Chapter 2 - THE MONEY THAT DISAPPEARED
Forty-eight million pesos.
The number changed the atmosphere in the courtroom.
This was no longer a wealthy couple fighting over a divorce.
It was beginning to look like something much larger.
Esteban placed a series of bank records before the judge.
“The transfers went through seven separate entities.”
Julián’s attorney stood again.
“Those are legitimate consulting companies.”
Esteban nodded.
“That is what their invoices claim.”
He lifted another document.
“Unfortunately, three of those companies have no employees.”
Another page.
“Two have no physical offices.”
Another.
“One is registered to the former driver of Mrs. Elvira Salvatierra.”
Every face turned toward Doña Elvira.
She pressed a hand against her chest.
“I don’t know anything about business.”
Claudia looked at her.
That was almost funny.
Elvira had spent ten years telling Claudia exactly how business should be run.
Judge Aranda examined the documents.
“And the seventh company?”
Esteban paused.
“That one belongs to Ms. Renata Velasco.”
Renata froze.
Julián whispered something to her.
She ignored him.
“That’s impossible.”
Esteban handed the judge another document.
“Velasco Strategic Solutions received 8.6 million pesos from Salvatierra BioMed.”
Renata stood.
“I never received eight million pesos.”
Julián grabbed her arm.
“Sit down.”
She pulled free.
“I said I never received that money.”
Judge Aranda warned them both.
Esteban looked at Renata.
“The company is registered using your identification.”
“I didn’t create it.”
“Your signature appears on the incorporation documents.”
“I signed papers Julián gave me.”
The courtroom became completely silent again.
Julián stared at her.
Renata realized what she had just said.
His attorney covered his mouth with one hand.
Claudia felt no satisfaction.
Only confirmation.
Julián had used everyone.
His wife.
His mistress.
His mother.
His employees.
Anybody close enough to sign something without asking the right question.
Esteban continued.
“Mrs. Rivera discovered the transfers approximately six months ago.”
Julián turned toward Claudia.
“Six months?”
“Yes.”
“You knew?”
“Yes.”
“And you said nothing?”
Claudia buttoned her coat again.
“I needed to know how far you would go.”
His expression changed.
“You were spying on me.”
“I was auditing a company I helped create.”
“It wasn’t your company.”
Claudia looked at the black folder.
“We’ll get there.”
The confidence vanished from Julián’s eyes again.
Judge Aranda ordered a short recess.
The courtroom erupted the moment he left.
Reporters rushed toward the doors.
Phones appeared everywhere.
Julián moved toward Claudia.
Esteban stepped between them.
Julián stopped.
His voice dropped.
“You have no idea what you’re doing.”
Claudia stared at him.
“I know exactly what I’m doing.”
“You’re going to destroy the company.”
“No.”
She stepped closer.
“I’m trying to save it from you.”
His face tightened.
Then he said something only she could hear.
“You think those scars make you powerful?”
Claudia’s stomach twisted.
There it was.
The old Julián.
The voice he used behind closed doors.
Quiet.
Controlled.
Cruel.
“You should be careful,” he whispered.
“People will start asking how you got them.”
Claudia held his gaze.
“That’s Exhibit Nine.”
Julián’s expression collapsed.
She walked away.
Behind her, she heard Renata say his name.
“Julián.”
He ignored her.
“Julián, look at me.”
Finally he did.
Renata’s voice shook.
May you like
“What is Exhibit Nine?”
Claudia didn’t wait for the answer.
