Chapter 9 - The Crumbling Facade
Don Alejandro Alcázar stepped further into the grand hall, instantly commanding the undivided attention of every single person present. He was an imposing man in his late sixties, with thick silver hair, a dark wooden cane, and a gaze that could effortlessly cut through solid steel. The elegant guests hurriedly parted ways, giving him a wide berth as he walked slowly and deliberately into the absolute center of the room.
He had been working quietly in his private study, reviewing complex financial documents, when the chaotic shouting finally drew him out. His sharp, calculating eyes immediately took in the entire scene: the heavy metal handcuffs biting into the young maid's wrists, his favorite grandson weeping openly, and his sister-in-law clutching her purse like a cornered animal. Finally, his piercing gaze locked entirely onto Valeria.
"Hand over the purse," he ordered, his voice brooking absolutely no argument.
Valeria turned a sickly shade of pale.
"Alejandro, surely you are not going to believe the nervous, imagined ramblings of a child over me?"
"I am going to believe the undeniable results of a physical search," Don Alejandro replied coldly.
"This is a profound public humiliation!" Valeria cried, desperately attempting to play the victim.
Don Alejandro glanced at Lucía, noting her tears and the cruel steel on her wrists.
"The humiliation began the exact moment you allowed a working employee to be handcuffed and paraded in front of our guests without a single shred of concrete proof."
Valeria pressed her lips together into a thin, angry line, realizing she was entirely out of options. The police officer extended his large hand once more.
May you like
"Ma'am."
For a long, agonizing second, it looked as though Valeria might refuse and physically fight the officer. The tension in the room was so incredibly thick it was suffocating. Finally, her shoulders slumped in absolute defeat, and she practically threw the satin purse into the officer's waiting hand. The entire hall held its collective breath as the officer began to open it.
