Chapter 2 - The BlockadeBy 8:00 AM, the lobby of the club’s boutique hotel was buzzing with the lingering members of the Ramírez clan. They had gathered for a celebratory post-retirement brunch, expecting Claudia to show up red-eyed, apologetic, and desperate to smooth things over.
Instead, Claudia walked in wearing a tailored charcoal pantsuit, sunglasses framing her face, and Emiliano holding her hand, dressed in a sharp little blazer.
Teresa rushed forward, her face twisted in righteous indignation.
—Claudia! Have you lost your absolute mind? Do you know how much embarrassment you caused us last night? The manager called Héctor at 6:00 AM because your little stunt with the family account triggered a security flag!
Héctor stepped behind his wife, his posture stiff, projecting the authoritarian aura of a man who had spent decades dictating rulings to trembling lawyers.
—You will march to the front desk right now, sign an apology, and transfer funds to settle the remaining balance of our dinner, or so help me God, you will never step foot in our lives again.
Lorena chimed in, cradling her Pomeranian in her arm like a furry infant.
—It’s pathetic, Claudia. Taking your frustrations out on a little dog and a celebratory dinner just because you’re bitter that you’re a single mom. Get over yourself.
Claudia didn't flinch. She slipped off her sunglasses and looked past them toward the front desk, where the general manager of the club was standing with an expression of profound panic.
—Good morning, Mr. Silva —Claudia said smoothly, her voice cutting cleanly through the ambient chatter of the dining room.
The manager rushed over, ignoring Héctor entirely.
—Señora Ramírez. We received your digital filing at 4:30 AM. The legal department has already reviewed the corporate seal.
Héctor frowned, stepping forward.
—Silva, what is this nonsense? Tell my daughter to reverse whatever digital prank she—
—Mr. Ramírez —the manager interrupted, his tone chillingly formal—, your master corporate card and all secondary lines associated with the Ramírez Notary Trust have been frozen under suspicion of corporate fraud and unauthorized asset dissipation. Effective immediately, your room, your breakfast, and your vehicle rentals are no longer covered by the master account.
Silence fell over the brunch tables. Heads turned. Whispers died instantly.
—What did you say? —Héctor’s voice cracked, the patriarch's mask slipping to reveal sheer, unadulterated terror.
May you like
Claudia smiled, leaning down to adjust Emiliano’s collar.
—Like you said, Dad. This table is for adults only. And adults pay their own bills.
