Chapter 13 - Uncaged
The grand hall erupted into a massive frenzy of horrified whispers, louder and vastly more chaotic than before. Lucía stood frozen, her mind struggling to process the sheer magnitude of the elaborate deception. This horrific ordeal was never just about a missing antique necklace. It was a desperate, malicious attempt to destroy a poor maid’s life simply to buy time and cover up a massive, multi-million dollar corporate theft.
Realizing she was completely trapped with no escape, Valeria finally snapped. The elegant, sophisticated facade shattered entirely, revealing the ugly, greedy truth underneath.
"That stupid foundation was a bottomless pit!" she screamed, her face contorted with ugly rage. "No one ever audited the books! I only took the rightful compensation that this ungrateful family owed me!"
Don Alejandro took a threatening step toward her, his wooden cane trembling in his furious grip.
"Owed you?"
"Yes!" Valeria yelled back, angry tears of frustration streaming down her face. "Everyone in this massive house worships the ghost of your dead wife! Her charities, her expensive paintings, her beloved poor people! And what about me? I kept this massive estate running! I hosted your incredibly boring galas! I smiled at your arrogant guests!"
"And in return, you stole life-saving medicine and food from sick, dying children," Don Alejandro said, his voice dripping with absolute, profound disgust.
Valeria had no response. The incredibly ugly reality of her crimes hung heavily in the air, suffocating her. Mateo hid his face completely behind his grandfather’s heavy coat. Lucía was still standing in the center of the room, her hands tightly bound. Don Alejandro turned his attention to the police officers.
"Remove those handcuffs immediately," he commanded firmly.
The officer didn't hesitate for a second.
May you like
"Yes, sir."
The heavy steel mechanisms clicked open, and the cuffs fell away. Lucía immediately rubbed her bruised, red wrists, wincing at the sharp pain. The physical restraints were gone, but the emotional shockwave of the morning still vibrated violently through her tired body.
