CHAPTER 2: THE FALL BEGINS
The applause inside the ballroom grew louder as Rogelio stepped onto the stage.
Spotlights followed him.
Executives smiled.
Photographers raised their cameras.
For years, Rogelio had dreamed of this moment.
The chairman of the board adjusted the microphone.
“Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we celebrate the future CEO of Grupo Altavista…”
The crowd erupted again.
Rogelio straightened his jacket and glanced toward Jimena, who stood proudly beside the stage.
Then something unexpected happened.
Arturo Salcedo stood up.
His expression was cold.
“Before we proceed,” Arturo said, “there has been a change.”
The room fell silent.
Rogelio frowned.
“A change?” he asked.
Arturo nodded.
“The Board has received instructions from the majority shareholder.”
Murmurs spread across the ballroom.
Rogelio blinked.
Majority shareholder?
Even after years in the company, he had never met that person.
“The shareholder has decided to remove you from all executive appointments effective immediately.”
The silence became deafening.
Rogelio laughed nervously.
“This has to be some mistake.”
“It is not.”
Arturo handed a folder to the legal director.
“Your promotion has been canceled.”
Jimena’s champagne glass slipped from her hand and shattered on the floor.
Rogelio’s face turned pale.
“What are you talking about?”
Arturo looked directly at him.
“The majority shareholder reviewed evidence of misconduct, abuse of authority, and violations of company ethics.”
Every executive in the room stared.
Every camera remained pointed at him.
For the first time in years, Rogelio felt genuine fear.
Outside the ballroom, Valeria quietly walked toward the elevator with her babies.
Her phone vibrated.
Arturo had sent another message.
May you like
“It’s done.”
Valeria smiled for the first time that night.
