Chapter 16 - The Desperate Flight
As the police officers moved through the parted crowd, handcuffs ready, the reality of her total destruction finally snapped something deep inside Valeria’s mind. She wasn't just losing Alejandro's money; she was losing her freedom, her status, and her life.
Instead of surrendering, a wild, feral instinct took over. Valeria threw her crystal champagne flute directly into the face of the nearest officer. The glass shattered, causing a brief, chaotic distraction as the officer stumbled back, bleeding.
Using the sheer volume of the panicked crowd to her advantage, Valeria kicked off her high heels and sprinted toward the service exit behind the catering tables.
"Stop her!" Alejandro yelled, lunging forward, but the surging crowd of terrified socialites blocked his path.
Valeria crashed through the swinging kitchen doors, ignoring the shouts of the catering staff. She knew the layout of the museum well. She sprinted down the long, sterile corridors, her bare feet slapping against the linoleum, driven by pure adrenaline and absolute terror. She burst out the loading dock doors into the cold, rainy night.
Her father’s driver was waiting by a sleek black town car. Valeria didn't explain. She shoved the driver out of the way, jumped into the driver's seat, and slammed the ignition button. The heavy engine roared to life.
By the time Alejandro and the police burst onto the loading dock, the town car was already tearing down the alleyway, its tires screaming on the wet asphalt.
"Put out a city-wide APB!" the lead detective shouted into his radio. "Suspect is fleeing in a black Lincoln, armed and highly dangerous."
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Alejandro watched the taillights disappear into the rain. A cold dread settled heavily in his stomach. Valeria had nothing left to lose. And a cornered animal was always the most dangerous. She wouldn't just run. She would try to hurt him one last time.
He immediately pulled out his phone and dialed Lucía.
