Chapter 7 - The Final AuditTwo weeks later, the final verdicts were handed down.
Mireya Salgado was sentenced to eighteen years in a state penitentiary for commercial fraud, embezzlement, extortion, and attempted murder.
Bruno Salgado, having pleaded guilty to domestic abuse, assault, and conspiracy, received a reduced sentence of four years in a medium-security facility, along with a mandatory three-year psychological rehabilitation program.
The entire Salgado estate, including the luxury properties in Providencia and Zapopan, was seized by the state to reimburse the millions stolen from Judge Roberto Salgado’s trust.
Per the Judge’s final request, the remainder of the twelve-million-peso fund was transferred directly into a newly created foundation: The Valeria Salgado Center for Women's Autonomy.
It was a rainy afternoon in late August when Valeria walked into the empty estate house in Providencia. The grand house had been stripped of its expensive artwork, the furniture covered in white sheets waiting for the public auction.
She walked through the echoing halls until she reached the private study of the late Judge Roberto Salgado.
Santiago Vega was waiting for her, holding a bottle of champagne and two glasses.
"It’s officially over, Valeria," Vega said, pouring two glasses. "The court approved the final transfer this morning. The foundation is fully funded. Construction on the new shelter starts next month."
Valeria walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window, looking out at the lush, rain-slicked gardens. "It doesn't feel like a victory, Santiago. It just feels... necessary."
"You saved dozens of lives before this, Valeria, and now you’re going to save thousands," Vega said gently, handing her a glass. "You took a system designed to crush women and used it to tear down the very people who built it."
Valeria took a slow sip of the champagne. "Bruno called me from prison yesterday."
Vega raised an eyebrow. "Did he?"
"He begged for forgiveness," Valeria said, her expression unreadable. "He told me he realized his mother had ruined his life, and that he wanted to change. He asked if I would visit him."
"And what did you tell him?"
Valeria turned away from the window, setting her glass down on the mahogany desk.
"I told him that forgiveness is earned through actions, not apologies," she said softly. "I told him that when he completes his four years, he can apply to clean the floors at the foundation. If he truly wants to learn what respect means, he can start from the absolute bottom."
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Vega laughed softly. "Cold as always, Valeria."
"Not cold, Santiago," Valeria corrected with a faint smile. "Just realistic."
