Chapter 95 Face-to-Face With Manfred Valderrama

Thorton Gallardo POV

Pulling up to the Valderrama’s private residence is practically begging for immediate execution, but I have no other options. I need to see Zandra, need to know she’s okay—even if it kills me.

The place is swarming with armed guards, all of them training their weapons on us as the car screeches to a halt in front of the house. The moment I jump out, at least four of them barrel toward me. I came fully prepared for the beating of my life, but what happens next is so much worse.

“Stand down!” Manfred Valderrama shouts at his men. They do so, snapping to attention as he trudges down the front path, his fists clenched so hard his knuckles are white. I see so much of Zandra in him.

And that’s why I don’t react when he winds back and punches me in the jaw. I stumble to the ground, my ear ringing and my face throbbing. I deserved it. I deserve all of it. I will accept it.

I see no point in fighting back. Even if I wanted to, Manfred Valderrama is almost three times my ag