Chapter 3 - THE UNCLE'S SHADOW
The atmosphere in the mansion changed dramatically overnight.
Mariana did not go back to Ecatepec that evening. Alejandro insisted she and Lucía stay in the master guest suite on the second floor—a room larger than Mariana’s entire apartment, fitted with plush velvet sofas, a private balcony, and warm oak paneling.
At dawn, Alejandro sat in his glass-walled office downstairs, reviewing legal documents with his private security advisor, Detective Vance.
"Ernesto Santillán has been draining Mateo’s trust fund for three years," Vance explained, sliding a stack of bank statements across the desk. "He presented forged death certificates for both Mateo and any potential heirs to the probate court. Because there was no living child on record, Ernesto appointed himself as sole executor."
"He stole my brother's legacy while Mateo's daughter was living in poverty," Alejandro said, his fists clenched tightly on the desk. "He knew Lucía survived the crash. He paid off the local hospital clerk to keep her name off the public birth registry."
"It gets worse," Vance added. "Ernesto’s informants spotted Mariana taking a private car to your house yesterday. He knows she’s here, Alejandro. He’s already putting pressure on the board members."
Right on cue, the double wooden doors of the study burst open.
Uncle Ernesto stepped inside, flanked by two bodyguards in dark suits. Ernesto was fifty-eight, dressed in an impeccably tailored Italian suit, with slicked-back gray hair and a cold, predatory smile.
"Alejandro, my dear nephew," Ernesto drawled, leaning heavily on his silver-headed cane. "I heard a fascinating rumor at the club this morning. They say you’ve moved your housekeeper and her little bastard child into the family estate. Have you lost your mind?"
Alejandro stood up slowly, towering over his uncle with icy authority. "You are in my house, Ernesto. You don't speak about my guests that way."
"Guests?" Ernesto sneered, stepping closer. "She’s a maid from Ecatepec! And that child... you think I don't know what you're doing? You’re trying to fabricate an heir to challenge my control over Mateo’s trust!"
"I don't need to fabricate anything," Alejandro replied, his voice calm and lethal. "Lucía is Mateo’s biological daughter. The DNA test was completed two days ago. It’s a ninety-nine point nine percent match."
Ernesto’s smug expression shattered. His face turned a mottled red, his eyes narrowing into venomous slits.
"You fool," Ernesto hissed. "That girl doesn't exist legally! Her mother was a nobody, and Mateo died before signing the final acknowledgment! If you think you can bring a street child into the Santillán empire, I will strip you of your chairmanship before the week is out!"
"Try it," Alejandro said, stepping around his desk until he was inches from Ernesto’s face. "Every dollar you stole from Mateo's trust has been tracked. I suggest you get yourself a very good criminal lawyer, Ernesto. Because when I am done with you, you won't even own that suit."
Ernesto glared at Alejandro with pure hatred, then turned on his heel and marched out of the mansion, slamming the doors behind him.
Upstairs, Mariana stood near the railing of the balcony, holding Lucía in her arms. She had heard every word.
May you like
Alejandro walked up the stairs, his face softening the moment he saw them.
"He won't hurt you," Alejandro promised, looking directly into Mariana’s anxious eyes. "I will burn my entire empire to the ground before I let anyone harm either of you."
