Chapter 2 — The Man Behind the Name
Chapter 2 — The Man Behind the Name
No one moved.
The silence was heavier than the threats that had filled the room only seconds earlier.
Ricardo Salazar removed his leather gloves one finger at a time.
His eyes never left Santiago.
"So," he said quietly, "this is the man who believes my daughter belongs to him."
Santiago recovered first.
"I'm afraid you've entered a private residence."
Ricardo's expression didn't change.
"No."
He glanced toward the attorneys behind him.
"This became a crime scene the moment you threatened my daughter."
One attorney stepped forward and held up official documents.
"Court authorization."
The second attorney spoke calmly.
"We also have a protective order effective immediately."
Beatriz's wine glass slipped from her fingers.
It shattered across the marble floor.
"What is this?" she demanded.
Ricardo finally looked at her.
"This," he answered, "is accountability."
Santiago laughed.
"You think a few lawyers scare me?"
Ricardo nodded toward one of the security guards.
The man connected a tablet to the television mounted above the fireplace.
The living room filled with sound.
Santiago's own voice echoed through the mansion.
"If you don't sign tomorrow..."
Then another recording.
"Your baby will grow up without a mother."
Another.
"You're nobody without me."
Every threat.
Every insult.
Every attempt to intimidate Valeria.
Recorded.
Time-stamped.
Crystal clear.
The color drained from Santiago's face.
Valeria watched him in silence.
May you like
For the first time in two years...
He looked afraid.
