The red wax seal fell to the marble floor with a dry sound. In that instant, Julián and Clara’s world collapsed into a thousand pieces.
The family’s lawyer, Mr. Montenegro, didn’t even blink as he adjusted his silk tie. He held the manila folder containing the last will of Mrs. Elena in his hands.
—This can’t be true… there must be a mistake! —Julián shouted, falling to his knees. His tears ran hot on the polished floor of the main lobby.
Clara looked at the disheveled suitcases, where the jewelry and designer clothes were stacked. Everything they tried to save had already been uncovered.
Behind them, surrounded by white floral arrangements, lay the portrait of Mrs. Elena. The matriarch smiled with a calm elegance from the golden canvas. A smile that now seemed to mock their own despair.
—There is no mistake, Mr. Julián —Montenegro said, his voice cold and unflinching. —Mrs. Elena signed this document exactly three hours before her collapse.
—No, no! You manipulated her! —Clara murmured, reaching for the lawyer’s trouser leg. —She loved us… she promised us that this house would be ours!
The lawyer took a step back, avoiding contact. He adjusted the folder against his chest with a chilling calm. —Mrs. Elena knew every one of her moves in this house perfectly.
—They thought her silence during her last months was ignorance —the lawyer continued. —But the mind of a woman who built this empire never faded.
Julián stretched out his hand toward Montenegro, pleading with his face disfigured by anguish. —Please! We have debts! Dangerous people are looking for us outside!
—The street is dark today, Julián —the older man replied without blinking. —And the security of the lobby is already on its way to escort you out.
Clara looked at the disheveled suitcases, where the jewels and designer clothes stood out. Everything they tried to save had already been exposed. The impeccable plan they had drawn for six months crumbled in ten seconds.
—You don’t understand… if we leave through that door, we’re done for —Clara whispered.
—They should have thought about that before changing the doses of their medicine —Montenegro sentenced.
The silence that followed froze the air in the majestic entrance of the mansion. Elena’s portrait seemed to observe the scene with impeccable justice.
The heavy steps of the guards began to resonate on the main staircase. Julián looked at his sister, visibly trembling at the inevitable. There was no escape, no possible appeal, and nothing was left.
The lawyer turned halfway to walk towards the large oak doors. —Your time on this property has officially ended —he said without looking back.
(A terrifying confrontation awaits at the iron gates! Click “Next Page” to continue reading…)
