Her face begins changing now in strange waves.
First fury.
Then denial.
Then the ghastly insult of arithmetic entering vanity.
Because this is the part fantasies never budget for. The possibility that being chosen by a man like Esteban might not mean ascending into a richer life, but descending into a cleaner version of his collapse. She thought she was inheriting a love story. She was inheriting collateralized seduction.
“Then I renounce it,” she says suddenly. “Fine. I don’t want it.”
The notary folds his hands. “You may formally decline, yes. But certain actions already taken or claims already asserted can affect posture depending on timing, occupancy, possession, and creditor reliance. Also, any gifts received during certain periods may be subject to scrutiny depending on source of funds.”
Ximena goes very still.
You know exactly why.
Because that second folder, the cream one she didn’t notice yet, is sitting just beneath the summary pages.
You slide it forward.
“This part,” you say, “matters too.”
Beltrán opens it.
