Chapter 10 - The Legal Blockade
The next morning, Alejandro and his legal team marched into the city courthouse. With Victor Vance's dossier detailing Valeria's massive debts and the security footage of the poisoning, Alejandro believed getting a permanent restraining order and an arrest warrant would be a formality.
He was wrong.
They sat in the polished, mahogany-paneled chambers of Judge Holden, a man whose election campaigns had historically been heavily funded by the Montenegro family.
Valeria’s high-priced defense attorney, a sleek man named Sterling, offered a patronizing smile. "Your Honor, this entire proceeding is a farce. My client was simply trying to administer an over-the-counter vitamin to a fussy child. The father is currently under immense stress regarding the wedding planning and has unfortunately suffered a paranoid breakdown."
"A breakdown?" Alejandro slammed his hand on the table. "You saw the toxicology report! It was a lethal barbiturate!"
"A report from a private doctor on Mr. Reyes's payroll," Sterling countered smoothly. "As for the so-called 'evidence' of debt, it is well known that corporate restructuring requires complex offshore financing. It proves absolutely no motive for murder."
Judge Holden adjusted his glasses, looking entirely unbothered by the gravity of the accusations. "Mr. Reyes, while the video is concerning, without a chain of custody for the substance, and given the esteemed reputation of the Montenegro family, I cannot grant a restraining order based on what appears to be a domestic dispute. I strongly suggest family counseling."
Alejandro stared at the judge in absolute disbelief. The system wasn't just broken; it was bought.
"You're protecting a murderer because her father bought your seat," Alejandro growled, ignoring his lawyer's frantic attempts to quiet him.
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"One more word, Mr. Reyes, and I will hold you in contempt," Judge Holden warned, slamming his gavel. "Petition denied."
Alejandro walked out of the courthouse feeling a cold, terrifying dread. The law was not going to protect them. If they wanted to stop Valeria, they were going to have to do it outside the courtroom.
