Chapter 4 - The Vanguard of Deception
Back on the terrace, the glittering lights of the annual San Miguel Charity Gala began to flicker into life, casting a festive, golden glow across the estate. Luxury sedans—Porsches, Bentleys, and Mercedes-Maybachs—began rolling up the long, gravel driveway, depositing local politicians, wealthy real estate moguls, and high-society socialites.
Victoria Vance was in her element. Standing by the grand double doors of the foyer, she played the role of the gracious, philanthropic hostess to absolute perfection. Her smile was radiant, her laughter melodic, and her charm utterly intoxicating.
“Victoria, darling, the estate looks breathtaking,” cooed Evelyn Sterling, the wife of a prominent local judge, as she air-kissed Victoria’s powdered cheeks. “And how is dear Beatrice? We haven't seen her at the country club in ages. Everyone is saying she’s traveling abroad.”
“Oh, Evelyn, you know how mother is,” Victoria sighed, rolling her eyes with a practiced, affectionate fondness. “She’s always chasing some spiritual enlightenment. Right now, she’s at a silent retreat high up in the Swiss Alps. No phones, no internet, just pure meditation. She looks ten years younger, but goodness knows we miss her terribly.”
“How wonderful for her,” Evelyn remarked, entirely buying the performance. “She always was such a free spirit.”
While Victoria worked the room, circulating among the city's elite and accepting lavish compliments on her wardrobe and her management of the Vance estate, she remained completely oblivious to the silent infiltration happening just outside the perimeter walls.
Alex didn't use the front gates. He bypassed the state-of-the-art motion sensors and biometric scanners with the practiced ease of a master operator who had spent years disabling military-grade defense grids. He simply scaled the ten-foot perimeter wall at a blind spot near the old pump house, dropping silently into the service yard.
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The estate’s private security detail—four burly men hired by Victoria from a shady private contractor agency—were stationed near the front entrance and the catering tents. Not a single guard was patrolling the dark, rear utility sector where the steel cage was hidden.
Alex moved like a ghost through the shadows of the expansive kitchen garden, hugging the brick walls until he reached the heavy oak service door leading directly into the basement utility corridor.
