Chapter 7 - THE ROAD TO ASPENThe drive to Aspen took four hours through winding mountain passes that seemed determined to test my nerves. Every time a patch of white snow appeared on the side of the road, my grip on the steering wheel tightened involuntarily, flashes of that terrifying night six weeks ago playing behind my eyelids like a horror movie.
Red taillights disappearing into the blizzard.
The howling wind.
The terrifying silence of a freezing car.
I shook the memory away, focusing on the road ahead. In the back seat, Lily was sleeping soundly, completely unaware that her mother was driving straight into the lion's den.
By mid-afternoon, the towering pines of Aspen gave way to sprawling gated estates tucked discreetly behind wrought-iron fences and manicured spruce trees. According to Jonathan’s intelligence, the property registered under Elena’s name was a modern glass-and-stone architectural masterpiece valued at over three million dollars—purchased entirely with wire transfers from Mason’s offshore accounts.
I pulled my sedan off to the side of the road a hundred yards down from the main gates, cutting the engine.
I didn't bother calling the police or waiting for Arthur’s legal team this time. This wasn't about corporate embezzlement anymore. This was personal.
I unbuckled Lily, transferred her securely into her front-facing baby carrier, zipped my heavy winter coat up to my chin, and walked right up to the gated entrance of the estate.
An intercom speaker sat beside the keypad. I pressed the call button.
A sleek, automated camera swivelled downward, focusing on my face. A few seconds later, a sharp, irritated female voice crackled through the speaker.
“Can I help you? Deliveries go to the service entrance around the back.”
“I’m not here to deliver a package, Elena,” I said clearly into the microphone. “I’m here to talk about your husband. Or should I say... our husband?”
A heavy silence hung over the intercom for five agonizing seconds.
May you like
Then, the deep, mechanical buzz of the iron gate sounded, and the heavy doors slowly swung inward, revealing a long, heated driveway leading up to the front doors of the mansion.
I didn't hesitate. I walked right through.
