Chapter 7: Isabella’s Final Safeguard
Ernesto placed the ledger on the bank manager’s desk.
“This is Isabella Mendoza’s founders’ register,” he said.
“Every controlling share issued since 1911 is recorded here.”
Victor laughed.
“An antique ledger cannot defeat modern contracts.”
“No,” Helena said.
“But the clause attached to those shares can.”
She opened the register to a page marked with a faded ribbon.
“If any officer attempts to divert the first female heir’s interest, all disputed voting rights return temporarily to the independent trustee.”
Rafael’s face appeared on a secure video screen.
The other directors joined one by one.
Victor pointed at Santiago.
“He attempted the diversion.”
“The forensic report is complete,” Helena said.
“Santiago’s employee number was copied by Calvin Price.”
Calvin slumped into a chair.
“Victor said it was only for an audit.”
Fernanda stared at him.
“Don’t say another word.”
Ramiro played the bank corridor recording.
Fernanda’s voice filled the room: “Marry me, sign the amendment, and I’ll tell the board the messages were misunderstood.”
Rafael removed his glasses.
“Fernanda, did you fabricate those messages?”
“She was upset,” Victor said.
“You cannot treat private bargaining as evidence.”
Elena placed the payment records beside the ledger.
“Then explain the consulting company you opened in my name.”
Victor reached for the papers.
An investigator pulled them away.
“Do not touch the evidence.”
Victor turned to Ernesto.
“Withdraw your complaint.
Keep the contracts.
I will remove Fernanda from the negotiations.”
Fernanda stared at him.
“You’re sacrificing me?”
“I am trying to save what can be saved.”
“You told me Santiago would sign after we were married!”
“And you were foolish enough to hurt the child before he did.”
Santiago’s expression changed.
“So you both knew.”
Fernanda stepped away from her father.
“He found the trust first.
He told me to get close to Santiago.”
Victor jabbed a finger toward her.
“You begged for a place in that family.”
“You promised me control.”
“I promised you nothing.”
Helena turned to the directors.
“You have now heard both parties identify the plan.”
Rafael called the vote.
“First motion: restore Santiago Mendoza immediately.”
Nine hands rose.
“Second motion: terminate every Salazar contract for breach, falsified disclosures, and coercion.”
Nine hands rose again.
Victor’s phone began ringing.
He answered.
“What do you mean the credit line is frozen?”
Another call flashed across the screen, then another.
Victor stopped answering.
The lead investigator approached Calvin.
“You will come with us for formal questioning.”
Calvin pointed at Victor.
“I have every instruction he sent me.”
Victor moved toward the exit.
The bank manager remained in front of the locked door.
Fernanda looked at Santiago.
“Tell them it was a family misunderstanding.
I loved you.”
“You loved the signature you thought I could provide.”
“What happens to me now?”
“You answer for what you did to Valentina.”
The investigators escorted Victor and Calvin into the hall.
Victor twisted back toward Ernesto.
“You think that girl saved you?
She will tear this family apart when she controls it.”
Ernesto rested his hand on the old ledger.
“No, Victor.
She showed us who was already trying to.”
Fernanda was led toward a separate interview room.
At the doorway, she looked back at Santiago.
“One day Valentina will learn you chose an empire over me.”
Santiago met her eyes.
May you like
“No.
She’ll learn I chose her before you could steal it.”
