Chapter 8 - Standing Before the Storm
While peace had settled within the walls of the Alcázar estate, the outside world was far from quiet. The legal trial of the Cárdenas family was approaching, and rumors began circulating in the media that Santiago had fathered a child with a house servant.
Some high-society figures, bitter over the fall of the influential Cárdenas family, tried to organize a quiet boycott of the Alcázar Group’s upcoming annual charity gala—the most prestigious event of the year in Monterrey.
Santiago’s PR team advised him to keep Camila and Lucía away from the gala to avoid public scrutiny.
“They want you to go alone, sir,” his PR manager explained during a meeting in the study. “The press will be vicious. They will try to humiliate Miss Camila.”
Santiago stood up from his chair, his expression cold and unyielding. “If Camila and Lucía do not attend, there will be no gala.”
“Santiago, please,” Camila said softly, sitting on the sofa across from him. “I don’t mind staying home. I don’t need to be seen by those people.”
“No, Camila,” Santiago said firmly, turning to look at her. “This isn’t about showing off. This is about establishing who we are. If we hide, we give those people power over us. We give them permission to think that our daughter is something to be hidden in the shadows. I spent four years letting other people hide my family. Never again.”
Camila looked into his eyes and saw an unshakeable strength that gave her courage. She nodded slowly. “Alright. We go together.”
The night of the gala arrived. The grand ballroom of the Hotel VIP in Monterrey was filled with the city’s elite, business tycoons, and socialites, all whispering in hushed tones about the scandal. Cameras flashed constantly at the entrance as wealthy guests arrived in designer gowns and expensive tuxedos.
When the heavy wooden doors opened to announce the arrival of Santiago Alcázar, the entire ballroom fell silent.
Santiago walked into the room with absolute poise. On his arm was Camila, looking stunning in a custom emerald-green gown, her hair styled in an elegant updo, wearing the sapphire necklace that had belonged to Santiago’s grandmother. She walked with her head held high, her posture graceful and confident.
Beside them walked Mateo, holding the hand of little Lucía, who wore a matching white and green dress, holding her beloved stuffed puppy tightly, completely unfazed by the crowd.
May you like
Whispers broke out across the room, but Santiago paid them no mind. He walked directly to the main stage, leading Camila and Lucía up the steps toward the microphone.
The room grew dead silent as Santiago adjusted the microphone and looked out at the sea of faces.
