Chapter 12 - THE TRIAL OF VERONICA CARDENAS
Veronica and Adrian were tried separately.
Adrian faced charges for fraud, attempted theft, kidnapping, and conspiracy in Manuel’s death.
Veronica faced financial crimes, elder abuse, evidence tampering, and responsibility for the medication change.
Teresa testified for two days.
The prosecutor asked about her employment.
“I worked for the family for fifteen years.”
“Did Manuel promise you money during that time?”
“No.”
“Did you know Isabel was his sister?”
“No.”
“When did you learn?”
“After Veronica fired me.”
The defense attorney approached.
“You had access to Manuel’s food and medicine.”
“Yes.”
“You entered his rooms privately.”
“I delivered meals.”
“You discussed his health.”
“I asked whether he had eaten.”
The attorney held up the trust.
“And after fifteen years of this access, you received control of an empire.”
Teresa looked toward the jury.
“I also received letters proving my mother asked her family for help and was ignored.”
“I would return every dollar for one more year with her.”
The room became silent.
The prosecutor played Manuel’s recording.
The jury heard him explain the trust.
They heard his warning about the medicine.
They saw Veronica’s messages planning Teresa’s dismissal and false confession.
Mateo testified.
Dr. Mercer testified.
The private nurse testified.
Veronica took the stand against her attorney’s advice.
“My father was giving away our family.”
The prosecutor looked at Teresa.
“To his niece?”
“To an employee who happened to share blood.”
“Why does her work matter more to you than her birth certificate?”
“Because she did not belong with us.”
Veronica’s answer destroyed what remained of her defense.
The jury found her guilty on every major count.
She received a long prison sentence.
Adrian received an even longer one.
As officers led Veronica away, she looked at Teresa.
“You took my life.”
Teresa shook her head.
May you like
“No.”
“You built your life on things that never belonged only to you.”
