Chapter 1 — The Empire Changes Hands
The silence inside the mansion lasted only a few seconds.
To Santiago, it felt much longer.
Ricardo Salazar stood just inside the entrance, removing his black leather gloves with deliberate calm. Behind him, two attorneys opened their briefcases while the security team quietly spread through the foyer.
No one spoke.
No one needed to.
Ricardo's eyes settled on his daughter.
Valeria's cheek was flushed. One trembling hand rested protectively over her swollen belly.
His jaw tightened.
He had built billion-dollar companies without raising his voice.
But seeing his daughter standing there like that nearly shattered the discipline that had taken him decades to master.
"Come here," he said gently.
Valeria took one hesitant step.
Then another.
Before Santiago could react, two security guards positioned themselves between husband and wife.
"What is this?" Santiago demanded.
"You can't just walk into my house."
Ricardo looked at him without emotion.
"No."
He handed one folder to his attorney.
"I walked into my daughter's house."
Confusion flashed across Santiago's face.
The attorney calmly opened the folder.
"Mr. Rivas," he announced.
"As of thirty minutes ago, Grupo Salazar has exercised its contractual rights and called every outstanding loan issued to Rivas Holdings."
Beatriz lowered her wine glass.
"What?"
"The total balance is due immediately."
Santiago laughed.
"You can't be serious."
Another attorney slid a second document across the marble table.
"Our banking partners have already frozen every line of credit pending repayment."
His phone vibrated.
Then vibrated again.
And again.
One call after another.
Chief Financial Officer.
Board Chairman.
Private banker.
General counsel.
May you like
He answered the first call.
His confident smile slowly disappeared.
