Book 3: Chapter 20

Esmeralda felt a jolt run through her as Santiago’s words began to sink in. "Wait, are you saying Diego is broke?" She shook her head, disbelief etched on her features. "That can’t be true. I’ve seen the finances, well, at least, I thought I had. I’ve invested my own money in his business over the years, and we have a joint account. There’s no way..." Her voice trailed off as doubt seeped in, and she found herself unable to finish the sentence.

Santiago’s expression remained calm, but there was a touch of sympathy in his gaze, as though he had anticipated her reaction.

"When was the last time you actually had access to Diego’s finances, Esmeralda?" he asked quietly. "I mean really saw where the money was going, not just the balances or his reassurances. Because from what I discovered last night, Diego has been siphoning off funds for years, spending money on things that have nothing to do with his business."

A wave of nausea swept over her. Esmeralda's thoughts ra