Chapter 3 — The Family That Lied to the World
One week later, Rodrigo Salcedo announced a public memorial.
A ceremony for his "missing daughter."
The entire city attended.
Politicians.
Business leaders.
Celebrities.
Everyone came to support the grieving father.
Rodrigo stood beneath the lights.
“I lost my daughter,” he said dramatically.
“She was suffering, and we failed to save her.”
The crowd believed every word.
Until Mariana walked into the room.
Alive.
Standing.
Holding Nico’s hand.
The entire hall went silent.
Rodrigo’s face changed.
For the first time…
the perfect mask cracked.
“Mariana…”
His voice trembled.
“You’re alive.”
She looked at him coldly.
“Yes, Father.”
“And I know exactly what you did.”
The cameras immediately turned toward her.
Reporters rushed forward.
Rodrigo tried to control the situation.
“My daughter is confused. She needs help.”
But Mariana smiled.
“No.”
She looked directly at the cameras.
“I need the truth.”
Then Gabriel entered.
And behind him were investigators carrying evidence.
The yacht recording.
Financial documents.
Communication records.
Every piece of proof.
Rodrigo’s smile disappeared.
May you like
Because for the first time…
he was powerless.
