CHAPTER HUNDRED AND SIXTY - SIX - CUT FROM THE SAME MATERIAL?

Alonso knew he couldn't back down now, couldn't show weakness, not when his reputation, his very identity, was at stake. He poured himself another glass of whiskey, the amber liquid burning like fire in his throat as he swallowed. He would face whatever came next head on, with the same ruthless determination that had made him the man he was today. As Alonso was lost in his thoughts, he was startled by a sharp knock at his office door. "Come in," he growled, his voice still edged with anger. The door swung open, revealing a woman with her arms crossed over her chest, her face set in a mask of fury. It was Beatrix, his childhood sweetheart, the woman he had been ready to marry. "How could you let this happen?" she demanded, her voice seething with indignation. "How could you let that woman, that imposter, ruin our wedding? Alonso's eyes narrowed, his anger now directed at Beatrix. "How dare you question me?" he spat, his words laced with venom. "I did everything I could to keep t