Chapter 5 - When the Doors Closed
The visitor was Patricia’s attorney, Victor Hale.
He entered through the service gate and went directly to the west library. Patricia joined him carrying a folder Emiliano recognized from his office.
Adrian increased the audio.
Victor spread documents across a table.
“He will never sign these without questions,” he said.
“He signs what I place between hotel contracts,” Patricia replied.
“And if the housekeeper warns him?”
“She won’t be here.”
Patricia opened a velvet box.
Inside was Elena’s missing diamond bracelet.
Emiliano stopped breathing.
Patricia lifted it as casually as if it were costume jewelry.
“I’ll put this in Rosa’s room tonight. Tomorrow, I will report several missing items. The police will find the bracelet and a collection of confidential documents.”
Victor looked uncomfortable.
“Framing an employee is not what we discussed.”
“You discussed results.”
“I discussed a prenuptial strategy.”
“And I am telling you the housekeeper is the only person preventing it.”
Patricia placed the bracelet inside her handbag.
Victor lowered his voice.
“What about the children?”
“They will be enrolled at Saint Aurelia’s after the wedding.”
“That school is in Switzerland.”
“Exactly.”
Emiliano looked toward Adrian.
“Record everything.”
“It is being recorded.”
Victor gathered the documents.
“You are underestimating him.”
“No,” Patricia said. “Everyone else overestimates him. Emiliano is brilliant with numbers and completely helpless with guilt. Mention Elena, and he stops asking questions. Mention the girls’ future, and he signs whatever promises to protect them.”
Emiliano turned away from the screen.
The truth was painful because it contained a small piece of reality.
Patricia had studied his grief.
She had not loved his vulnerability.
She had weaponized it.
After Victor left, Patricia called a man named Grant.
“Bring the car tonight,” she ordered. “Use the plates we discussed.”
Adrian began tracing the number.
Patricia then entered Emiliano’s office and removed copies of financial records. She placed them in a suitcase bearing Rosa’s initials.
At six o’clock, she joined the girls for dinner.
The change in her behavior was immediate.
She criticized Lucia for asking about their father. She took Sofia’s tablet away when Sofia tried to call him. She ordered Rosa to serve dessert in the kitchen instead of at the table.
When Rosa refused to leave the girls alone, Patricia smiled.
“You forget who will own this house.”
“This house belongs to Mr. Vega.”
“For now.”
Lucia heard her.
So did every hidden microphone.
After dinner, Patricia ordered the staff to leave early. She told them Emiliano wanted the mansion quiet because of an international business call.
Rosa stayed.
At 8:14, Patricia entered the girls’ bedroom.
May you like
In the underground security room, Emiliano rose from his chair.
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