Chapter 4 - The Web Tightens"Diego!" I exclaimed, my voice filled with innocent delight. "What a sweet surprise! Are you dropping off pastries for Mariana too?"
Diego swallowed hard, his eyes darting frantically from me to Lourdes, then to Mariana, trying to gauge if the room had exploded before his arrival.
"I... yes," Diego stammered, stepping into the foyer and closing the door behind him. "I was inspecting a construction site down the street in Angelópolis and remembered Mariana mentioned she wasn't feeling well. I thought I’d bring her something to eat."
"How thoughtful of you," I said, walking over to him and smoothing the lapel of his tailored suit. "You are always looking after everyone, aren't you?"
Diego stiffened under my touch, trying to search my face for any sign of suspicion. But I gave him the same devoted, gentle look I had given him for six years.
"In fact," I continued, turning to address the room, "I was just telling Mother and Mariana about the grand shareholder gala this Saturday at the Grand Hotel."
Diego’s eyes flashed with sudden ambition, forgetting his anxiety. "The gala? Did... did you speak to the board members about the share transfer?"
"I did," I lied effortlessly. "The board has agreed. On Saturday night, during the keynote dinner, I am going to publicly transfer thirty percent of my father’s voting shares to you. You will officially be named Managing Partner of Grupo Alfa."
Lourdes gasped in delight. "Oh, Diego! That is wonderful news!"
Diego’s posture instantly straightened. A smug, victorious smile spread across his lips—the exact same arrogant smile I had seen outside Room 312.
"Valeria, my love," Diego said, stepping closer and taking my hands into his. "You won't regret this. I will build an empire for us. I know these past few years have been tough with the fertility treatments and... everything else, but this is a new beginning for our family."
"It certainly is," I replied, holding his gaze. "A complete new beginning."
"We should celebrate!" Lourdes announced, clapping her hands. "Mariana, darling, we must get you a stunning gown for Saturday night! You have to be there to see your brother-in-law take his rightful place!"
"Mariana shouldn't miss it for the world," I agreed softly. "After all, she’s part of the family."
By Friday evening, the trap was fully set.
Santiago and his team of forensic accountants had worked forty-eight hours straight. The results were devastating: Diego had embezzled over seven million pesos over three years, falsified bank documents, and committed tax evasion under Grupo Alfa’s name. Furthermore, Santiago had secured a court order freeze on all assets associated with Lumina Consultores, effective Saturday at 8:00 PM—right when the gala keynote would begin.
I sat in my dressing room on Saturday afternoon, wearing a breathtaking emerald-green silk gown. A jeweler had delivered a diamond necklace that sparkled like crushed ice against my collarbone.
My phone rang. It was Santiago.
"Everything is in position, Valeria," Santiago said. "The board of directors has been privately briefed. They have seen the forensic audit, the Lumina bank trails, and listened to the audio recording. They are furious, but they have agreed to follow your lead completely during the presentation."
"And the police?" I asked, putting on a diamond earring.
"Two undercover officers from the state economic crimes unit will be stationed near the main ballroom doors," Santiago confirmed. "The moment you finish your speech, they will execute the warrant for Diego’s arrest."
"What about my mother and sister?"
"Their names are on the indictment," Santiago said grimly. "When the freeze goes live, Mariana’s credit cards will decline at the hotel, and the eviction notice for her Angelópolis apartment will be served on Monday morning. They will have to answer to the District Attorney for money laundering."
I looked at my reflection in the mirror. "Thank you, Santiago."
"Valeria," Santiago added, his tone softening slightly. "Are you ready for this? There is no turning back after tonight."
I picked up my evening clutch, placing the digital recorder inside it alongside a black flash drive containing the complete audit and audio files.
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"Santiago," I said calmly, "I’ve been waiting for tonight my entire life."
Downstairs, the horn of Diego’s luxury sedan sounded. I took a deep breath, smoothed my emerald gown, and walked down the stairs to meet my husband for his grand celebration.
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