The sentence fell like a confession.
Daniela held Lucía tighter.
—Thank you for saying it in front of everyone.
Mariana signaled the notary.
—Recorded.
Teresa finally seemed to realize her perfect world had turned into a courtroom.
Agents asked her to come with them for questioning. Paulina was taken aside, shaking, no longer confident. Some relatives left in silence. Others pretended outrage, but no one defended Teresa.
Before leaving, Teresa stopped in front of Daniela.
—You don’t understand what it means to protect a surname.
Daniela didn’t blink.
—I don’t. I understand protecting a daughter.
Teresa had no answer.
That night, Daniela did not return home with Rodrigo. She went to her parents’ apartment. Her mother cried when she arrived. Her father said nothing—he simply took Lucía in his arms.
—No one touches her here.
For weeks, the case expanded.
Paulina confessed Teresa had paid her to re-enter Rodrigo’s life. In return, she was to help destabilize Daniela and prepare a fast separation.
Rodrigo read everything in silence.
Then he went to see Daniela under supervision.
