PART 15
I opened another screenshot.
Monica to R.
The old man still thinks he’s protecting his daughter.
Once we’re married, I’ll control access.
R.
What about the grandson?
Monica.
He’s three.
He won’t matter.
I looked at Lucas.
He sat on the bed watching cartoons.
One small hand holding the headphones in place.
He mattered.
More than she could ever understand.
PART 16
Security arrived.
Martin knocked twice.
Then identified himself.
I opened the door.
Monica was no longer there.
Good.
Martin entered with two guards.
I told him.
“Block Monica from this floor.”
“Do not restrain her unless necessary.”
“Do not let her leave the property until police advise.”
Martin’s expression sharpened.
“Police?”
“Yes.”
I showed him the video.
Not everything.
Just enough.
His face changed.
Then he asked.
“Do you want the ceremony stopped?”
“Yes.”
“Quietly.”
“Tell the coordinator there is a medical emergency.”
“No announcement about Monica.”
“Not yet.”
PART 17
I called the police.
The dispatcher asked specific questions.
Was anyone in immediate danger?
Possibly Sofia.
Was Monica currently violent?
Unknown.
Was there evidence?
Yes.
Was the alleged victim at a hospital?
Soon.
I gave them everything.
Hotel address.
Room.
Monica’s location.
They said officers were coming.
I sat beside Lucas.
Then called my daughter.
Rosa answered from the car.
“Sofia’s awake.”
I heard weak breathing in the background.
“Sofia?”
A pause.
Then my daughter’s voice.
“Dad.”
My chest tightened.
“Baby.”
“Are you okay?”
She laughed weakly.
“No.”
PART 18
I closed my eyes.
“What happened?”
She whispered.
“Did Lucas give you the drive?”
“Yes.”
“Good.”
“What happened?”
She hesitated.
Then said.
“I found documents.”
“Monica has been copying your signatures.”
“I know.”
“She’s trying to move assets.”
“I know.”
“There’s someone helping her.”
“Who?”
“I don’t know.”
“She calls him Rafael sometimes.”
R.
My stomach tightened.
Sofia continued.
“I confronted her yesterday.”
“She said I had no right to interfere.”
“She hit me.”
“Then pushed me.”
“I fell.”
