I gave him one last look before turning on my heel and walking away. Behind me, the laughter and insults kept coming, but I didn't care anymore.
Outside the social club, the night air hit my face like cold water. I bought a new phone from a corner store two blocks into neutral territory and dialed a number.
"Before the Commission convenes tomorrow, I want Nico ruined."
There was a brief silence on the other end before a deep voice responded. "Understood, Miss Ferrante."
I hung up, glanced up at the night sky, and let a slow, cold smile spread across my lips.
I turned my mother's gold signet ring once, slow and deliberate, the crest pressing into my palm.
Nico, you thought you'd won? Too bad. The real game was just starting. Since you showed me no mercy, don't expect any in return.
"Rosalia, I was just trying to help — why did you push me?"