CHAPTER 434: THE RIVAL

Lauretta and George sat in George's dimly lit office, the hum of the city outside a faint backdrop to their urgent conversation. Papers and photos were spread across the desk, a chaotic mosaic of evidence they had painstakingly gathered over the past few weeks. Lauretta leaned in; her eyes narrowed as she pointed to a grainy photo of Alexander meeting with Victor. "This is it, George. This meeting was the start of everything. Alexander's been plotting against the Gracias family for years." Lauretta watched George as he examined a photo of Alexander on his laptop. Alexander looked strikingly handsome for a man in his mid-sixties. His white hair, neatly combed, gave him a distinguished air, and his smile was wide and confident. Despite his age, he appeared fit, holding a walking stick but standing tall and strong. He wore a luxurious tuxedo, and the shoes on his feet cost a fortune. Lauretta was struck by how someone so wealthy and seemingly content could harbor such deep-seated bitte