Chapter 3 – Forty Slaps
The investigation moved quickly.
Doctors photographed Sofia's injuries.
Forensic specialists documented swelling, bruising, and fractures.
Then detectives interviewed hotel employees.
One housekeeper quietly admitted she had heard screams coming from the bridal suite.
A bellman remembered Carmen leaving the room while fixing her hair.
Another employee revealed something even more disturbing.
A cleaning cart equipped with hallway surveillance had accidentally captured part of the assault through the partially opened door.
The video showed Carmen striking Sofia repeatedly while several women blocked the exit.
The room watching the footage fell silent.
One detective counted aloud.
"Thirty-eight."
"Thirty-nine."
"Forty."
Nobody said another word.
When confronted with the evidence, Javier broke first.
He admitted his mother had planned to pressure Sofia into transferring ownership of the condominium before the marriage was officially registered.
He insisted he never expected violence.
Alexander stared at him across the interview room.
"You expected obedience."
"You just didn't care how it was achieved."
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Javier lowered his head.
There was no defense for that.
