Chapter 1: The Empire Strikes Back

The silence inside the mansion was so complete that even the crystal chandelier seemed to stop swaying.

Santiago stared at the man standing in the doorway.

His lips parted.

"...Ricardo Salazar?"

For the first time since Valeria had known him, fear flashed across her husband's face.

Ricardo removed his leather gloves with deliberate calm.

"I expected a warmer welcome from the man who has been living on my money."

Neither Santiago nor Beatriz answered.

The two attorneys stepped forward carrying thick leather briefcases while the security officers quietly spread throughout the foyer.

Every exit was now blocked.

Santiago forced a laugh.

"This is a private residence."

Ricardo's eyes never left him.

"It belongs to the bank as of nine o'clock tomorrow morning."

The words landed like thunder.

"What?"

One attorney calmly opened a folder.

"Grupo Salazar has acquired every outstanding loan secured against Rivas Holdings over the past six months."

Another attorney placed several documents onto the marble table.

"The loans are in default."

"The grace period expired thirty-two minutes ago."

"The entire Rivas estate—including this mansion—is now subject to immediate seizure."

Beatriz nearly dropped her wine glass.

"That's impossible!"

Ricardo finally looked at her.

"You should have read the names on the contracts before signing them."

Her face slowly lost its color.

Every loan.

Every extension.

Every bailout Santiago believed had come from anonymous investors...

Had been financed by the father of the woman they abused every single day.

Santiago's confidence shattered.

"You planned this?"

Ricardo shook his head.

"No."

"You did."

He turned toward Valeria.

"My daughter simply gave me permission to stop protecting monsters."

Santiago suddenly grabbed Valeria's wrist.

"She's my wife!"

Before anyone could react—

Three security officers pulled him backward with practiced precision.

His hand released her immediately.

Ricardo stepped between them.

"You lost the right to touch her the moment you raised your hand."

Valeria's tears finally escaped.

Not from fear.

From relief.

For the first time in two years...

Someone had chosen to protect her.