THE DEADLIEST ASSASIN SECRET

CHAPTER ONE

THE DEADLIEST ASSASSIN

CHAPTER ONE: SHANE’S SECRET

At the massive gates of the De Leon mansion, rain poured down heavily. Standing there was SHANE, twenty-two years old—a young woman carrying only a simple bag. She wore worn-out, tattered shoes, a plain cotton T-shirt, and black trousers.

In her hand, she held an old envelope—the results of a DNA test, proving beyond doubt that she was the biological daughter of Ricardo De Leon and his lawfully wedded wife. The woman living here now was his mistress, along with the fake daughter—swapped at birth by Madam Lucia. And today, she had returned to claim her place as the true heir.

As the gates swung open, the household staff immediately came to meet her—and there stood ISABELLA, clad in an elegant designer gown.

ISABELLA: “Oh, so you must be… Shane? The De Leons’ long-lost biological daughter?”

She looked Shane up and down, from head to toe.

“Took you long enough. Did you come here by jeepney? You reek of sweat.”

The servants snickered at her words—just as MADAM LUCIA stepped out.

MADAM LUCIA: “Is this the girl from the province?” She pointed disdainfully at Shane’s feet. “Take those filthy shoes off outside! They’re dirty! Good heavens—is this really Don Ricardo’s child?”

She spoke with a deep scowl.

They stepped inside the grand foyer—crystal chandeliers, polished marble, everything radiating opulence. Shane remained quiet, but her eyes swept the room, marking every exit, every camera, every possible hiding place for a weapon.

ISABELLA: “Just as I thought. She looks like she belongs in a slum.” She muttered it loud enough for Shane to hear. “Dear sister, this is no place for sweet-potato farmers. We have our own chef, you know.”

SHANE: “Very well.”

MADAM LUCIA: “Go eat in the kitchen. That’s where you belong—with the help. Wouldn’t want you to choke on fine food, would we? I suppose you’ve never even tasted steak before?” She spoke with a mocking smirk.

Suddenly, one of the maids slipped. Her tray tipped, dishes shattering everywhere, followed by panicked screams.

MAID: “I beg your forgiveness, Madam! I’m so sorry!” She wept in fear.

Madam Lucia was about to scream—until Shane moved.

In less than two seconds, Shane caught the flying knife, saving Isabella from being struck.

SHANE: “Careless.”

Silence fell over the hall. Shane glanced at the blade, then gently set it back onto the tray.

SHANE: “How clumsy of you.”

ISABELLA: “What… how did you—?”

MADAM LUCIA: “Ugh, pure luck, that’s all!” She forced a hollow laugh. “Keep a close watch on her. Provincial girl she may be… but her hands are far too quick.”

She barked the order to her men.

Shane climbed the staircase. Before stepping into her assigned room, she smirked and whispered:

“They think I’m nothing but a simple country girl…”

She brushed her fingers over the scar at her side.

“Little do they know… I was raised on blood. I was forged in pain. And now… I have walked straight into the serpent’s den.”

She stepped inside and closed the door.

It was already midnight, and all was asleep inside the De Leon mansion. Silence hung over the grounds—yet in Shane’s room, the space lay dark and empty; she had only just slipped away.

Shane wore a black hoodie and black trousers… her assassin’s gear. She called her associate, then climbed into a black car. The vehicle pulled up to a building owned by Don Ricardo.

SHANE: “Wait for me here.”

ASSOCIATE: “Yes, Boss.”

She scanned the security detail. Three bodyguards stood watch at the gate. She took down all three—silenced and eliminated—in barely ten seconds. She left her calling card: the Joker card, her signature mark within the underground world. She shot out the lights, then glided down the hallway like a shadow…

She made her way straight to Don Ricardo’s office. She picked the lock without making a single sound. She opened the drawer… and there they were: secret files, detailing every crime committed by the De Leon family.

Shane’s lips curved into a cold smile.

“At last. I have secured the proof of their wickedness.”

She gathered the files and hid them away.

She then climbed to the rooftop, gazing out over the entire estate. She lifted a hand to clutch the necklace resting at her chest—the only thing left with her when she was taken away as an infant.

“I am no country girl. I am no beggar. I am Shane De Leon. Every insult you hurl… you will pay me back for every single one. And I swear it—you will settle your debt in blood.”

Suddenly, she heard footsteps behind her.

A man’s voice spoke from the shadows:

“Not planning to leave so soon, are you?”

Shane turned sharply. It was Kai—the heir to a rival family of the De Leons. He wore a black hoodie, a face mask, and black trousers, just as she did.

Shane instantly braced for combat.

“What are you doing here?”

Kai raised both hands slowly, then smiled.

“Easy now… Deadliest Assassin.”

He lifted something—the Joker card.

“Found this by the gate. Did you leave it?”

Shane stepped forward, pressing the tip of her blade to his throat.

“How do you know that is mine?”

Kai did not flinch. He stepped closer instead, and said quietly:

“Because I am the only one who knows your signature style. We trained side by side for five years at the camp… have you truly forgotten me?”

Shane went pale. Only he knew that.

SHANE: “Kai…?”

Kai pulled off his mask, his gaze steady.

“Welcome home, Shane. Now I ask you… will you kill me right here? Or will you let me help you tear this family apart?”

TO BE CONTINUED…