Chapter 34 - The Lion's DenThat evening, the Palacio de Bellas Artes was hosting the Charity Gala of the Decade. Hector Del Rio was the guest of honor.
He stood in the center of the glittering ballroom, surrounded by sycophants, holding a crystal glass of champagne. He was holding court, projecting the image of a benevolent king.
Until the heavy double doors of the ballroom opened.
Renata Garza walked in. She wore a stunning, floor-length crimson gown that contrasted sharply with the sea of safe, black tuxedos and pastel dresses. She moved with the grace of a panther stepping into an arena. The murmurs in the room died down as she cut a direct path through the elite crowd, straight toward Hector.
Hector’s smile tightened, but he maintained his composure.
"Ms. Garza," he said smoothly, his voice deep and paternal. "I didn't see your name on the donor list."
"I prefer to make my contributions in the dark, Hector," Renata replied, stopping mere inches from him. She didn't offer her hand.
"I heard about the unfortunate issues with your little shelter today," Hector sighed, feigning sympathy. "Bureaucracy is a terrible thing. But perhaps you have stretched yourself too thin. It is dangerous for a woman to play in a game designed for titans."
Renata offered a chilling, razor-sharp smile.
"The last men who told me that are currently trading cigarettes for soap in a maximum-security prison."
Hector’s eyes hardened, dropping the benevolent act entirely. He leaned in, his voice dropping to a venomous whisper meant only for her.
"You think because you took down a pathetic politician like Vargas, you can touch me? I own the ground you walk on, Renata. I own the judges you file motions to. Tomorrow, your sanctuary will be demolished. By next week, your law firm will be audited into oblivion. You are out of your depth."
"We will see about that," Renata whispered back. "By the way, Hector. I love your tie. But I wonder... does Camila like that color?"
May you like
Hector’s face went completely, shockingly pale.
Renata didn't wait for his response. She turned and walked out of the ballroom, leaving the untouchable titan visibly shaken.
