Chapter 5 - Chapter 5 - THE DINNER INVITATIONThe invitation arrived in a cream envelope even though Camila had already sent six messages about the event.
FAMILY UNITY DINNER was printed across the top in gold letters.Valerie almost laughed.She showed the invitation to Helen, who frowned.“You are not required to attend.”“I know.”“Then why go?”“Because Diego believes he can control the story. He tells everyone I’m selfish, unstable, and trying to destroy the family. I need them to see the truth.”Helen tapped the invitation.“Seeing the truth does not guarantee they will admit it.”“I’m not depending on their honesty.”Valerie had already taken precautions.She arranged for Nora to call her during dinner. If Valerie answered with the phrase Everything is fine, Nora would contact the police.Valerie also enabled an emergency recording feature on her phone and shared her location.Helen advised her to remain near an exit and leave at the first sign of danger.But Diego complicated the plan.On Saturday afternoon, he arrived home carrying flowers and behaving like the man Valerie had first fallen in love with.“I hate what this apartment issue has done to us,” he said.“The apartment hasn’t done anything.”“You know what I mean.”He placed the flowers on the table.“My mother can be demanding. I should have handled it differently.”Valerie studied him.“Are you withdrawing the request?”“I want us to discuss a compromise tonight.”“There is no compromise involving my ownership.”His expression tightened, but he quickly hid it.“Then explain that calmly at dinner.”“Why does the entire family need to be involved?”“So there are no misunderstandings.”Valerie knew it was a trap.He knew she knew.Yet both continued pretending the evening would be civilized.Before leaving, Valerie placed the silver apartment key around her neck. She wore a dark green dress with pockets large enough to hold her phone.At the estate, every member of the Salazar family seemed to be present.Camila’s sisters.Diego’s brothers and their spouses.Cousins Valerie had met only once.Even Sofia had been seated at the far end of the table between two aunts.Rafael greeted Valerie near the entrance.“You look like you’re going into battle,” he joked.“Perhaps I am.”His smile faded.“Diego said this is about helping Aunt Camila.”“Diego says many things.”Dinner began with forced politeness.Camila discussed charity donations and restaurant openings while servants brought out one course after another. Valerie barely ate.Her phone vibrated in her pocket.It was Nora calling at the arranged time.Valerie declined the call.That meant the situation was not yet dangerous.After dessert, Camila clapped her hands.A man in a gray suit entered carrying a leather folder.Valerie recognized him as a notary who had worked with the Salazar businesses.The relatives became quiet.Camila smiled.“Now that everyone is together, we can resolve the unfortunate tension surrounding my new apartment.”She placed the folder in front of Valerie.Inside was a prepared property transfer agreement.Valerie read the first page.The document claimed she was voluntarily gifting the apartment to Camila out of gratitude and affection.She closed the folder.“No.”The single word crossed the table like a flame.Camila’s smile remained fixed.“Perhaps you should read everything.”“I don’t need to.”Diego placed his hand on Valerie’s chair.“Don’t be disrespectful.”“I am refusing to give away my home.”Mateo cleared his throat.“Valerie, no one is forcing you. But families share resources.”“Then which property are you giving Camila?”Mateo looked away.Camila’s face reddened.“This apartment means nothing to you.”“It means more to me than you understand.”“It is an empty collection of rooms.”“It is mine.”Diego leaned closer.“Sign the document.”Valerie looked up at him.“No.”And the performance of family unity began to collapse.
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