Chapter 7: The Gala Intrusion
Four months into Sofía’s tenure, Velasco International hosted its annual charity gala at a downtown luxury hotel. It was a mandatory appearance for Nicolás, and to the society’s surprise, Valeria chose to accompany him. She wore a stunning emerald gown, radiating a new, untouchable confidence.
Sofía remained at the mansion with Mateo. The estate was heavily guarded, a fortress of stone and steel.
But betrayal often comes from within.
Shortly before midnight, a young security guard—deeply indebted to loan sharks and secretly paid off by Leonor—disabled the cameras in the west wing. Leonor’s plan wasn't physical harm; she wanted to kidnap Mateo and flee to Europe, forcing Nicolás into a custody battle on her terms.
Sofía was reading in the armchair when the nursery door clicked open. It wasn't the usual heavy tread of Don Esteban. It was a man in a tactical uniform, holding a silenced pistol.
"Step away from the crib," the guard whispered, raising the weapon.
Sofía’s blood ran cold, but her ER training kicked in. She didn't scream. She didn't panic.
"He's asleep," Sofía said calmly, slowly standing up and placing herself squarely between the gun and the crib. "If you wake him, he will cry. If he cries, the perimeter guards will hear."
The man hesitated.
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In that split second, Sofía grabbed the heavy ceramic lamp from the side table and swung it with all her might. It shattered against the side of the guard's head. He stumbled backward, dropping the gun. Sofía kicked the weapon under the crib and slammed her hand against the panic button on the wall.
Sirens instantly tore through the mansion.
