Chapter 5: The Trap at the Villa
Chapter 5: The Trap at the Villa
The public scandal blasted across every major news network in Europe. Police launched an immediate investigation into Doña Sofia’s financial activities, freezing her personal accounts. Sofia fled to the family’s private coastal estate in Marbella, while Victoria remained at the Madrid mansion, isolated, humiliated, and stripped of her credit cards and luxury status.
Despite her victory at the gala, Elena felt no joy in Victoria's downfall. She visited the local orphanage that the foundation supported, spending hours reading to the children and ensuring that the missing funds were replenished from her own newly assigned inheritance.
One afternoon, Julian received an urgent phone call. He walked into Elena’s office, his expression grave.
"Elena, we have a problem," Julian said. "Don Fernando’s medical team in Switzerland just contacted us. His condition has stabilized, and he is returning to Spain tomorrow night. But Sofia has learned about his return."
"What is she planning?" Elena asked, standing up.
"Sofia’s lawyers are filing an emergency petition to declare Don Fernando mentally incompetent due to his heart medication," Julian revealed. "If the judge approves it before Don Fernando officially signs the final inheritance validation in Madrid, Sofia will gain emergency legal guardianship over him—and control over everything."
"We can't let her do that to my father!" Elena said fiercely.
"There's more," Julian added. "Sofia has hidden the original, signed family charter—the only document that proves Don Fernando's full mental capacity prior to his illness—inside the Marbella villa. Without it, the judge might lean toward Sofia’s petition."
Elena didn't hesitate. "Then we go to Marbella tonight."
That evening, Elena and Julian drove south toward the coast under a heavy downpour. They arrived at the secluded cliffside villa late at night. The house was dark, seemingly abandoned.
Using the master key provided by Gabriel, Elena and Julian entered the silent mansion. They made their way to the master study, searching through mahogany cabinets and hidden wall safes.
Finally, tucked inside a hidden compartment behind a portrait of the De La Vega ancestors, Elena found the leather-bound family charter, intact and stamped by the supreme court.
"We got it!" Elena breathed a sigh of relief.
Suddenly, the heavy door of the study clicked shut. The lights flared on.
Standing in the doorway was Victoria, holding a heavy iron fireplace poker, her eyes wide with desperation and unhinged fury. Beside her stood two hired private security guards.
"You really thought you could just take everything from us, didn't you?" Victoria hissed, her voice trembling with emotion. "You took my status, my reputation, my mother's honor... and now you come into our house to steal our last defense!"
"Victoria, listen to me," Elena said calmly, holding out her hand to keep Julian from stepping forward recklessly. "Your mother stole millions meant for sick children. She lied to your father for twenty years. She is dragging you down with her!"
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"She is my mother!" Victoria screamed, tears streaming down her face. "She did everything to protect my future! You are nothing! A servant who doesn't belong in our world!"
Victoria signaled the guards. "Take that folder from her. I don't care if you have to break her hands to get it."
