The heavy iron gates of the Rivera estate groaned open as the convoy rolled in. The sun was just beginning to set. Damien had just returned from a closed-door session with his inner circle when word reached him, his mother, Veronica Rivera, had arrived without prior notice.
That alone was unusual. Veronica never came to the estate unannounced. Her presence usually heralded storms.
Damien dismissed the men around him with a sharp nod, though the gravity of their ongoing investigation into Valcov and the elusive figure known only as “the Spider” still pressed down like a vice on his chest.
Inside the grand marble foyer, Amara was already present, standing a little anxiously at the base of the sweeping staircase. She had been quietly helping in the household since Damien insisted she stay
