I couldn’t stay quiet about this, and if Mario Castillo would figure out-he would have his head, literally. A slow and painful death awaited him. That’s what Dad would give him.

He would set him as example for any other fool trying to betray or family. Panther would then most likely mention Elena’s mistakes, which would also get her into trouble.

I didn’t want that.

He had to die, for the family’s sake, and Elena’s sake. There was no escaping that. What I could do was give him the easy way out by doing it myself.

Even though Tiago would be spared, as far as our brotherhood went, I couldn’t stand behind him anymore. My own blood, my brother had chosen to deceive me, to conspire against me. I couldn’t allow that kind of betrayal to go unnoticed.

The door opened, and I knew it was him. Panther walked in, humming nonchalantly. His casual behavior made my blood boil, but I kept my face neutral. I couldn’t let him know that I was onto him.

If I did that, he would run to Mario to tell him the truth about Elena. This is how he wanted to control me all along.

“Yo, Marvin,” Panther greeted me. “You feeling better?”

I clenched my fists under the table, trying to maintain my composure as I grew a fake smile on my lips. “Yeah, I’m doing fine. Much better, actually.”

“Great,” Panther said, opening the fridge and grabbing a drink. He took a long sip, and all I could do was fight the urge not to strangle him right away.

“So, about that drug transport-”

“Panther, do you think Elena is a distraction to me?” I cut him off. I didn’t give a shit about any transport. Not now.

He looked taken aback by the question and let out a chuckle. “Are you still thinking about earlier?

Because if it’s about that, I’ll call her and personally apologize.”

“No, that won’t be necessary.” I told him, “I just want to know your opinion.”

Panther thought for a moment before responding. T’d say she’s a good distraction. You know, keeps your mind off things.

Right, like the family business.

I raised an eyebrow. “Good for you or good for me?”

Panther smirked, seemingly amused by the question. “Does it matter?” He played it off.

I didn’t answer him. Instead, I moved on to the next step of my plan.

“You should get ready. We’ll be picking up Tiago, first thing in the morning.” I informed him. Since the two wanted to behave like brothers, they could go to trial together.

I knew Tiago had been doing well, staying in the countryside with the Armando’s, but I wanted him to learn a lesson about betrayal. Both of them.

Only one would pay with his life, and the other with guilt.

No matter what Elena said to vouch for him, or regarding his knowledge about Panther’s involvement in Anya’s death-Tiago was still equally as responsible.

Panther looked confused. “Why do you want to pick him up so soon?”

“Because.” I breathed. “It’s time for things to get back to the way they’re supposed to be. Make sure you’re ready by morning.”

The next morning, we were on the road for a four-hour drive. Panther, as oblivious as ever, chatted away.

He had somehow failed to notice the storm of emotions raging inside me, and thank god for that.

I could barely contain my anger at his betrayal, and my hands were tightly clutching the wheel, knuckles white.

My mind went back to Elena, and despite her heavy betrayal, I couldn’t help but think about what she must’ve gone through.

She held back her feelings, had to deal with this false mask Panther had been wearing, and she had no shoulder to cry on.

Of course I cared.

A part of me would always care.

After all, that’s the reason why I hadn’t ran to Mario to tell him everything.

After a long, suffocating drive, we arrived at the farm.

On the outside, it looked like a typical countryside farm, but behind it all was an advanced drug lab.

The Armandos were well-respected by my father, and well known to many.

They carried themselves with class, stayed out of trouble-and tried their best to maintain their ‘classy” image.

Sometimes they reminded me of everything Mom and Dad tried to be. Yes, tried.

Unfortunately the Castillos existed out of a jealous mother, ambitious father, a coward cry baby, who couldn’t hold a gun, a drag who got pregnant by a devil like Panther-and then there was me.

The one who failed to recognize the daughter of a DEA agent.

“Mary, how about you stay in the car while I go get Tiago?” Panther offered, noticing my discomfort.

Too bad he failed to notice that discomfort was because of him.

“No, this is something I have to do on my own.” I responded, getting out of the car. Panther chuckled, following behind me as we made our way to the door.

I knocked, and the door was opened by Ana Sofia Armando.

“Marvin! What a surprise!” She greeted me warmly, her long dark hair flowing through the wind. Ana Sofia still looked like she hadn’t aged a day. Those were the results of staying unproblematic, and minding your own business.

Ana’s husband, Dante Armando, was the head of the family. As a good friend of my father’s, he couldn’t reject when Dad asked him to ‘heal’ Tiago.

“Look at you, still as handsome as ever.” The woman cupped my cheeks. “I didn’t expect to see you here. Mario didn’t mention anything. Ana said, looking puzzled.

“Change of plans. I’ve come to pick up Tiago.”