He Played Me First, Now I Rule His End

 "If Jerry is missing, why didn't you just call the police?" I demanded angrily, trembling with rage.

Cecilia nestled in Dario's embrace, turning her head slightly to glance at me. A venomous glint flashed in her eyes.

Seeing I wouldn't confess, Dario pushed Cecilia away and strode over, grabbing me by the throat, "I don't have time for your nonsense!” 

“If you don't talk, I'll have my secretary throw Irene off the balcony."

My heart clenched and I unconsciously tightened my fists.

A bitter smile spread across my face as I finally relented, "Fine. Take me to a place and I'll tell you."

"What trick are you trying to pull now?"

Dario watched me get into the car, half suspicious, half wary.

Then he followed me inside.

"Where are we going?"

"Winslow Mountain."

Without hesitation, he started the car and drove off.

Winslow Mountain was a tourist attraction in the city's suburbs. The car took less than half an hour to reach the mountain's base.

"Take the cable car up. Jerry will be waiting for you at the summit."

After saying that, I pulled him into the sightseeing cable car.

The greenery beneath us gradually receded. I turned to look out the window—it was about time.

I pulled a battered smartwatch from my bag, tapped the screen a few times and an old voice played, "Let's go!” 

“Leave her to die in the mountains. This landslide will bury plenty of people anyway."

"But Mr. Finley, the lady still seems to be breathing..."

"I said retreat, do you not understand?"

Dario's face turned as white as paper upon hearing this. "Valerie, where did you get this recording?"

I scoffed, "Recorded by the watch. Have you forgotten what day it was when you forgot to bring me up the mountain to watch the sunrise?"

He looked visibly stunned, unable to respond.

My lips parted softly, "It was our three-year anniversary. I turned on the recorder to capture the beauty of this day."

"But who knew... you were harboring murderous intent..."

His pupils trembled violently.

As if struck by a heavy blow, his entire back pressed against the seat.

But he quickly regained his composure, his face darkening as he said, "Jerry wasn't on the mountain at all. You lied to me, didn't you?"

I twisted my lips into a cold smile and rose from the seat.

"That's right. I have no idea where Jerry is. Bringing you here..." 

"Just to kill you!"

Before I could finish, I slammed open the cable car door.

Dario saw the danger and immediately tried to stop me, but I held him tightly.

"You're going to kill me and Irene. I have no reason to spare you out of old affection."

"Dario, come die with me!"

The cable car glided through the sky, its doors opening onto a thousand-meter-deep ravine below.

A cold wind whistled through the open door, buffeting Dario and me back and forth.

"Valerie, have you lost your mind? Close the door! Do you hear me?"

I clutched his shoulders desperately, screaming hysterically, "Take Irene home or I'll push you out!"

Dario was already backed up against the doorway. One more step and he'd be doomed.

He swallowed hard and cautiously replied, "Fine, I'll do it!"

"Let go of me. I'll call my secretary right now."

Taking advantage of his distraction, I swiftly reached into his pocket, pulled out his phone and dialed his secretary's number.

He was terrified and quickly turned to shut the door.

"Talk! Don't try any tricks—I've already sent the recording to my trusted best friend."

After weighing his options, he obediently did as I said.

Just as we reached the mountaintop, Cecilia's call came through. Jerry's voice came over the speaker, "Daddy, where'd you go?"

"I snuck out to buy you a big cake. Hurry home! I'm throwing you a birthday party and singing 'Happy Birthday' for you."

Dario's furrowed brow finally relaxed a little.

"Alright, I'll be right back. Next time, remember to tell Cecil when you go out alone!"