Chapter 1 — The Message Outside the Door
The moment Renata stepped into the quiet hallway, the smile disappeared from her face.
She pulled her phone from her handbag and typed only four words.
"Open the secure folder."
She pressed send.
Less than five seconds later, her phone vibrated.
Confirmed. Backup uploaded.
Inside the private dining room, laughter slowly returned.
Evangelina continued thanking guests for attending her anniversary celebration while Alonso forced himself to smile.
But he couldn't stop thinking about what Renata had whispered.
"For the proof."
Only one person knew those words.
Only one.
He stood so suddenly his chair scraped across the marble floor.
"I'll be right back."
Evangelina frowned.
"Sit down."
"I just need a minute."
He hurried into the hallway.
It was empty.
Renata was gone.
His heart pounded as he rushed toward the valet entrance.
Nothing.
Then his phone rang.
Unknown number.
He answered immediately.
"Hello?"
A calm male voice spoke.
"Mr. Ibarra... the Federal Financial Crimes Division would like to confirm whether you're still attending dinner."
Alonso stopped breathing.
"What?"
"We understand your wife has provided several documents concerning your companies."
The call ended.
He looked across the street.
May you like
A black SUV had just parked beneath a streetlamp.
Inside, someone was watching the restaurant.
