“Señor Montero, you are under arrest for corporate fraud, tax evasion, and money laundering,” Gallego said.

Alvaro did not stand up.

He sat frozen in his leather chair, staring at the empty space where the folder had been.

Gallego looked at me.

“Señora Valcárcel,” he said, nodding once.

“Inspector,” I said.

“The documents regarding the corporate restructuring of Horizonte Capital are on the table in the hallway.”

“Thank you,” Gallego said.

He turned back to Alvaro and produced a pair of steel handcuffs.

“Please stand up, sir.”

Alvaro stood slowly, his joints popping in the quiet room.

He looked smaller than he had that morning.

The tailored gray suit looked loose on his shoulders.

The second officer stepped forward and pulled Alvaro’s hands behind his back.

The click of the handcuffs was loud and sharp.

Alvaro did not look at me as they led him toward the door.

He kept his eyes on the Persian rug beneath his feet.

Matthew stood aside to let them pass.

Once they were gone, the house felt strangely light.

The air in the study was cool.

“Is it done?” Matthew asked.