Surprise Marriage to a Billionaire-Chapter 411: A Criminal Mastermind

It was a long night for everyone, and Rain knew Sanya would be on edge with worry after the sudden turn of events. Understanding her friend’s anxiety, Rain decided to stay in Sanya’s room to keep her company. When she informed Alexander, he immediately agreed, knowing it was the right thing to do.

"I can’t sleep, Rain," Sanya murmured, her voice low and strained.

Rain sighed softly and turned to face Sanya, who was staring blankly at the ceiling. They were both lying on the bed, wide awake, the tension in the air palpable.

"I want to call William, but I don’t want to distract him. This operation is critical, and I know how much it means to him to oversee everything personally... especially since it involves that man," Sanya continued.

Rain sighed softly, understanding William’s urgency. The moment Rico Alvarez’s involvement came to light, there was no hesitation in his actions. She could sympathize. If it were her, she’d do the same, knowing the threat Rico posed not just to Sanya but to her mother as well. freeωebnovēl.c૦m

Rico Alvarez wasn’t just a dangerous man; he was a fugitive, a criminal who had eluded capture for years. Taking him down wasn’t just a personal mission; it would also aid the government and the victims of his crimes.

However, one question kept gnawing in Rain’s mind: Why was Rico involved with Dina? Was he really the mastermind behind Dina’s escape? And, more importantly, what did he stand to gain from all of this?

Rain bit her inner lip in frustration, trying to make sense of the tangled web they were caught in. While Rico Alvarez was now a primary suspect, she couldn’t shake off her suspicions about Tim Clayton. There was something about him that didn’t sit right with her. And then there was Carla... a wildcard she couldn’t ignore. Both were threats in their own way, and Rain knew she had to keep her guard up against them.

Gently patting Sanya’s shoulder, Rain said, "Everything will be fine, Sanya. Before you know it, William will be back with us, safe and sound."

"I hope you’re right, Rain," Sanya whispered, her voice trembling slightly. She then turned her head to look at her friend. "But are you sure it’s okay for you to stay with me here?"

"Alexander agreed it was for the best. He’ll be busy coordinating everything about the operation, and he preferred that I stay with you tonight," Rain reassured her with a gentle smile.

Sanya nodded, her lips curving into a faint smile. "Alright then. But you should get some rest, Rain. Close your eyes and sleep early. Remember, you’re pregnant... you need to take care of yourself too."

Rain chuckled lightly. "You’re right. I’ll try to sleep now," she said as she closed her eyes, though the weight of the night still lingered.

*******

At Palan Island

Dressed in tactical gear, William stood at the forefront of his elite team, his jaw tight and his eyes hardened with resolve. Rico Alvarez was far too dangerous to leave to chance. For William, this wasn’t just a mission... it was personal. He wouldn’t rest until Rico and Dina were caught and held accountable.

"Sir, are you sure you want to lead the charge?" one of his men, a seasoned operative named Kellan, asked as they prepared their weapons in the dense jungle surrounding Rico’s hideout.

William had assured his family that he would stay at the base, coordinating the operation from a safe distance, emphasizing his role as the "overseer" of the mission.

That, however, was far from the truth. He simply didn’t want them to worry about his involvement.

William’s expression darkened as he adjusted his rifle and replied firmly, "I want to make sure Rico is caught and this ends tonight."

Using intel gathered from satellite images and local sources, the team approached Rico’s hideout. The villa stood isolated on a cliff overlooking the ocean.

Kellan nodded. "Understood, sir. We’re with you all the way. The team’s ready to move on your orders."

William couldn’t shake the gnawing feeling in his chest as he surveyed the area through his binoculars. The secluded hideout was heavily guarded, with men stationed at every corner. Yet, his focus kept drifting back to one question: How had Rico Alvarez and Dina crossed paths?

It didn’t sit right with him. Rico was a man with a history of calculated schemes, someone who didn’t involve himself unless there was something significant to gain. Dina, on the other hand, was impulsive and reckless, but not someone you’d expect to be tied to a criminal mastermind of Rico’s caliber.

For some reason, William’s gut told him this was no mere coincidence. There had to be a deeper connection, a hidden thread linking the two of them together.

"Sir, everyone’s in position," Kellan’s voice cut through his thoughts, bringing him back to the present.

William gestured for the team to split into two groups. "No casualties unless absolutely necessary," he whispered through the comms. "We need Rico alive. Dina, too."

The men moved like shadows, silent and precise. William led the first group toward the main entrance while the second team circled around the back to cut off any potential escape routes.

***

Meanwhile, inside the villa, Rico sat in the living room, a cigar in hand and a smug grin on his face. Dina sat nearby, looking restless and annoyed as she picked at her nails. Rico’s men stood guard at every corner, their weapons ready.

"You’ve been awfully quiet tonight," Rico remarked, his sharp eyes darting toward Dina. "Having second thoughts, little one?"

Dina glared at him, her arms crossed as she leaned back against the creaky chair. "I’m not regretting anything," she snapped, though the tension in her voice betrayed her irritation.

Rico chuckled, the sound low and mocking. He could sense her impatience, practically feel it radiating off her. But what could he do? Timing was everything, and rushing would only lead to mistakes.

"You’re not exactly subtle, Dina," Rico said, his tone dripping with amusement. "I know you’re itching to get this over with, but this isn’t the kind of thing we rush. Every detail has to be perfect, every risk accounted for."

Dina scoffed, turning her gaze toward the cracked window. "You act like you’re orchestrating some grand masterpiece. It’s not that complicated."

Rico’s smirk widened as he leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. "That’s where you’re wrong. The difference between success and failure is in the details. Underestimating the situation is what gets people caught or worse."

Dina clenched her fists, biting back the retort forming on her tongue. She hated this... hated feeling stuck in limbo while Rico seemed so calm, so in control.

Noticing her silence, Rico’s expression darkened slightly. "Don’t let your frustration get the better of you, Dina. This is bigger than just you or me. When the time comes, you’ll get your chance to act, but until then, you stick to the plan. Understood?"

She looked away, her jaw tightening as she muttered, "Understood."

Rico chuckled darkly. "Patience. Revenge takes time, and when it’s served cold, it’s oh so satisfying."

Before Dina could respond, a sudden commotion erupted outside. Muffled gunshots and shouts broke the stillness of the night. Rico shot to his feet, his cigar falling to the floor.

"What the hell is going on?!" he barked.

One of his men rushed in, panic etched across his face. "Boss, we’re under attack! They’re surrounding the villa!"

Rico cursed under his breath and grabbed his gun. "Dina, stay here," he ordered. But before he could make it to the door, it burst open, and William stepped in, his weapon trained on Rico.

"Drop your weapon and surrender, or I won’t hesitate to take you down," William grunted.

Rico’s face paled as more of William’s men stormed in, disarming his guards one by one. Dina shrank back against the wall, her eyes wide with shock.

Rico’s grip on his gun tightened for a moment, but he quickly realized he was outnumbered. With a growl of frustration, he dropped the weapon to the floor.

"Smart choice," William said, motioning for his men to apprehend Rico.

As the cuffs clicked into place around Rico’s wrists, William turned his attention to Dina, who was trembling in the corner.

"Dina," he said coldly. "Your games are over, too."

Dina stared at him, her defiance melting into fear. Her breath hitched, and her trembling hands clenched into fists. "How did you-" she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

She rapidly blinked, her mind racing as she struggled to process the situation. She couldn’t believe she had been found out so easily, especially before she could even begin carrying out her plans to make Rain’s life a living hell.

"You messed with the wrong people, Dina," William said coldly, his voice cutting through the air like a blade. His piercing gaze bore into her, unrelenting and devoid of any trace of mercy.