Chapter 12 - The Phantom Charities
Don Alejandro turned his massive frame slowly toward his sister-in-law, his expression darkening into something truly terrifying to behold.
"What financial papers?" he asked, his voice dangerously low and threatening.
Valeria clutched her empty hands to her chest, her eyes darting frantically around the room for an exit.
"It was absolutely nothing! Just meaningless, outdated charity receipts!"
From his hiding spot behind his grandfather's leg, Mateo spoke up again, his voice much quieter now but still devastatingly clear.
"I also heard her talking on her cell phone. She told someone that the new maid had to be fired and kicked out before you audited the foundation records."
Don Alejandro went completely, rigidly still. The Alcázar Family Foundation was the absolute crown jewel of his late wife’s legacy. It was a massive charitable organization dedicated to building rural schools, providing vital medicine for sick children, and supporting destitute single mothers. When his beloved wife passed away, he had entrusted the daily administration of the foundation entirely to Valeria three years ago.
"Bring me that folder immediately," Don Alejandro ordered his head butler, his tone absolute.
Valeria tried to make a desperate break for the grand exit. The taller police officer swiftly sidestepped, physically blocking her path.
"Ma'am, you cannot leave the premises."
"I am not under arrest!" she shrieked indignantly.
"Not yet," the officer replied coldly.
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Minutes later, the butler returned, carrying the thick Manila folder. Don Alejandro immediately summoned Don Ricardo, the fiercely loyal family lawyer who had been attending the brunch. Ricardo adjusted his spectacles and began rapidly scanning the documents. Within seconds, all the healthy blood drained from the lawyer's face.
"Don Alejandro..." Ricardo stammered, looking up in sheer, unadulterated horror. "These are incredibly grave financial transfers. Millions of dollars designated for the foundation have been routinely wired to phantom shell companies and non-existent vendors. Every single authorization signature perfectly matches Doña Valeria's."
