"—and once we have the final signatures on the land contracts, we'll be able to clear the hills for development," Thorne's voice crackled through the speaker. "The government officials we've partnered with will make sure all the permits go through smoothly. Anyone who refuses to sell will be dealt with."
One of the officials spoke up. "What about the network that's been causing trouble? The one Zara Mendez is working with?"
"Rico will handle them," Thorne replied coldly. "We've already sent word—if they interfere again, there will be consequences. No one stands in the way of progress."
Zara felt her hands clench into fists as she listened. They were talking about more than just land—they planned to build a casino and resort complex that would push hundreds of families out of their homes, using violence and corruption to get what they wanted.
Chen was quietly recording everything, while Maya took notes on a notepad, pretending to be making a list of auction items. They'd been gathering evidence for nearly twenty minutes when Rico suddenly stepped out of the pavilion and scanned the grounds, his gaze stopping on their table.
Zara kept her eyes fixed on the ocean, but she could feel his stare burning into her back. Then, without warning, he started walking toward them.
"Time to go," Chen said quietly, sliding his tablet into his pocket.
But before they could stand up, Thorne himself emerged from the pavilion, flanked by two more security guards. "Zara Mendez," he said, his voice carrying across the lawn. "I should have known you'd be here. Rico told me you were back in town—causing trouble as usual."
The music inside the gala had stopped, guests peering out from the windows to see what was happening. Zara stood slowly, facing Thorne head-on. "I'm not causing trouble," she said. "I'm making sure people know the truth about what you're doing."
Thorne laughed, a cold sound that sent shivers down her spine. "The truth? People don't want the truth—they want stability, security. I'm giving them that. You're just a little girl who thinks she can change things."
"Is that what you tell yourself?" Zara shot back. "What about the families you're evicting? The children you're scaring? You're not providing security—you're taking away freedom."
Before Thorne could respond, lights flashed across the lawn as several police vehicles pulled up to the resort entrance. Clara stepped out of the lead car, followed by Enzo and a team of officers.
"Marcus Chen has already provided us with enough evidence to arrest all of you," Clara called out, holding up a folder. "Mr. Thorne, you're under arrest for conspiracy, extortion, and corruption. The same goes for every government official in that pavilion."
Rico reached for his gun, but Jermaine and his team emerged from their hiding spots, blocking his path. "It's over, Rico," Zara said softly. "You don't have to do this anymore."
For a long moment, Rico stood frozen, then slowly lowered his hand from his waistband. The fight had gone out of his eyes, replaced by a look of exhaustion and regret.