But Ernesto noticed expressions that did not correspond to banal domestic procedures.

There was talk of patrimonial commitments, powers of representation and a possible transfer of property.

“I will not sign,” he declared.

Victor was deeply inspired.

“Don Ernesto, we are talking about an advantageous operation.”

“Then it will also be beneficial for my lawyer to look at it.”

Lucía lost patience.

“YOU CAN’T KEEP COMPLICATING EVERYTHING!”

Ernesto regards her.

“This house is mine.”

“BUT WE LIVE HERE, TOO!”

“And you can continue to live there as long as you respect my will.”

Víctor intervened before Lucía could answer.

He picked up the documents.

“It’s not a big deal. We can postpone that. »

But as he left the mansion, he called Lucía.

“Your father-in-law knows more than he should.”

“He’s an old suspicious man.”

“No. He acknowledged clauses that most people would not even bother to read. »

Lucía garda le silence.

Víctor continued:

“Are you sure he didn’t talk to anyone?”

This question obsessed him.

She began to search the old man’s room when he went out into the garden.

She inspected the drawers.

Opened the boxes.

Looked for documents.

One day, she discovered the notebook hidden in the pocket of a coat.

As she read it, she felt a great uneasiness.

The dates were precise.

The names were recorded.

Víctor’s visit was even included.

She tore out several pages and burned them in the fireplace in the living room.

Then she put the notebook back in its place.

When Ernesto discovered that leaves were missing, he realized that the danger was greater than he had imagined.

That night, he called Elena.

“She found my notes.”

“Are you sure?”

“Several pages have disappeared.”

“You have to leave this house.”

“This is my home.”

“That doesn’t mean you have to stay there if you’re not safe.”

But Ernesto insisted on staying a few more days.

A decision he would end up regretting.

CHAPTER 6. HUMILIATION

The mistreatment intensified.

Lucía stopped calling the old man by his first name.

She now referred to him as “the old man”.

She ordered her favorite chair to be removed from the living room.

She forbade her to use the dining room when she received guests.

And she began to serve him her meals on a small table near the kitchen.

“That way, you won’t have to walk as much,” she said.

The explanation seemed benevolent.

But the tone was not.

Then came the insults.

“You don’t know how to do anything.”

“You are a burden.”

“Javier and I can’t spend our lives taking care of you.”

Don Ernesto tried to keep his composure.

Sometimes he defended himself.

At other times he retired to his room.

Elena insisted that he temporarily leave the mansion and report any aggression or threats.

Ernesto finally agreed to prepare for his departure.

They had agreed that a trustworthy family member would pick him up on Friday.

But on Wednesday, something unexpected happened.

Lucía found a letter from Elena’s office.

It was not addressed to him.

She opened it anyway.

Inside was a communication regarding the review of potentially irregular heritage documents.

The company Inversiones Alameda Norte was also mentioned.

Lucía felt her face bleed out.

She immediately called Víctor.

“He knows.”

“He knows what?”

“For society. He has a lawyer. »

Victor garda le silence.

“I told you to be careful.”

“Something has to be done.”

“Don’t drag me into another problem.”

Lucía clutched her phone.

“You’re as involved as I am.”

Víctor replied in a low voice:

“Destroy all the copies you have at home. I’m going to talk to my lawyer. »

That night, Lucía went to the old man’s room.

Don Ernesto was sitting by the window and looking at a photograph of Mercedes.

“Have you hired a lawyer to investigate me?” she asked.

Ernesto looked up.

“I hired someone to protect my property.”

“Against me?”

“Against anyone who would take them from me.”

Lucía ferma la porte.

“Listen to me. Javier thinks you’re sick. Doctors can make mistakes. People may start to ask questions. »

The old man felt fear.

But he did not give in.

“My son will eventually find out the truth.”

Lucía leaned over to him.

“Your son has a wife, a company and a life. He’s not going to destroy everything for the fantasies of an old man. »

Ernesto clutched the photograph to his chest.

“Don’t ever talk to me like that again.”

She straightened up.

“Then stop trying to destroy me.”

From that day on, their cohabitation became a succession of punishments.

Lucía locked the pantry.

She took away his landline.

She told him that visits were forbidden because he needed to rest.

When Javier called, she assured that his father was asleep.