"...she always has."
Across town...
The black SUV stopped in front of Escalante Global Headquarters—a sixty-story tower of steel and glass overlooking the city skyline.
Employees lined both sides of the marble entrance.
The moment Mariana stepped out...
Every executive straightened.
"Good morning, Chairwoman."
Andrew had always believed she volunteered at charity events.
He never realized she quietly chaired one of the largest private investment groups in North America.
Inside the executive boardroom, her father, Alejandro Escalante, stood beside the panoramic windows.
Silver-haired.
Calm.
Powerful.
He embraced his daughter without saying a word.
Finally he asked softly,
"Are you certain?"
Mariana nodded.
"I gave them four years."
"They asked for one more sacrifice."
"They got my goodbye instead."
Alejandro slid a stack of legal files across the table.
"The acquisition begins immediately."
"No revenge."
"No anger."
"Only consequences."
Mariana smiled faintly.
"Exactly."
Back at the mansion...
Margaret continued drinking tea as though nothing had changed.
"They'll sort it out."