CHAPTER 2 — THE MAN HE SHOULD HAVE FEARED
CHAPTER 2 — THE MAN HE SHOULD HAVE FEARED
The mansion fell into complete silence.
Even Santiago seemed unable to breathe.
Ricardo Salazar didn't raise his voice.
He didn't need to.
His presence alone filled the room.
Behind him stood two of Mexico's most respected attorneys and three security officers dressed in black suits.
Every one of them stared directly at Santiago.
Ricardo's eyes never left me.
He noticed the bruise beginning to form on my cheek.
He saw the trembling in my hands.
Then his gaze dropped to my swollen stomach.
His jaw tightened.
"I was too late," he whispered.
The words broke something inside me.
"Dad..."
I hadn't called him that in nearly three years.
He crossed the room in seconds and carefully wrapped his arms around me.
"I'm here now."
Santiago finally found his voice.
"Mr. Salazar... I can explain."
Ricardo slowly turned toward him.
"No."
"You'll explain to a judge."
One attorney stepped forward.
"Mr. Santiago Rivas."
"You are hereby notified that every financial agreement between Grupo Salazar and Rivas Holdings has been terminated effective immediately."
The color drained from Santiago's face.
"What?"
"The credit extensions."
"The investment guarantees."
"The private loans."
"All canceled."
Beatriz nearly dropped her wine glass.
"You can't do this!"
Ricardo looked at her with complete disgust.
"I already have."
The second attorney placed another folder on the marble table.
"This contains recordings of tonight's assault, previous incidents of domestic violence, forged psychiatric documents, insurance fraud, and conspiracy to kidnap a child."
Santiago stared at me.
"You recorded me?"
I finally looked him in the eyes.
"I started recording the day I realized you were planning to steal my son."
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For the first time in years...
Santiago looked afraid.
