Chapter 3 — A Courtroom Without Excuses
The trial began three months later.
Television crews lined the courthouse entrance.
The prosecution presented a simple timeline.
Months of coercive control.
Financial abuse.
Forged legal documents.
Psychological manipulation.
Physical assault.
Then came the birthday recording.
The courtroom watched Julián proudly confess to striking his wife.
No one looked away.
The final witness surprised everyone.
María.
The family's longtime housekeeper.
She quietly described years of violence.
Hidden bruises.
Broken dishes.
Locked bedrooms.
She admitted she had secretly photographed injuries because she feared one day no one would believe Valeria.
The jury deliberated less than four hours.
Guilty.
On every charge.
Ofelia was convicted for conspiracy, forgery, and financial fraud.
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As deputies escorted them away, neither spoke.
The performance was finally over.
