Chapter 2: The Evidence Hidden Behind the Balloons
Chapter 2: The Evidence Hidden Behind the Balloons
No one moved.
The investigators spread through the living room with quiet precision while the forensic examiner sealed off the dining area with bright yellow evidence tape.
The birthday party instantly transformed into an active crime scene.
"What is the meaning of this?" Ofelia screamed, scrambling to her feet.
One investigator calmly displayed his badge.
"We're executing a search warrant related to allegations of domestic violence, financial fraud, forgery, and attempted unlawful transfer of property."
Julián laughed louder than necessary.
"This is ridiculous. You can't search my home because of a family argument."
Ernesto folded his hands behind his back.
"No."
He looked directly at his son-in-law.
"We're searching your home because you confessed to assault in front of multiple witnesses."
The investigator nodded toward the guests.
"Everyone present will be asked to provide statements."
The room fell silent.
The same friends who had laughed moments earlier suddenly avoided Julián's eyes.
Meanwhile, the forensic examiner opened the black trash bag Ofelia had desperately tried to retrieve.
Inside were several bank envelopes.
Property deeds.
Loan agreements.
Insurance paperwork.
Every page carried Valeria's signature.
Except...
The signatures weren't hers.
The handwriting expert accompanying the investigators smiled faintly.
"At first glance, these appear to be simulated signatures."
Ofelia's face drained of color.
"They're family documents."
"They belong to my son."
"No," Ernesto replied.
"They belong to my daughter."
He reached into his briefcase and placed the original property deed on the dining table.
"The house was purchased five years before the marriage."
"It has never belonged to Julián."
The investigator compared both documents.
One was authentic.
The other had been altered.
The forensic photographer captured every page before placing them into evidence bags.
Julián suddenly understood.
This wasn't a surprise inspection.
May you like
It was a carefully prepared operation.
And he had walked straight into it.
