Chapter 13 - THE NOTEBOOK
Vanessa’s notebook began with public facts: Roberto’s work, the mansion, Elena’s death. Then came private details.
Sofía likes music. Afraid of loud footsteps. Holds rabbit when nervous.
Roberto recognized the first date. It was two weeks before he had met Vanessa at a charity dinner.
Claire had an explanation. Adrian’s contact inside the company had obtained Roberto’s calendar. Vanessa had used it to meet him. Later, she had learned about Sofía from household staff and from Roberto himself.
He felt foolish reading the notes. Then he thought of Sofía blaming herself over a spilled glass and stopped thinking about his pride.
Harris and the prosecutor reviewed the evidence. Charges followed for the forged documents, the unauthorized access to Roberto’s office, and the threats against María. The prosecutor told Roberto that proving exactly what each person had intended for Sofía’s trust would take time.
“I’ll show up whenever you need me,” Roberto said.
The legal process did take time. There were interviews, statements, and a hearing that Sofía did not have to attend. Roberto went with María when she gave her account. She spoke clearly, though her hands tightened around a paper cup whenever she described Sofía being frightened.
Afterward, outside the courthouse, María stopped him.
“I need to ask you something,” she said. “If Sofía needs me, I’ll stay. But I want her to know I have a choice.”
“Of course you do.”
“Vanessa made it sound as if my job was the only reason I protected her.”
Roberto shook his head. “Sofía knows you love her.”
“I want her to know I could leave this house tomorrow and still care about her.”
“You should tell her that.”
María did, that evening. Sofía listened from her place at the kitchen table.
“So if you go on vacation, you’ll come back?” she asked.
María laughed softly. “Yes.”
“And if you ever have another job?”
“I’ll still call you.”
Sofía thought about that. “Okay.”
For the first time, the house felt less like a place everyone was afraid to disturb.
Then Claire arrived with an update from the prosecutor. Adrian had offered to testify against Vanessa. In exchange, he wanted a reduced sentence.
“He says he can prove who planned the trust transfer,” Claire said.
May you like
Roberto asked what proof Adrian claimed to have.
“A recording,” Claire replied. “Of Vanessa talking about Sofía.”
