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Chapter 6 - THE STING AT THE NOTARY OFFICEAt exactly 9:55 a.m. the next morning, a sleek black sedan pulled up outside Garza Notary Services in the upscale Polanco district.

Inside the opulent marble-floored office, Licenciado Roberto Garza sat behind a massive mahogany desk, nervously tapping a golden pen against a stack of official property transfer contracts. Across from him sat Mónica and Fabián, both looking exhausted, pale, and desperate. They had spent the entire night trying to erase digital footprints, unaware that Mateo Santiago’s cyber-forensics team had already mirrored every server they touched.

The glass double doors swung open.

Julián walked in, wearing a sharp charcoal suit, pushing Doña Amalia in her wheelchair. Behind them walked two men in dark suits with federal badges pinned inside their jackets, accompanied by Mateo Santiago.

Mónica jumped out of her chair, her face contorted in rage. "What is the meaning of this? You have no right to bring police into a private commercial proceeding!"

Licenciado Garza stood up, sweating profusely under his collar. "Yes, Mr. Herrera, this is private property! Security, please escort—"

"Don't move a muscle, Garza," Mateo Santiago interrupted, flashing a special investigator badge that commanded absolute authority. He stepped forward and slammed a thick federal warrant onto the mahogany desk.

"Mateo Santiago, Federal Financial Crimes Unit and Private Forensic Investigations. We are executing a search and seizure warrant for fraudulent asset transfer, extortion, and attempted medical sabotage under Penal Code Section 342."

Fabián’s knees buckled, and he dropped heavily back into his chair, staring in horror at the federal agents. "This... this is an administrative overreach! We have a signed and notarized deed from the legal owner!"

"A deed signed by a stroke victim while being systematically deprived of life-saving medication under your direct telephonic instruction," Julián said, stepping up to the desk. He looked down at his brother with absolute pity. "Do you want me to play the audio for Licenciado Garza, or would you prefer to save it for the judge?"

Garza turned a terrifying shade of pale green, looking at Fabián. "You... you told me she was of sound mind! You said the family consented!"

"Shut up, you idiot!" Fabián roared, losing his composure completely as he lunged across the desk at the notary, before two federal agents pinned his arms behind his back and slapped steel handcuffs onto his wrists.

Mónica tried to bolt toward the side exit, but Mateo blocked her path with a calm, immovable stance, clicking handcuffs onto her designer-braceleted wrists as well.

"Mónica Salgado and Fabián Herrera," Mateo recited smoothly. "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law."

Doña Amalia looked at her two betrayers being hauled away in cuffs. A single tear rolled down her wrinkled cheek, not of sorrow, but of profound relief. She reached out and grasped Julián’s hand tightly.

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"It’s over, son," she whispered.

"Yes, Mom," Julián replied, kissing her forehead. "It's over. And our family legacy is finally safe."

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