CHAPTER 64: TYRONA DELA VEGA

–Tyrona–

It was excruciating—what Damon did. Marrying my mortal enemy?

But I have backup plans. I always do.

Still, I failed... because I got impulsive. That was my mistake. I didn’t check for the damn cameras. I should’ve killed her right then and there and disposed of the evidence.

But Damon’s always in the way.

I hate how he’s always all over her. I hate how he talks about her—never directly to me, but during family dinners, like it’s some holy sermon. Back then, we were supposed to get married. But he always dismissed it. Brushed me off like I was nothing.

"My Tyrona, do not worry about that white bitch," Alejandro murmured in his rich Mexican accent as his hand slid around my waist, pulling me into his chest.

Alejandro... We’ve been going at it for the past two hours. He likes me best when I’m naked, but I’d wrapped myself in a silk sheet, just enough to tempt and tease.

"Betraying Blackwell has huge consequences, Alejandro," I said, brushing my fingers along his cheek before kissing the tip of his nose.

I don’t love Alejandro.

I seduce him.

I want his power. His money. And he spoils me like a queen. He loves me. That’s all I need—for now.

"I still wonder, my beloved Tyrona," he said, tracing a finger down my shoulder, "why would they want to end their bloodline like that? I mean, I get it—they’re daughters of the first wife... but even the husband?"

I shrugged lazily. I didn’t know the full story, but they were desperate—clearly.

"No idea. But it looked like those sisters were planning to get pregnant by Blackwell. Smart move. Blackwell’s powerful. If they died, their heirs would inherit everything—attention, power, wealth from both families."

"I must say, mi amor... that white bitch you hate? She’s powerful."

"Hmm," I hummed, brushing my hair behind my ear. "Not surprising. She’s a Carrington."

"I don’t think that’s why," Alejandro said, his eyes narrowing. "I ran a background check. Her mother? Not someone you want to offend. What happened to her is still a mystery. If she worked for the U.S. Government... we’re all fucked."

"What do you mean, the U.S. Government?" I asked, brows creasing.

"Let’s just say I’ve had... many illegal dealings in the States."

"I doubt she told her kids anything before she died."

Still, it got me thinking.

If she’s got U.S. government ties, she’ll be much harder to kill. I hate admitting it, but Alejandro’s right—she might be even more dangerous than Dela Vega. I don’t know how vast the empire she inherited is—what she built under her mother’s shadow or in her own reign.

"I need another round, mi amor," Alejandro whispered, voice thick with desire.

That accent. That tone.

He wanted my body again.

And I gave it—because in return, I’d take everything.

Once we were done fucking, he disposed of the condom and reached for his phone.

"Let me take this, mi amor. I’ve got a little surprise coming your way," he grinned, pressing his lips to mine. "Get dressed for dinner."

"Okay," I purred with a smile.

He threw on his pants and left the room. The moment the door clicked shut, I walked into the bathroom to wash up—rinsing away every trace of his saliva from my skin.

I took my time getting dressed. Carefully. Elegantly. Just the way he liked it. The man’s controlling, yes—but he’s not the only one who knows how to play.

I know exactly how to control him.

When I came downstairs, he was already there, smoking tobacco like some old-fashioned king of his world. On the table beside him sat a vibrant orange box.

I let out a sweet chime of delight, just enough to stroke his ego.

I approached, unboxing it slowly with a practiced air of excitement.

Inside: a Mini Kelly.

Expensive. Rare. Coveted.

But the moment I laid eyes on it, my heart sank. Not the style I wanted. Not the color I liked.

I forced a bright, gleaming smile anyway.

Of course he got it wrong. Men always do.

But for now, I’d let him believe he got it perfectly right.

–Livana–

My husband—the perfect man in the eyes of many. But to me, he is far from perfect.

He’s obsessive. Possessive. Unapologetically mine.

He kissed my forehead again last night, worshipping me like a goddess, as if I were his entire world. It’s exhausting, being loved by someone so devoted... and so unhinged.

"I’ll be working on something, my love," he murmured.

"Okay. Don’t get hurt," I replied softly.

The words were out of care, yes—but also out of calculation. If anything were to happen to him, all my plans would collapse like glass under pressure.

"I won’t get hurt," he promised, kissing my lips gently.

His hands slid to my hips, his body pressing against mine.

"Leaving you, even for a few hours, is painful."

"I know," I murmured, running my fingers through his hair with a faint smile.

"I’ll finish quickly, then come home and make love to you. Maybe we’ll make babies tonight."

I said nothing to that. Just offered a knowing smirk as he clicked his tongue and walked away. I heard Choco’s footsteps padding along behind him.

"Come here, Choco," I called softly.

The dog padded over and placed his paw on my lap. I felt around gently, then patted the top of his head. Loyal companion. A gift from my husband.

Once the house fell into silence—no trace of Damon’s presence—I reached for my phone, carefully feeling around the table. My vision offered only vague shapes, shadows, and light. I found the fingerprint scanner at the side, then activated the phone with a voice command.

"Liva!" my sister’s voice rang out.

"Hello, sis."

"What the hell? When are you coming back? What’s going on over there?"

"It’s all handled," I replied, a slight grin playing on my lips. "So? What’s the big news?"

"I don’t even know what you’re talking about. I’ll call you once I finish pranking Damien."

"Hmm," I hummed, still stroking Choco’s fur. "Call me once you confirm it. We’ll prepare precautions."

"You mean Logan’s serious? They want to end our bloodline—Mom’s bloodline?"

"Apparently." I scoffed. "And who else would be that unhinged? Of course, Grandpa’s bastard child."

"So... when do you think I should marry?"

"That depends. Does he want to marry you?"

"I don’t know," she mumbled. "Guess we’ll see."

"Stay home. Wait for me. I’ll be there soon."

"Fine, but bring me olives. A lot of them. And anything else Italian."

"About Mom’s contracts—we’ll discuss them once I return."

"Okay." She yawned. "We’ve worked hard for all this. I deserve a long nap."

"Hmm."

"Love you! Bye!"

I ended the call and let the phone rest on my lap. I continued petting Choco—Damon’s gift, though I often wondered what else came with the package. My fingers brushed against his collar, and I felt the subtle edge of a tracking device.

"Sophia," I called softly.

Moments later, I heard the door open and her light steps entering.

"Yes, Liva?"

"Check Choco’s collar, please. I don’t want anyone eavesdropping."

"Of course."

I heard the faint snap as Sophia unfastened it. I gently rubbed Choco’s neck where the collar had been, then ran my fingers behind his ears.

"Check his whole body. What kind of chip did they implant in him?" I cooed as I stroked him. "Don’t worry, Choco. Just a little exam."

I bent forward to kiss his head. He responded with a sudden lick across my cheek, making me press my lips together tightly. He barked happily.

Sophia laughed and handed me a tissue. I wiped my face, then leaned back into the seat.

"We’re clear, by the way," she said. "We can leave for the Philippines tomorrow."

"Perfect. I need to rest in my own nest."

"But... I can’t guarantee you’ll relax once you’re home," she teased.

"Wow, you’re really something, Sophia," I said with a faint smirk.

"You left behind a lot of work. I can’t clean up everything. I’ll take Choco now to have the chip examined."

"Hmm. Okay."

Once Sophia and Choco left, my phone buzzed.

Unknown Caller.

I answered and placed it on speaker, waiting in silence.

"Livana," a deep male voice spoke with a Mexican accent.

"Finally. Someone speaks." I sighed, leaning back. "Who is this?"

"You can call me Alejandro."

"Hmm." I nodded to myself. "Let me guess. Alejandro Madrigal?"

He laughed from the other line. Rich. Confidence. Dangerous.

"Why did you call?" I asked, crossing my legs with slow grace.

"I think you already know."

"No. I’m blind, remember?" I replied smoothly. "I don’t see things coming."

He chuckled.

"Whatever your plan is, I don’t care," I continued, voice calm. "But keep your woman away from my husband. She’s trying to kill me. Not because of who I am... but because I’m his wife."

Silence.

"You can try to kill me, Alejandro. Go ahead. But tell Tyrona this—she’ll never have Damon Blackwell. Not now. Not ever."

"Of course not. She’s mine."

"Exactly." I gave a soft, amused chuckle. "So keep her in check, will you?"

"That’s not why I called, Livana."

"Then why?"

"I think we should work together."

I laughed lightly, then sighed.

"Let me think about it, Alejandro. But truthfully? My husband is crazy. He’s protective. Dangerous. If he finds out you called me..."

I let the warning hang.

"Aren’t we going to talk about how we’ll work together?"

"Not now. I’m busy. Bye for now."

I ended the call and tossed the phone to the side. Speaking to strangers was always so draining. I let out a quiet yawn and tucked my legs up on the sofa.

"Wife."

I froze.

His voice. Damon.

I thought he’d left.

Had he heard my conversation with Alejandro?