Chapter 351

• VALENTINA
• ~•~
• “I didn’t trade anything,” I said, my voice steady despite the tears threatening to spill. I cupped his face with both hands, thumbs brushing the dried blood on his cheek. His stubble scraped against my palms, familiar and grounding. “That man offered money, Gustavo. A lifeline for Luca. But I didn’t give him schedules, or security details, or anything that could hurt you. I told him the only thing I’d ever trade was my own life if it meant saving my brother—but not at the cost of becoming a traitor to the man I was starting to see differently. I walked away. I chose you. Even then.”