The Moment Mateo Led Valeria Into the Forbidden North Wing, She Uncovered Something That Made the Cartel Boss Realize His Greatest Enemy Had Been Living Inside His Own Mansion All Along / Chapter 15 / 20

Chapter 15 - The New Queen of the NorthThree months later.

The grand ballroom of the Ríos estate in San Pedro Garza García was unrecognizable. The dark, oppressive gloom that had haunted the mansion since Sofia’s death was completely gone. The heavy curtains were drawn back, allowing the bright Mexican sun to flood the marble floors.

Valeria stood at the top of the sweeping mahogany staircase.

She wore a breathtaking, tailored crimson suit that screamed absolute power. Her dark hair was styled impeccably, falling in soft waves over her shoulders. Around her neck rested a heavy diamond pendant—a gift from Alejandro, bought in Paris.

Below her, the foyer was buzzing with activity. Cartel lieutenants, politicians, and business moguls mingled, sipping expensive champagne. It was Mateo’s fifth birthday party, and half the state of Nuevo León had come to pay their respects.

Alejandro stood near the door, speaking with the Governor. When he saw Valeria descending the stairs, he stopped mid-sentence. His dark eyes locked onto hers, burning with the same intense, possessive fire as always. He excused himself and walked to the bottom of the stairs, offering his hand.

Valeria took it, stepping down beside him.

"You look dangerous, mi amor," Alejandro whispered, kissing the back of her knuckles.

"I learned from the best," she smiled, her eyes flashing with confidence.

Mateo ran past them, laughing loudly as he chased a golden retriever puppy—his birthday present—through the crowd. He was a completely different child. The feral, screaming boy was gone, replaced by a happy, thriving son who adored his father and worshipped his new mother.

"Patrón. Señora Ríos," a deep voice interrupted them.

It was Hector. He looked uncomfortable, holding a small, black wooden box in his hands.

Valeria’s smile faded. She noticed the tension instantly. The title "Señora Ríos" hadn't been made legal yet—their wedding was next month—but all the men used it out of absolute respect and fear.

"What is it, Hector?" Alejandro asked, his voice dropping an octave.

"A courier dropped this off at the front gates, sir. He said it was a gift for the boy." Hector hesitated. "I scanned it for explosives. It's clear. But... there’s a note."

Alejandro took the box. He didn't open it immediately. He looked at Valeria, silently communicating the danger.

She nodded, stepping closer to his side.

Alejandro popped the latch on the black wooden box.

Inside, resting on a bed of black velvet, was a silver signet ring. It wasn't Ignacio’s ring. This one bore the crest of a coiled serpent wrapped around a skull. The emblem of the Cartel de las Sombras.

Tucked beneath the ring was a handwritten note on heavy, expensive stationary.

Valeria reached out and pulled the note free. She read it aloud, her voice cold and steady.

"A king is only as strong as his castle. And a castle can always burn. Happy birthday to the little prince. See you soon, Alejandro. — El Fantasma."

El Fantasma. The true boss of the Sombras cartel. The man who had ordered the hit on Alejandro's first wife. The man who had stayed hidden in the shadows for a decade.

Alejandro’s jaw clenched so hard the muscles ticked. His hand moved instinctively toward his weapon.

But Valeria placed her hand gently over his, stopping him.

She didn't flinch. She didn't look afraid. She looked down at the silver ring with absolute disgust.

"Hector," Valeria commanded, her voice ringing out clear and authoritative over the dull roar of the party.

"Yes, Señora?" Hector stood at attention.

"Take this ring," Valeria said, locking eyes with Alejandro’s second-in-command. "Melt it down. Turn it into a bullet. And send it back to El Fantasma with a message from me."

Hector blinked in surprise. "What is the message, Señora?"

Valeria looked up at Alejandro. The cartel boss was staring at her with a mixture of awe and absolute pride.