Chapter 1: The Truth Behind the Recording
The kitchen remained perfectly still.
Valeria's confident smile disappeared.
One of the officers stepped forward.
"Miss Valeria Cross?"
She nodded slowly.
"We're here to investigate allegations of child neglect, intimidation, and fraud."
"My attorney will—"
"You may certainly contact your attorney," the officer interrupted calmly.
"But first, we'd like to ask about the recordings."
My attorney handed them a tablet.
"There are twenty-three separate video files."
Valeria's face drained of color.
"Twenty-three?"
I looked at her.
"You only knew about today's recording."
"You never wondered why both boys cried every morning after you visited the nursery."
Rosita lowered her eyes.
"I tried telling people," she whispered.
"But no one believed the maid."
I walked toward my sons.
Leo reached for my tie.
Matthew buried his tiny face against Rosita's shoulder.
The child services investigator watched quietly.
"They clearly trust her."
"They're afraid of you."
Valeria took a step backward.
"You're making this look worse than it is."
"No," I replied.
"The cameras did that."
The next clip began playing.
Valeria standing over the cribs.
"If your father didn't worship your dead mother so much, neither of you would even be here."
May you like
Silence filled the room.
Even the officers looked stunned.
