The sun cast long shadows across Xavier's sprawling mansion grounds as Selena sat in the backseat of the black sedan. Her fingers nervously twisted the strap of her purse, eyes fixed on the imposing gates ahead. Today was Saturday—her only chance to see Miguel, and perhaps their only opportunity to escape this nightmare.
"Almost there, Ms. Vasquez," the driver announced, his eyes briefly meeting hers in the rearview mirror. She didn't recognize him—not Thomas today, but another of Xavier's seemingly endless supply of men in black suits.
"Thank you," she replied quietly, her mind already racing ahead to what awaited her. Would Roberto keep his promise? Had their meeting been discovered?
As the car wound up the long driveway, Selena's thoughts drifted to the past—to that pivotal day five
