Chapter 4 - The Price of Rescue
The armored SUV sped wildly down the highway, leaving the disastrous wedding far behind them.
Valeria clutched the torn lace of her dress, her mind spinning as she processed Julian's chilling words.
"What exactly do you want from me?" she asked, trying to keep her voice as steady as possible.
Julian expertly navigated through a tight intersection, keeping his eyes firmly focused on the busy road.
"Your tech startup has developed an incredible artificial intelligence algorithm for supply chain logistics," Julian explained coldly.
"Mauricio was going to steal it through your marriage contract, patent it under his own holding company, and sell it overseas."
Valeria felt sick to her stomach, realizing her entire ten-year relationship had culminated in a massive corporate heist.
"I saved you because I want exclusive rights to your software, and I am not going to ask politely," Julian added.
Elena shifted nervously in the back seat, placing a protective hand over her daughter's trembling fingers.
"You cannot force her into another predatory contract right after she escaped one!" Elena argued fiercely.
Julian simply let out a dry, humorless laugh that sent shivers down Valeria's spine.
"I suggest you check your corporate banking application right now, Valeria," Julian instructed calmly.
Valeria quickly pulled her phone from her mother's small clutch purse and logged into her company's secure server.
Her blood ran completely cold as the screen loaded.
Her entire development fund, holding nearly two million pesos, showed a horrifying balance of zero.
"Mauricio completely drained your business accounts the moment you said no at the altar," Julian stated, guessing her reaction.
Valeria stared at the screen, tears of pure frustration burning violently in the corners of her eyes.
"He used an emergency authorization protocol that you unknowingly signed last month during the wedding preparations," Julian continued.
"So I am officially ruined anyway," Valeria whispered, dropping the phone onto the leather seat.
Julian forcefully slammed the brakes, pulling the heavy vehicle into a secluded underground parking garage.
May you like
He turned off the engine and looked back at her with a highly intense, calculating stare.
"You are only ruined if we don't break into his private office tonight and steal the encrypted server drive."
