Chapter 15 - The Uninvited Guest
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The peace of the Hale-Santos estate was rarely disturbed, but on a rainy Thursday afternoon, the security gate buzzer echoed through the quiet house.
Roberto was in the study, reviewing legal documents for the foundation, when the intercom clicked on.
"Mr. Santos," the security guard announced, his voice tight. "There is a woman at the gate. She says her name is Beatrice Thorne. She is insisting on seeing you."
Roberto's hand froze over the paperwork. Beatrice Thorne was Vanessa's mother—a woman who had always viewed Roberto with barely concealed disdain, considering him beneath her family's social standing. He hadn't seen her since the trial began.
"Let her in, David," Roberto sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "But escort her directly to the study."
Ten minutes later, the heavy oak doors opened. Beatrice stepped inside, shaking the rain from her expensive designer coat. She looked older, the sharp, arrogant lines of her face softened by the stress of her daughter's public disgrace and imprisonment.
"Roberto," Beatrice said stiffly, not offering her hand.
"Beatrice. Please, sit," Roberto gestured to the leather armchair opposite his desk. "To what do I owe this unexpected visit?"
Beatrice sat down rigidly, clutching her purse tightly in her lap.
"I came to ask for a favor," she began, her voice lacking its usual haughty tone. "A... significant favor."
Roberto leaned back in his chair, waiting.
May you like
"Vanessa's legal team has exhausted their appeals," Beatrice admitted, staring at the floor. "She is looking at another eight years in federal prison. But they say... they say if you were to submit a letter to the parole board, citing her past contributions to your company, it might sway them toward an early release program."
Roberto stared at her, genuinely stunned by the audacity of the request.
