Chapter 2: The Dinner Party
That Friday evening, the Aranda mansion hosted one of Santiago's largest charity galas.
Business leaders.
Politicians.
Television cameras.
Every important guest in the city filled the ballroom.
Camila floated through the crowd in a silver gown, accepting compliments for being such a "devoted daughter-in-law."
Meanwhile, Doña Consuelo remained locked upstairs.
Alone.
Weak.
Forgotten.
Santiago stepped onto the stage.
"I'd like to thank my wife," he said proudly.
"Without Camila, my mother wouldn't have received such loving care."
The room applauded.
Mariana could barely breathe.
Then she walked toward the stage.
Security immediately moved to stop her.
"It's urgent."
Santiago recognized her.
"The housekeeper?"
Camila smiled politely.
"I'm sorry."
"She must be confused."
Mariana held up her phone.
"I only need thirty seconds."
Camila's smile disappeared.
"No."
But it was too late.
Mariana pressed PLAY.
The ballroom fell silent.
Camila's voice echoed through the speakers.
"If that old woman doesn't eat..."
"Even better."
"She'll stop being a burden sooner."
Gasps rippled through the room.
Then another recording played.
"The sooner she sleeps..."
"The sooner Santiago signs the papers."
Every guest turned toward Camila.
She stood frozen.
Unable to speak.
Unable to breathe.
At that exact moment...
The elevator doors opened.
Doña Consuelo stepped into the ballroom.
Weak.
Supported by two nurses Mariana had secretly contacted.
She looked directly at her son.
And whispered,
"I never stopped loving you..."
"I was never sick enough to leave you."
May you like
Santiago's face collapsed.
Everything he believed shattered in a single moment.
