Chapter 5 - THE TOASTErnesto didn’t flinch. He reached out, picked up his own clean glass of water, and held it suspended in the air.
—Let's talk about the future, Julián—Ernesto said, his tone dripping with an ironical warmth that made the real estate agent pause—. You’ve put so much thought into organizing our lives, managing our assets, and planning our transitions. It’s only fair that we drink to your enterprise.
Julián looked down at his own coffee mug, then back up at Ernesto, a flicker of suspicion crossing his narrow eyes.
—You didn't drink your coffee, Don Ernesto. It’s getting cold.
—I prefer water in the evening. Keeps the mind clear—Ernesto replied evenly—. But you should drink yours. You look tired, son. Closing deals in San Luis Potosí, driving back and forth, managing shell companies... it must take a heavy toll on your nervous system. You need all the focus you can get.
Julián forced a laugh, though his eyes darted nervously around the kitchen. Something felt off. The atmosphere in the room had shifted from submissive tension to something heavy, electric, and predatory.
—Right. Well, let's just get the signatures out of the way. Grab your pen, Don Ernesto. The notary closes his office at nine.
—Before we sign anything—Mariana’s voice cut through the kitchen like a crack of thunder.
Julián froze. He slowly turned his head toward the dark corner by the pantry where Mariana was stepping out into the light. She had been completely silent, but as she walked toward the table, her posture was rigid, her expression carved out of absolute ice.
Julián’s jaw dropped.
—Mariana? What... what are you doing here? I thought you were in Mexico City! You said you had a late audit at the firm!
Mariana stopped right beside her father, resting her palm gently on the scarred wood of the parota table. She pulled out her own smartphone, unlocked it, and slid it across the surface until it clinked softly against Julián’s coffee mug.
The screen was glowing brightly, displaying an active PDF document: Federal Warrant Notification & Financial Freeze Confirmation - Administración Patrimonial del Centro.
May you like
Julián stared down at the screen. The color drained entirely from his face, leaving his skin a sickly, ash-gray shade. His lips parted, but no sound came out except a dry, rattling gasp.
—You didn't check your car, Julián—Mariana said softly, her voice trembling with barely contained rage—. But you really should have checked your phone before you left it sitting on the counter.
