Chapter 7 - Justice in the Light
The trial of Regina Sandoval became the biggest scandal in Mexico’s high society, but Alejandro ensured that his son was completely shielded from the media circus.
With Mateo Estrada’s confession and the mountain of forensic evidence gathered by Ramiro and the federal agents, the case was airtight. Regina’s high-priced lawyers attempted to argue temporary insanity, but the prosecutor demolished their defense, exposing her years of premeditated greed and past financial scams under different aliases.
Two months after that terrible night, the final verdict was delivered. Regina Sandoval was sentenced to thirty-five years in a maximum-security women's penitentiary without the possibility of parole. Mateo Estrada received twenty years for his role as an accomplice.
On the day of the verdict, Alejandro sat in his private office, reading the news report. The weight that had rested on his shoulders for months finally lifted.
There was a soft knock at the door.
"Come in," Alejandro said.
Lucía stepped inside, holding a tray with warm tea. Over the past two months, she had transitioned from being just a nanny to the emotional heart of the household. She had nursed Emiliano through his physical recovery, sitting with him through every physical therapy session, guiding him through the lingering trauma, and reassuring him whenever the fear returned.
"You look tired, Mr. Alejandro," Lucía said softly, setting the tray down on his desk.
"I’m just relieved, Lucía," Alejandro replied, looking at her with genuine warmth. "It’s finally over. She will never hurt him again."
"How is Emiliano doing today?" Lucía asked, a bright smile lighting up her face.
"Dr. Salazar says the toxin has been completely flushed from his system," Alejandro said, standing up and walking over to the large floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the lush gardens. "His appetite is back, his stomach pain is gone, and he smiled today. A real, genuine smile. I hadn't seen that in over a year."
Alejandro turned to look at Lucía. "And it is all thanks to you."
Lucía lowered her eyes modestly. "I only did what my conscience told me to do, sir."
"Conscience is a rare commodity in my world, Lucía," Alejandro said softly, stepping closer to her. "Most people around me act out of self-interest. You put yourself in danger to save my boy. I can never repay that debt."
"You don't owe me anything, Mr. Alejandro. Seeing Emiliano happy and healthy is all the payment I need."
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Alejandro looked at her—really looked at her—not as an employee, but as a courageous, selfless, beautiful woman who had restored light to his broken home.
"Lucía," Alejandro said gently. "I want to offer you something. Not as a reward, but because you deserve it."
