Chapter 2: The Christmas Dinner That Changed Everything
The dining room fell silent.
For the first time in five years, Valeria did not lower her eyes.
For the first time, she did not apologize.
And for the first time, Mercedes felt something she had never felt when looking at her daughter-in-law.
Uncertainty.
“What did you just say?” Mercedes asked, her voice sharp.
Valeria slowly stood up while holding Sofia close.
“I said that people who measure worth by money, brands, and appearances are usually the cheapest people in the room.”
A collective gasp moved through the table.
Eduardo laughed.
“Careful, Valeria. You sound brave for someone who lives off her husband.”
Valeria looked at him calmly.
“Do I?”
At that exact moment, Eduardo’s phone rang.
He glanced at the screen and frowned.
“It's the board.”
“Answer it,” Valeria said.
Eduardo smirked and put the call on speaker.
“Good evening.”
The voice on the line was cold.
“Eduardo Castillo?”
“Yes.”
“This is the Executive Board of Grupo Aurora Global.”
Everyone listened.
“We are calling to inform you that your promotion has been revoked effective immediately.”
Eduardo froze.
“What?”
“An internal audit has uncovered serious ethical violations and misrepresentation of company performance. Your employment is terminated.”
The room exploded.
“What are you talking about?” Eduardo shouted.
The caller continued.
“And because your position was recommended by the Solares family investment group, all contracts connected to that recommendation are now under review.”
Mercedes went pale.
Rogelio nearly dropped his wine glass.
Eduardo’s hands shook.
“This has to be a mistake!”
“No,” the voice replied. “The majority owner personally approved the decision.”
The call ended.
Silence.
Valeria slowly picked up her purse.
“Looks like somebody important had a busy evening.”
May you like
Mercedes stared at her.
For the first time, fear appeared behind her eyes.
