Part 4: The Fall of the Landas
A horror-filled silence gripped the grand ballroom.
“I built my company with these hands, Renata,” Mercedes said into the microphone, her voice carrying absolute authority. “I survived the loss of my husband, and I built an empire in a world run by men. You thought shaving my head would make me look weak. But all you did was show everyone the snake you are.”
Santiago turned toward Renata, his eyes filled with immense horror and betrayal. “You shaved my mother while she was sleeping? You planned to put her in an asylum?!”
“Santiago, listen to me!” Renata panicked, grabbing his arm. “I did it for us! We need that money to build our life in Madrid!”
“There is no money, Renata,” Mercedes stated calmly. “The transfer was canceled an hour ago. Furthermore, my lawyers have already filed criminal charges for breaking and entering, grand theft of my jewelry box, and elder abuse.”
Two police officers in formal uniforms stepped through the entrance of the ballroom, walking straight toward the head table.
