CHAPTER 61:Adrian stood in front of his wardrobe, scanning through the rows of expensive suits and designer clothes.Then he reached for something different.Blue joggers. A simple white t-shirt. A palm-colored bomber jacket.Nothing too fancy. Nothing that screamed wealth.He didn't even put on a watch.But he did reach for a mask, sleek black fabric with the Valerio crest embroidered in gold on the right side. And his glasses, thin gold frames that sat lightly on his nose.The mask had a small, discrete oxygen filter built into it, barely noticeable, but essential. His condition had gotten better over the past weeks, but sometimes his breathing still seized without warning. He needed the extra support.Adrian adjusted the mask, making sure it sat comfortably, then walked out of his room.The servants in the hallway bowed immediately as he passed, their heads lowering in synchronized respect.Adrian acknowledged them with a slight nod but kept walking.He found Rafael in the sitting

CHAPTER 63:The sharp click of heels against polished wood echoed through the restaurant, cutting through the tension like a knife.Everyone in the dining area turned.Two women walked in, both dripping in wealth and confidence.The first was a stunning woman in her mid-twenties, wearing a cream-colored Chanel dress that probably cost more than most people's monthly salary.Her dark hair was styled in perfect waves, and diamonds glittered at her ears and throat. She carried herself with the kind of entitlement that came from a lifetime of privilege.Beside her walked another woman, slightly younger, dressed in a burgundy silk blouse and tailored black pants. Her designer handbag swung casually from her shoulder, and her makeup was flawless.The waitress's entire demeanor changed instantly.She straightened, her dismissive expression melting into something warm and obsequious. She abandoned Adrian mid-conversation and rushed toward the two women with a bright, welcoming smile."Miss Sa

CHAPTER 65:Adrian sat in the sprawling living room of the Valerio estate, one leg crossed over the other, a crystal glass of blood in his hand.The television mounted on the wall was tuned to the evening news, and the anchor's voice filled the room with professional urgency."Breaking news tonight: a massive fire has destroyed the Golden Lotus Pavilion, one of Mexico City's most prestigious restaurants. Witnesses report seeing armed men surrounding the building moments before the blaze began. Authorities are investigating whether the fire was deliberately set. Sources close to the investigation suggest the Valerio family may be involved..."Adrian took a slow sip from his glass, his ice-blue eyes fixed on the screen.Footage showed the restaurant engulfed in flames, fire trucks surrounding the building, water pouring uselessly against the inferno. Smoke billowed into the night sky like a dark omen.Adrian's expression remained calm, but a faint frown creased his brow.The incident ha

CHAPTER 67:The door to Camila's office burst open without warning.No knock. No announcement.Just the sharp bang of wood against the wall as her young assistant rushed in, his face flushed, his breathing rapid.Camila looked up slowly from the documents spread across her desk, her dark eyes turning cold, ice cold, the kind of cold that made people regret their decisions."You better have a good enough reason to barge into my office like that," she said, her voice quiet but edged with lethal warning.The assistant swallowed hard, but the urgency in his expression didn't fade. "I found the source of that message from earlier."Camila's entire demeanor shifted.Her eyes sharpened. Her posture straightened. The coldness in her gaze intensified into something predatory."Go on," she said slowly.The assistant stepped forward, pulling out his tablet and turning it to face her. "It's... funny, actually. Because it came from a very prominent person in Mexico City."Camila's fingers drummed

CHAPTER 69:Camila sat in her study, sipping a cup of coffee and reviewing contracts on her tablet.The night was quiet, the city lights of Ottawa glittering through the floor-to-ceiling windows behind her.Then a knock came at the door.Not the usual polite tap. This was urgent. Impatient.Camila frowned, setting down her coffee. "Come in."Her assistant burst through the door, his face flushed, his breathing uneven."We have a problem, ma'am."Camila raised an eyebrow, her expression cooling immediately. "Go on."The assistant swallowed hard. "I couldn't find Elena Valencia."Camila's expression turned darker, her eyes narrowing to dangerous slits. "Then look for her better.""There would be no need for that," the assistant said quickly. "Because they found us instead."Camila's hand paused mid-reach for her coffee cup. "They?""Yes, ma'am. They. She wasn't alone, as I suspected. She's with Damien Cortez and his father, and they're presently at the villa requesting an audience with