Chapter 10: Elena Changes Sides

Elena requested a meeting from jail.

Mariana refused twice.

On the third request, Elena’s attorney delivered a message.

Rodrigo altered the trust. Nico is still in danger.

Mariana agreed to meet.

Her mother entered the interview room wearing a plain prison uniform.

Without diamonds, makeup, or the Salcedo mansion behind her, Elena looked smaller than Mariana remembered.

But Mariana still saw the woman whose hand had struck hers from the yacht.

“I thought there was a rescue boat,” Elena said.

Mariana remained silent.

“Rodrigo told me divers would pull you out after we left.”

“There were no divers.”

“I know.”

“You watched the ocean.”

“I was afraid.”

“So was Nico.”

Elena looked down.

“I never wanted him hurt.”

“You removed his mother from the railing.”

Tears filled Elena’s eyes.

“Rodrigo said you were destroying all of us.”

“No. I was exposing him.”

“He convinced me those were the same thing.”

Mariana leaned back.

“What did you mean about the trust?”

Elena wiped her face.

“Years ago, Rodrigo added a private amendment. If you died before Nico turned twenty-one, Adrian would receive voting control. But if Adrian became unavailable, control would pass to Gabriel.”

“And if both were arrested?”

“Rodrigo created another clause.”

Mariana’s stomach tightened.

“What clause?”

“Nico could be declared legally incompetent based on inherited mental illness.”

“That is why you created the false medical history.”

Elena nodded.

“If Nico were declared incapable, Rodrigo would remain trustee.”

“He planned to use a six-year-old child as a legal shield.”

“Yes.”

Mariana stood.

“Why tell me now?”

“Because Rodrigo will destroy everyone before he allows you to win.”

“He cannot reach us from jail.”

Elena looked up.

“You still think this is only Rodrigo?”

Mariana paused.

“The police commissioner, two judges, and members of the company board helped him. Some are still free.”

“Names.”

“I want a deal.”

Mariana stared at her mother.

Even now, Elena was bargaining.

“You pushed your daughter and grandson into the ocean.”

“I know.”

“You don’t get to negotiate forgiveness.”

“I’m not asking for forgiveness.”

“Then what?”

Elena’s voice broke.

“I’m asking for a chance to keep him from finishing what we started.”

Mariana left the room with a list of eleven names.

She did not forgive her mother.

But she used the information.

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