Chapter 2

An encrypted message pinged. Not her usual clients.

It was from Mrs. Sterling, a San Francisco socialite.

Ava had helped her once. A difficult case, a son lost too young.

The message was short, urgent.

"Liam Ashford. Dead. Boating accident. They need you. Name your price."

Liam Ashford.

The name was huge.

Ashford tech empire. Global. Silicon Valley royalty.

Ava felt a chill. This was bigger than anything before.

She thought of Abuela' s clinic, the research that needed more money.

This could be it.

She typed a reply.

"Seven million. Standard fee for sensitive cases."

She paused, then added, "Plus a three million Continuity Premium."

A carefully worded phrase.

Not a guarantee, but a promise of her utmost effort for a successful outcome.

She used it for the highest stakes.

The reply came back almost instantly.

"Accepted. Gulfstream is on its way. Woodside, California."

Ava closed her eyes for a moment.

Seven million. Plus three.

Enough to secure Abuela's work for years.

But the Ashfords. This felt dangerous.