Chapter 3 - The Notary’s Intervention
Before Julián’s fingers could tear the paper, a sharp, authoritative voice echoed through the high-ceilinged hall.
“A moment!”
The crowd parted as a woman dressed completely in sharp, elegant black advanced between the attendees. It was Dr. Elena Vance, the longtime chief legal advisor and private notary of the Montes family. She carried a heavy leather briefcase, and her expression was completely unreadable, masked by years of professional discipline. She stepped directly between the arrogant heir and the old chauffeur.
“Let go of him, Julián,” Elena commanded, her voice firm enough to freeze the young man in his tracks. She turned her gaze to Ernesto, giving him a respectful, knowing nod before looking back at the stunned crowd. “Don Ernesto must sit with the family. Right now.”
The entire salon fell into a dead, stunned silence. The soft classical music playing in the background seemed to fade away. The guests looked at one another, exchanging bewildered glances. Why would a chauffeur, a man who belonged in the garage, be invited to sit in the front row alongside the immediate bloodline of the richest man in the city?
Julián’s face flushed with deep embarrassment and anger. He felt his authority being publicly challenged at his own father’s wake. He crossed his arms, his chest heaving as he confronted the legal representative.
“What did you just say?” Julián hissed, trying to keep his voice down but failing to hide his rage. “Have you lost your mind, Elena? This man is a servant. He is an employee. My mother, my siblings, and I are the family. He does not belong anywhere near the front row.”
The notary did not flinch. She slowly unzipped her briefcase and pulled out a document stamped with official government seals and a signature that everyone in the room recognized instantly.
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“This was the last will and testament of Don Alejandro Montes,” Elena announced, her voice carrying to every corner of the room. “He updated it precisely three days before his passing. And he left very specific, legally binding instructions regarding this day.”
She looked directly at Julián, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Your father requested that this specific portion of his document be read publicly, and uniquely when Don Ernesto was present in the room. If you attempt to remove him, you will be violating the terms of the estate administration, which will freeze all assets immediately.”
