Chapter 2 - The Exile
Valeria did not leave quietly. Her screams echoed through the grand foyer, a stark contrast to the perfectly curated image of high society grace she usually projected. She threw a heavy crystal vase, shattering it against the mahogany wall, desperate to regain some semblance of control.
"You think this little maid can protect your daughter?" Valeria screamed, pointing a manicured finger at Lucía, who had knelt on the floor, shielding Sofía with her own body. "You need me, Alejandro! My family's connections are the only reason your firm survived the quarter!"
"My firm means nothing if my daughter is dead," Alejandro replied, his voice dangerously calm. He stepped forward, grabbing Valeria by the arm, entirely indifferent to her struggles. He dragged her toward the heavy double doors.
"It was just a sedative!" Valeria cried, changing her story in a panic. "She's always so loud, Alejandro! She never gives us a moment of peace! I just wanted her to sleep so we could have a quiet dinner! You know how stressful the wedding planning has been!"
The justification only fueled the fire burning in Alejandro's chest. "You poisoned a four-year-old child for a quiet dinner. You are sick, Valeria."
He shoved her out onto the grand stone porch, tossing her expensive purse out after her. The cold night wind whipped around them.
"If you ever come near Sofía again, if you ever step foot on my property, I won't just call the police," Alejandro warned, his eyes dark and absolute. "I will dedicate every cent of my fortune to destroying your life. Do you understand me?"
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Valeria stared at him, her makeup smudged, looking completely unhinged. She didn't apologize. Instead, she offered a venomous smile. "You think it's that easy to get rid of me? This isn't over."
Alejandro slammed the heavy oak doors shut, locking the deadbolt. The silence that followed was heavy, filled with the terrifying realization of how close they had come to a tragedy. He turned back to the dining room. Lucía was still on the floor, rocking Sofía back and forth, whispering soothing words in her ear.
