Chapter 87
Night at Valencia’s Apartment.
Karl was slouched deep into the plush sofa of Valencia’s opulent apartment, his body sinking heavily against the cushions. His mind was still trapped in the chaotic whirlwind of the meeting with John, Chloe, and Amber. The spacious room, adorned with towering windows showcasing the city’s glittering skyline, felt cold and uninviting in its stifling silence.
Layla appeared from the kitchen, silently offering Karl a glass of water. Meanwhile, Valencia stood near the window, her arms crossed as she gazed out, her expression unreadable.
"You think they’re right?" Karl finally broke the silence, his voice low and tinged with uncertainty.
Layla sat beside him, her eyes soft and searching. "Karl, you’re not seriously buying all that garbage they spewed, are you?"
Karl didn’t answer immediately, his gaze fixed blankly on the floor. "I... I don’t know anymore. What they said—about the trauma I’ve caused, about the people who’ve died—it might be true."
Valencia turned sharply, her icy stare piercing through Karl. "You can wallow in that guilt for the rest of your life, but it won’t change a thing. They’re just using your conscience to force you into their little game."
"But what if they’re right?" Karl’s voice trembled as he looked up at her. "What if I really am the monster they claim I am?"
Valencia strode over, her tone sharp as a blade. "If you were a monster, you wouldn’t care. You wouldn’t feel this guilt eating away at you. Stop torturing yourself and focus on what actually matters—protecting your family and making sure they never get to you again."
Layla reached out, resting her hand gently on Karl’s. "She’s right. You’ve paid enough for your past mistakes. Don’t let them drag you any deeper."
Karl sighed heavily. "So, what do we do? They know about my family. They know my weaknesses."