The night was quiet, the estate shrouded in an eerie stillness. Jessica sat on the edge of the bed, watching Alvaro sleep. His tiny chest rose and fell in steady rhythm, his little hand curled into a fist by his cheek. She brushed a strand of hair from his face, her heart clenching at the sight of his innocence.
Her plan was clear in her mind now. The hours she spent pacing the room earlier had refined every step. She had memorized Armando’s routines, the guards’ shifts, even the blind spots in the surveillance. She had waited long enough.
But just as she leaned forward to kiss Alvaro’s forehead, a soft whimper broke the silence.
Jessica froze, her hand hovering over him. His body jerked slightly, and his face scrunched in discomfort. Alarmed, she reached for him.
“Alvaro? Swee
