Chapter 5 - The Reading of the True Will
The front door opened, and Ignacio walked out. He looked immaculate, holding a thick leather folder. He didn't look angry; he looked entirely detached, which terrified his children even more. He sat down at a rustic wooden table in the courtyard.
"Sit," Ignacio commanded.
Roberto, Carmen, and Javier scrambled to the chairs, their arrogant demeanors entirely shattered.
"Dad, please!" Carmen wept, reaching across the table. "I was confused last night! I drank too much, I didn't mean what I said! I love you, you know I love you!"
"Dad, my business is ruined," Roberto begged, tears streaming down his face. "My children will have nothing! Please, tell your investors to back down!"
Ignacio raised a single hand, and the room fell dead silent. He opened the folder.
"For thirty years, I watched you grow," Ignacio said softly. "I watched the greed take over your hearts. When your mother died, you didn't cry for her; you searched her closet for jewelry. When I asked you to visit, you always asked for a loan. Yesterday, I wanted one last memory. Twelve seats. I wanted to tell you the truth. I wanted to hand over the keys to the Vargas empire to my children and grandchildren."
Javier let out a choked sob. They had thrown away a multi-billion-dollar inheritance for a soccer game, a nightclub, and a hangover.
"But instead," Ignacio continued, his eyes hardening, "you showed me exactly who you are. Therefore, as the sole trustee of the Vargas Foundation, I have executed the following clauses. Roberto, the investors who pulled out of your company? They bought your debt. I am now your primary lienholder. You work for me now. If you miss a single payment, I repossess your house."
Roberto buried his face in his hands, shattered.
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"Carmen," Ignacio turned to his daughter. "The penthouse you were evicted from? I bought it. It will now be turned into a shelter for abandoned elderly citizens. You have twenty-four hours to pack your bags."
"And Javier," Ignacio looked at his youngest. "Your trust fund is officially dissolved. Get a job."
