Chapter 7 - Mask of Deceit
Diego stood motionless in the hallway, his light blue shirt spotless, the smell of fresh citrus faintly rising from the brown paper bag in his hands. His eyes shifted slowly from Lucia’s outstretched hand to his wife, who was clutching their daughter in sheer, unadulterated terror.
"Mariana," Diego said softly, his voice smooth and persuasive, like a lullaby designed to manipulate. "What is this? Did you call the police because of a plumbing issue? Sweetheart, you know how sensitive you get. Let me talk to the officer."
He took a tiny step forward, his leather shoes making a soft tap against the marble tile.
"Don't move!" Officer Vance commanded, standing up from the bathroom floor with his hand resting near his sidearm. "Mr. Diego Vance, keep your hands where we can see them and drop the bag."
Diego slowly lowered the bag of oranges onto a small console table near the entryway. He didn't show panic. There was no sweat on his forehead, no trembling in his fingers. Instead, a chilling, calculated smile spread across his lips—the smile of a man who believed he was far too intelligent to ever be caught by ordinary people.
"Officer, there seems to be a grave misunderstanding," Diego said smoothly, adjusting his shirt cuffs. "This building was constructed under my firm's supervision. If there are contaminants in the pipes, it's obviously a contractor error or a municipal supply issue."
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"We found a human bone fragment with a titanium surgical pin inside your private drain trap, Diego," Lucia countered sharply, her voice unwavering. "Save your speeches for the homicide detectives."
👉 Read PART 8 to see how Diego attempted to manipulate Mariana one last time!
