Chapter 36 - The Senator’s Visit
Natalia’s prediction materialized in less than twenty-four hours.
The next morning, the glass doors of Refugio Architecture & Design slid open to admit a detail of four heavily armed state police officers. Following leisurely behind them, wearing a flawless Italian suit and a charismatic, predatory smile, was Senator Arturo Vargas.
Natalia stood at her desk, her posture rigidly calm. She had anticipated this. Sofia was currently secured in a heavily fortified, off-the-books safe house located miles outside the city limits, guarded by private contractors.
"Ms. Natalia," Senator Vargas said, stepping into her office and waving his armed guards to wait in the hallway. "What a magnificent building. I have always admired a woman with the sheer audacity to rise above her station."
"Senator Vargas," Natalia replied, not offering him a seat. "I highly doubt you came to my office to discuss architecture. State your business."
Vargas chuckled, a smooth, deep sound that had charmed millions of voters. But his eyes were dead and reptilian. "I am looking for my wife. My poor, fragile Sofia is suffering from a severe mental breakdown. I was informed by a reliable source that she was seen entering your building last night. I simply want to take her home so she can receive the psychiatric care she so desperately needs."
"I run a commercial architectural firm, Senator," Natalia said smoothly. "I do not keep track of wandering socialites. You are mistaken."
Vargas walked slowly toward her desk, placing both of his hands flat on the glass surface. The charismatic smile vanished, replaced by a terrifying, unmasked malice.
"Let me be entirely clear, Natalia," Vargas whispered. "You destroyed a pathetic, low-level developer like Mauricio Salazar, and it gave you a false sense of invincibility. I am not Salazar. I write the laws in this state. If my wife is not returned to my compound by midnight, I will personally see to it that every single municipal building permit your firm holds is permanently revoked. I will freeze your corporate assets, and I will have your foundation investigated for human trafficking."
Natalia did not flinch. She leaned forward, closing the distance until she was inches from his face.
May you like
"I build structures designed to withstand earthquakes, Senator," Natalia replied, her voice cold and absolute. "Your threats are nothing but hot air. If you try to touch my business, I will ensure that the entire country knows exactly what kind of monster hides behind your campaign posters. Now get out of my office."
Vargas glared at her, his jaw tightening. "You just dug your own grave." He turned and swept out of the room. The real battle had just begun.
