“Pack your things,” he said. “You’re leaving today.”
Her eyes widened.
“Watch me.”
He dialed his phone.
“Attorney Salgado—come immediately. And notify DIF. This is urgent.”
Her face flushed.
“Are you insane?”
He kept dialing.
“Dr. Mendoza, I need you here now. I suspect abuse and malnutrition.”
Then he rushed back outside.
“Drop that,” Rodrigo said, voice breaking. “Come with me.”
“But Beatriz said—”
“She doesn’t decide anymore.”
Inside Valentina’s room, Rodrigo froze.
It was empty.
No toys. No books. No blankets. No lamp.
“Where are your things?” he asked softly.
“She sold them. Said they were unnecessary. Said I only needed two outfits… for work.”
In the closet, Rodrigo found luxury bags, jewelry—and at the back, Valentina’s favorite doll, still tagged like merchandise.
He closed his eyes.
“I’m so sorry,” he whispered.
The doctor confirmed the truth.
“She’s underweight. Injured. Neglected,” Dr. Mendoza said. “You arrived in time.”
The case moved fast.
Continue reading…
