CHAPTER 3: Public Exposure
Carmen thought she was untouchable.
By noon, she was hosting a brunch.
Smiling. Laughing. Acting like nothing had happened.
That’s when the doors opened.
Not dramatically.
Not loudly.
Just enough to draw attention.
Alexander walked in first.
Behind him—lawyers.
Behind them—two uniformed officers.
And behind them…
A woman holding a tablet.
“Carmen Alvarez,” one of the officers said, “we need you to come with us.”
The room froze.
Carmen blinked, confused—but only for a second.
Then she smiled.
“There must be some misunderstanding.”
“There isn’t,” Alexander said.
The woman with the tablet stepped forward.
And pressed play.
The video wasn’t loud.
But it didn’t need to be.
Sofia’s voice—weak, pleading.
The sound of a slap.
Carmen’s voice—clear as glass.
“Count properly. She needs to learn.”
One.
Two.
Three.
The guests started backing away.
By ten, people were whispering.
By twenty, someone dropped a glass.
By forty…
May you like
No one was standing near her anymore.
Carmen’s smile was gone.
