Chapter 37
CHAPTER 37 — The Midnight Asset
The break-in wasn't theatrical; it was a cold, calculated operation of corporate espionage. Using biometric bypass codes discovered in Marcus Vance's hidden files, Victor and Valeria bypassed the perimeter security of the Villa de Cortijo under the cover of a massive coastal thunderstorm.
The rain hammered against the clay-tiled roofs as Valeria slipped through the French doors of the villa’s private study. The room was dark, illuminated only by the rhythmic flashing of a massive server tower in the corner.
She plugged her phone into the main terminal, allowing Elena back in Chicago to begin the remote data siphon.
"Progress is at twelve percent," Elena’s voice whispered through a hidden earpiece. "Valeria, you need to hurry. The internal network has a localized heartbeat monitor. If it detects an external IP for more than four minutes, it locks down the entire estate."
Suddenly, the overhead lights flickered on, bathing the room in a warm, suffocating amber glow.
Ofelia Moreno stood in the doorway, wearing a flawless silk gown, a glass of red wine in her hand. Behind her stood two large men in dark suits, their hands resting inside their jackets.
"You always were predictable, Valeria," Ofelia said, taking a slow, elegant sip. "Just like your mother. She thought she could steal the ledger and run away too. Look how that turned out for her."
Valeria didn't pull her phone from the terminal. She stood her ground, her breathing deep and controlled.
"My mother is alive, Ofelia. I know about Marbella."
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Ofelia’s smile didn't fade; it grew wider, sharper, and infinitely more sadistic.
"Oh, darling... she was alive. Until your father found out she was talking to us last month. Why do you think Ernesto suddenly agreed to help you trap Julian? It wasn't to save you from a violent husband. It was revenge because we found his runner first."
