She poured coffee into my cup like she owned the house. “Elena looks fragile. Maybe you should consider having her evaluated.”
Ricardo smirked. “Or divorced. I know lawyers.”
Elena sat beside me, silent, one hand hidden in mine under the table.
I smiled. “That’s generous.”
Ricardo leaned back. “While you were playing hero overseas, we kept things running here. The company needed leadership. Mom needed security. Elena needed guidance.”
“Guidance?” I asked.
Mother’s eyes sharpened. “Don’t be dramatic. She signed willingly.”
“Did she?”
Ricardo tapped the table. “Careful, brother. You’ve been gone too long. The documents are legal.”
That was their first mistake. They thought paper was power.
Their second mistake was announcing a family dinner that Friday to “celebrate the restructuring.” They invited investors, lawyers, cousins, and my father’s old business partners. Mother wanted applause. Ricardo wanted witnesses to his victory.
I helped them arrange it.
I ordered the wine. I confirmed the guest list. I even stood quietly while Ricardo showed off my study as his “new office.”
“You really are calmer than I expected,” he said, pouring my whiskey into my glass.
“I learned patience in places where panic gets people killed.”
