Chapter 123

I stood there, on the precipice of revealing the secrets that Rojas so desperately sought. Every fiber of my being yearned to protect my son, but the weight of Rojas's manipulation bore down on me like a suffocating cloak. Just as I was about to succumb to his demands, the gate swung open, and Mario emerged from the shadows.

Relief flooded through me, momentarily overshadowing my fear. Mario's presence provided a glimmer of hope, a shield against Rojas's malevolence.

"Mario," I breathed, my voice trembling with a mix of gratitude and trepidation. "Thank goodness you're here."

Mario glanced between Rojas and me, concern etched across his face. "Reina, what's going on? Why are you still outside?"

Rojas, ever the master of deception, feigned a smile and stepped forward. "I'm here to see Reina, Mario. We need to discuss a few matters."

I scoffed, my anger resurfacing as I glared at Rojas. "Don't believe a word he says, Mario. He's trying to manip