Chapter 8 - The Threat
Two days later, Mariana was leaving the downtown construction site of a children's clinic when a black sedan pulled up sharply to the curb, blocking her path to her own car.
The back window rolled down slowly.
Victor Vance sat in the back seat, wearing a suit that cost more than most people made in a year. His eyes were cold, calculating, and completely devoid of empathy.
"Mrs. Escalante," Victor said, his voice smooth and dangerous. "I was hoping we could have a word."
Mariana stopped, signaling for her security guard to hold back for a moment.
"We have nothing to discuss, Mr. Vance. My board already gave you my answer."
Victor chuckled softly, a sound that made Mariana's skin crawl.
"Your board is composed of cowards who are afraid of you. But I am not. I offered you a very generous sum for that useless plot of land."
"It is not useless," Mariana corrected him sharply. "It is going to be a sanctuary for people who actually need it. Not a playground for people who have too much."
Victor’s smile faded into a hard scowl.
"You are incredibly naive, Mariana. You think your little charity makes you a saint. But in this city, money is the only religion that matters. If you do not sell me that land, I will make sure the city council revokes your zoning permits."
Mariana leaned slightly toward the car window.
"You don't own the city council."
"I own enough of them," Victor replied. "I can tie your foundation up in endless litigation. I can bleed your resources dry until you have nothing left to give away. Sell the land, take the profit, and play savior somewhere else."
Mariana stood up straight, looking down at him with absolute defiance. She remembered Margaret's threats. She remembered Andrew's manipulation. They had all tried to break her. They had all failed.
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"Do whatever you feel you must do, Mr. Vance," Mariana said calmly. "But understand this. I built my empire by surviving the worst life had to throw at me. You are just a man in a car. You do not scare me."
She turned and walked away, leaving Victor Vance staring after her in furious silence.
