CHAPTER 1: THE VIDEO NO ONE WAS SUPPOSED TO SEE

The courtroom fell silent as the old cellphone was connected to the projector.

Mariana's breathing became uneven.

"That video proves nothing," she snapped.

But for the first time during the trial, nobody was listening to her.

Everyone was staring at the screen.

Valentina's small hands trembled as she stood beside Emilia.

"I recorded it because I was scared," she whispered.

The video began.

At first, the image was shaky and dark.

The camera had clearly been hidden behind a partially opened door.

Then voices appeared.

Alejandro's voice.

Angry.

Disappointed.

"You lied to me."

Mariana's voice answered calmly.

"I protected our future."

"Our future?" Alejandro shouted. "You isolated my daughter. You threatened Emilia. You stole money from company accounts."

The courtroom erupted in whispers.

Mariana's face turned pale.

The video continued.

"I already called my attorney," Alejandro said. "Tomorrow I'm changing the will."

Several seconds of silence followed.

Then Mariana spoke.

The words chilled everyone.

"If you do that, you'll regret it."

The recording ended abruptly.

The judge frowned.

"It proves motive," he said.

"But not murder."

Mariana immediately smiled.

"You see? This is ridiculous."

Then Valentina raised her hand.

"There was another video."

Every head turned toward her.

"I was too scared to show it before."

The little girl reached into her dress pocket and pulled out a memory card.

Mariana nearly collapsed.