Chapter 3 — The Gala That Became a Public Reckoning
The following evening, the Rivas Foundation Gala proceeded exactly as scheduled.
Hundreds of politicians, investors, journalists, and celebrities filled the ballroom.
Santiago forced himself to smile.
No one knew the company was collapsing.
Not yet.
As he approached the podium, every television screen inside the ballroom suddenly went black.
Then the recordings began.
His threats.
Beatriz's instructions.
Their discussions about forged medical records.
Gasps spread across the room.
Several board members slowly stood.
Others quietly walked away from their tables.
Journalists immediately began recording with their phones.
Santiago searched desperately for someone to shut the screens off.
No one moved.
Ricardo stepped onto the stage.
"The truth," he said evenly, "has finally introduced itself."
Within minutes, board members voted to suspend Santiago as CEO pending criminal and civil investigations.
May you like
The applause that followed wasn't celebration.
It was relief.
