Applause filled the room.
Ricardo raised his glass.
« And Alejandro can finally recover from his service. Some men are born to carry out orders. Others are born to give orders. »
Some guests laughed.
I waited until it became quiet.
“Before we toast,” I said, “I need to set the record straight.”
The front door opened.
Grace Lin entered, accompanied by two federal officers and a bailiff. Dr. Patel followed behind them.
The room fell silent.
Ricardo’s face lost all color.
Grace placed several files on the table.
« All asset transfers related to this budget, Mendoza Development, and Ricardo Mercer Holdings have been frozen. There is sufficient suspicion of forgery, coercion, assault, extortion, and financial fraud. »
« That’s ridiculous! » my mother snapped. « Elena signed these documents. »
I pressed a button on the remote control.
The screen on the wall came to life.
Surveillance camera footage.
My mother, how she pressured Elena.
Ricardo, as he pressed the papers into her hands.
Elena, who was crying.
Ricardo, who grabbed her arm.
Then my mother’s voice:
