When her husband is dispatched as acting consul to South America, out of boredom, a determined art-appraiser risks her life to uncover the lost treasure of a 16th‑century Portuguese galleon.

SYNOPSIS:

Meg Adams, a mid-30s art appraiser follows her diplomat husband Brian to his new post in a politically unstable South American country—where rumors of rebel uprisings and military crackdowns swirl through the streets. She stumbles upon an undecipherable centuries-old map titled ‘Esperanza’ and soon learns that the ‘Esperanza’ was a 16th-century Portuguese galleon that sank off the coast, carrying riches destined for King Philip II of Spain.

She befriends an ex-British Navy officer, Jeff Stuart, and Joselito, a 12-year-old mute local boy. Out of boredom with her new life, and despite warnings from Brian who is frustrated by her growing obsession, Meg dives headfirst into her treasure hunt, risking her safety and putting a strain on her marriage.

Pursued by Porfirio Diaz, a ruthless landowner, Sharon, his cunning accomplice, cozied up to Captain La Paz, a corrupt military officer, all equally determined to claim the treasure, Meg and Jeff must overcome various obstacles in their quest.

As they forge on to win the race the hunt has become, they accidentally stumble into a group of rebels lead by a bullet-wounded Serrano whom they help escape.

In a climactic confrontation, Meg and Jeff discover the treasure hidden deep beneath the water, but they are ambushed by Porfirio’s gang. Serrano and his rebels come close to rescue them, but it’s Joselito’s quick thinking and bravery that saves them from certain death. The ordeal ends with an explosion that shatters Porfirio’s boat and sends the treasure back into the abyss.

Meg, Jeff and Joselito emerge victorious. Rich with nothing but scraps of the treasure, they are left contemplating possibilities…

THE TREASURE OF THE ESPERANZA