Chapter 15 - VERONICA’S TRIAL
Veronica’s trial lasted six weeks.
The prosecution presented the altered medication.
They played Manuel’s recording.
They showed the fraudulent property sale and pension transfers.
Rafael testified about the signatures he provided.
The private nurse testified that Veronica dismissed her on the night Manuel died.
Teresa testified last.
Veronica watched her from the defense table.
“You worked for Mr. Cardenas for fifteen years?” the prosecutor asked.
“Yes.”
“Did he appear confused when he created the trust?”
“No.”
“Did you request money or ownership?”
“No.”
“When did you learn Isabel was his sister?”
“After Veronica fired me.”
The defense attorney approached.
“You expect this jury to believe you never noticed a resemblance?”
“I saw my mother’s face every day.”
“I did not expect to find it in a family portrait hanging above a staircase I was paid to clean.”
“You benefited from Manuel’s death.”
“So did every person named in his will.”
The attorney changed direction.
“Did you love Manuel?”
Teresa considered the question.
“I respected him.”
“I cared for him.”
“I am also angry that he waited so long to search for my mother.”
The courtroom became quiet.
Teresa continued.
“He did something right at the end.”
“That does not erase what he failed to do before.”
Her honesty weakened the defense’s claim that she had created a perfect story to manipulate Manuel.
The jury found Veronica guilty of financial fraud, elder abuse, evidence tampering, and causing her father’s death through the reckless medication change.
She was sentenced to prison.
Harrison received a long sentence in a separate proceeding.
Rafael accepted reduced penalties and financial restrictions for cooperating.
Tomas was cleared of wrongdoing.
When Veronica was led from the courtroom, she looked toward Teresa.
“You took my father.”
Teresa answered quietly.
May you like
“No.”
“You lost him while he was still alive.”
