Chapter 14 - THE TRIBUNAL OF WOLVESThe grand chamber of Villa Valais resembled an inquisitorial courtroom from another century. High vaulted ceilings, dark oak paneling, and massive stained-glass windows cast long, dramatic shadows across a horseshoe-shaped mahogany table.
Elena sat beside Alejandro at the center of the room, keeping Gabriel cradled securely in her arms. The baby was sleeping peacefully, entirely unaware of the circle of vultures staring down at them.
"The petition is simple," Arthur Vance announced, standing at the head of the horseshoe table. He slid a thick dossier across the polished wood toward Alejandro. "According to the Viktor Monteverde codicil of 2004, any heir produced outside of an officially sanctioned corporate union must undergo a mandatory genetic audit to ensure no physiological anomalies threaten the stability of the foundation."
"There are no anomalies," Alejandro snapped back, his voice echoing menacingly against the stone walls. "This audit is a transparent maneuver to invalidate our lineage and seize the Ruiz patent control."
"Call it what you wish, Mr. Monteverde," Arthur smiled coldly. "Sign the transfer of administrative custody, and the audit is waived. Refuse, and your son becomes the property of the Swiss Trust under international corporate default laws."
Elena’s heart hammered against her ribs. She looked at Alejandro, seeing the coiled, lethal tension in his posture. He was a second away from drawing a weapon, which would trigger a slaughter they couldn't possibly survive.
"Let me see the papers," Elena said softly.
Alejandro turned to her, his eyes wide with shock. "Elena, no—"
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"Give them to me, Alejandro," she repeated, her voice carrying an unshakable, calm authority.
She took the document, flipping past the dense legal jargon until she reached the final signature block. But instead of signing, her eyes locked onto a tiny, handwritten footnote near the margin—a footnote bearing a distinct cryptographic watermark.
