CHAPTER 3 – THE TRAP
The next morning, Carmen hosted a lavish family brunch.
She laughed with relatives.
Showed off expensive wedding gifts.
Told everyone her new daughter-in-law was "too emotional."
Javier sat beside her pretending nothing had happened.
Then the restaurant doors opened.
Alexander walked inside.
Every conversation stopped.
Carmen smiled politely.
"Mr. Hayes."
"What a surprise."
Alexander didn't return the smile.
Instead, he placed a leather folder on the table.
"What is this?" Carmen asked.
"Evidence."
Nobody moved.
Alexander opened the folder.
The first photograph showed Sofia's bruised face.
The second showed fingerprints around her wrists.
The third showed medical documentation.
Silence.
Carmen's smile disappeared.
"You can't prove anything."
Alexander looked toward the restaurant entrance.
"Oh..."
"I don't need to."
Three detectives entered.
Behind them came hotel employees.
Then the restaurant manager.
Finally...
The hotel's night security supervisor.
His face was pale.
Alexander nodded toward him.
"Tell everyone."
The man swallowed.
"The surveillance wasn't lost."
"I was ordered to erase it."
Carmen's face turned white.
"By whom?" a detective asked.
The supervisor slowly pointed.
"Mrs. Carmen Alvarez."
Gasps echoed across the restaurant.
Javier stood up.
"This is insane!"
Alexander finally looked at him.
May you like
"No."
"This is just the beginning."
