Part 3: The Liquidation of a Dynasty
Mateo’s hands shook as he pressed the speed dial for his private banker.
The phone rang three times before an administrative assistant answered with a cold, formal script.
— Mr. Vance’s office. How may we direct your call?
Mateo dropped the phone, the plastic casing cracking against the hospital floor.
— You bought the bank? Mateo whispered, his eyes wide with absolute disbelief.
— I bought your debt, Alejandro corrected him, stepping closer until his shadow completely covered Mateo. For three years, you’ve been skimming from the logistics corporate accounts to fund your lifestyle. You thought your wife didn't notice. You thought I didn't notice.
He tapped the legal folder in his hand.
— Camila gave me the forensic accounting files six months ago. She was waiting for the right time to leave you. Last night, you gave her the perfect reason.
The world Mateo had spent his entire life building was dissolving into the hospital floor.
His mistress, Valeria, had already blocked his number after her credit cards were declined at the hotel downtown.
His friends from the private club were currently receiving subpoenas regarding the corporate tax evasion lines.
— I will sue you for custody! Mateo screamed, his arrogance making a desperate, final stand. That is my blood! You can't keep my daughter from me!
The door to the room opened again, and the family court judge stepped out, adjusting her glasses.
— Mr. Vance is correct, Mr. Mateo, the judge said, her voice dripping with professional disgust. Given the evidence of reckless endangerment and the emergency filings, an immediate protective order has been granted. You have no parental rights until a full criminal tribunal determines your liability in your wife’s injuries.
Mateo backed away, his boots dragging against the linoleum.
He looked at Camila through the glass, her pale hand resting near the incubator.
She didn't look at him.
She didn't even know he was there.
She had survived the fall, but the man she had married had died to her the moment he pressed the red button on his phone.
— Get him out of my sight, Alejandro ordered.
Two security guards grabbed Mateo by his arms, forcing him backward toward the elevators.
May you like
He didn't fight back.
The weight of those 17 missed calls was finally settling on his shoulders, a crushing debt he would be paying for the rest of his life.
