At noon, Isabel Vargas appeared outside Matthew’s building with two lawyers and a police officer.
She wore a cream-colored suit, diamond earrings, and the expression of a grieving mother.
The performance was flawless.
“My stepdaughter is emotionally unstable,” she told the receptionist. “She disappeared last night after an argument and may be in danger. I have reason to believe Mr. Carranza is keeping her here.”
Matthew’s security team contacted his legal department.
Within minutes, a lawyer met the visitors in the lobby.
“Ms. Vargas is here voluntarily,” he explained. “She is an adult and has not been detained.”
“Then let me speak to her,” Isabel demanded.
“That decision belongs to Elena.”
Isabel’s expression changed.
“I raised that girl. I know what’s best for her.”
The lawyer remained calm.
“Then you should have no difficulty respecting her decision.”
Upstairs, Elena watched the lobby feed on a security monitor.
Her stepmother looked exactly as she had the previous evening: polished, composed, and certain that the world would eventually obey her.
