Chapter 15 - THE FALL OF DOÑA ESTHER
The arrest happened before sunrise.
The same hour the mansion usually came quietly to life.
This time, police vehicles filled the circular driveway.
Doña Esther stood at the top of the staircase in a silk robe.
She refused to come down.
"You will regret humiliating me."
She called to Alejandro.
He stood below.
"No."
He replied.
"I regret protecting you for so long."
She looked toward Valeria.
"You did this."
Valeria did not answer.
Esther descended one step at a time.
Even surrounded by officers, she carried herself like a queen.
Then she stopped beside Alejandro.
"Everything you have came from me."
He shook his head.
"No."
"Everything I have came from people you used."
Her expression turned vicious.
"That woman will leave you."
"Maybe."
He said.
"But that's her choice."
"You've destroyed your family."
Alejandro looked toward Marcela.
His sister stood beside the investigators.
Then he looked upstairs, where Valeria had once hidden beneath a blanket, terrified to move.
"No."
He said.
"You did."
Esther was arrested on charges connected to financial crimes, conspiracy, obstruction, and the attack on Valeria.
The investigation into Rafael's death was reopened.
So was Javier Mendoza's case.
Dr. Serrano was still missing.
That worried Alejandro more than he admitted.
Three days later, the board demanded Alejandro resign.
They blamed him for the scandal.
He went to the meeting.
Twenty men and women sat around the polished table.
For years, he had believed that room represented power.
Now it looked small.
"I will resign."
He said.
Murmurs spread.
Then he continued.
"But first, every company account will remain open to investigators."
Several faces changed.
"And every executive who benefited from foundation money will be named."
Silence.
Alejandro removed his company badge.
He placed it on the table.
For the first time since he was twenty-eight, he walked out without controlling what happened next.
When he reached the street, Valeria was waiting.
"You really resigned?"
"Yes."
"What will you do?"
Alejandro looked at her.
"Learn who I am when the company isn't telling me."
Valeria almost smiled.
Then his phone rang.
May you like
Police had found Serrano.
But he wasn't alone.
