Chapter 27 - The Standoff
Diego immediately lowered his weapon, signaling for his men to hold their fire.
He stared at Paulina, noticing the heavy blocks of C4 explosives wired to the structural pillars of the factory.
"Let her go, Paulina," Diego said, keeping his voice dangerously calm. "This is between you and me."
"This is between me and what belongs to me," Paulina corrected him, her thumb resting heavily on the red detonator button. "Did you bring the transfer documents?"
"I brought them," Diego lied. "But I need to know she is safe first."
"She is fine," Paulina sneered, grabbing Marisol roughly by the hair. "For now."
Marisol looked at Diego, her eyes wide but fiercely brave.
"Diego, don't give her anything," Marisol shouted.
"Shut up!" Paulina yelled, slapping Marisol across the face.
Diego stepped forward, pure rage flaring in his eyes.
"Touch her again, and I will cut your hands off before you can press that button," Diego growled.
Paulina laughed, but she stepped back slightly.
"I don't want your threats, Diego. I want my empire," Paulina said. "Hand over the briefcase."
As Diego slowly reached into his jacket to stall for time, a sudden, loud crash echoed from the catwalk high above them.
Everyone looked up.
Julian was standing on the metal grating.
But he was not holding a weapon.
He was holding his bleeding stomach, looking completely terrified.
"Aunt Paulina..." Julian choked out, leaning heavily against the railing. "They found us."
Before Paulina could react, a barrage of gunfire erupted from the shadows of the catwalk.
Federal agents, led by a highly specialized anti-terrorism unit, swarmed the upper levels.
Valentina had not stayed at home.
She had secretly contacted the FBI using the evidence from Julian’s briefcase, completely bypassing Diego's private army.
"Drop the detonator!" a federal sniper screamed, aiming a laser directly at Paulina’s chest.
Paulina panicked.
She realized her entire plan had instantly collapsed.
In a moment of pure, selfish desperation, she dropped the detonator and ran toward the back exit, abandoning Marisol and her wounded nephew.
"Secure the explosives!" Marcus yelled to the bomb squad.
Diego didn't hesitate.
He sprinted across the factory floor, ignoring the chaos above him.
He reached Marisol, pulling a combat knife to slice through the heavy zip-ties binding her wrists.
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The moment her hands were free, she threw her arms around his neck, burying her face in his tactical vest.
"I've got you," Diego whispered, holding her fiercely. "I've got you."
