CHAPTER 8

Marisol paced the empty boardroom, running her fingers across the presentation materials scattered on the table. Detailed documentation of her family's lost artwork stared back at her—pieces she'd only described to Santiago once, during a late-night conversation years ago. The door opened, and Santiago entered, his face drawn with exhaustion. "I'm sorry about that interruption." "I want the complete truth, Santiago. All of it." Marisol planted her hands firmly on the table. "No more secrets." Santiago nodded, loosening his tie. "Cat's father is an art dealer with connections to private collectors worldwide. When you told me about your family's stolen artwork, I approached him for help." "And the hotel meetings?" "Negotiations with collectors who don't want to be seen publicly. Some of these pieces were acquired... questionably." He ran a hand through his hair. "The art world operates in gray areas." "Why all the secrecy? Why not tell me?" Santiago's eyes met hers. "I wanted it t