Chapter 5: The Hidden Contract
Desperate, Victor drove to the Escalonto estate.
Security gates opened only after a full identity scan.
He was led into a library larger than his penthouse.
An older man sat behind a walnut desk.
Alejandro Escalonto.
Mariana’s father.
"You struck my daughter,"
Alejandro said quietly.
Victor opened his mouth.
"Before you speak,"
Alejandro continued,
"you should know something."
He handed Victor a folder.
Inside were contracts bearing Victor’s own signature.
Years earlier, when Hale Industries was near bankruptcy, a silent partner had rescued it through a network of holding companies.
Victor had never learned the investor’s identity.
At the bottom of the final page was a name.
Mariana Escalonto.
Victor stared in disbelief.
"She saved my company?"
"Three times,"
May you like
Alejandro replied.
"And yesterday, you slapped the woman who kept your empire alive."
