Chapter 4 - The Stolen Pearls
As the agents began carrying boxes of files out of the house, the wedding guests began to panic. Rodrigo’s relatives and business partners—the very people who had looked down on Valeria for years—were now whispering, grabbing their coats, and trying to slip out through the side gates.
"Nobody leaves," one of the UIF agents announced, blocking the exit. "We need identification from everyone present. Any attempt to leave will be documented as non-cooperation with a federal investigation."
Camila began to weep, the tears ruining her heavy bridal makeup. She turned to Rodrigo, grabbing his lapels. "Rodrigo, do something! Call your father’s lawyers! They can't do this to us! Today is our wedding day!"
"There is no wedding, Camila," Valeria said, stepping down from the terrace onto the grass. She walked directly up to her former best friend.
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Before Camila could react, Valeria reached out, her fingers catching the delicate silver clasp of her grandmother's pearl earrings. With one quick, firm pull, she unhooked them, placing the cool pearls into her own pocket.
"You can keep the dress, Camila," Valeria said, looking her up and down. "Though I’m not sure where you'll wear it. The federal prosecutor doesn't usually allow satin in the visitation room."
