Chapter 6 - The Counter-Attack
The courtroom was packed on Tuesday morning. The media had gathered outside, sensing the final showdown between the elite Aranda dynasty and the working-class mother.
Teresa sat at the defense table, flanked by four prominent lawyers. Rodrigo sat behind her, looking miserable, caught between loyalty to his mother and the realization that his life was imploding.
I sat with Victoria Vance. I wore a simple, professional navy blue suit. My posture was straight, my expression calm.
The judge, a stern man named Judge Harrison, knocked his gavel. "We are here today to review the emergency custody petition filed by Mrs. Teresa Aranda regarding the minor child, Lucía Aranda. Petitioner, present your case."
Teresa’s lead attorney stood up, projecting a voice full of practiced authority. "Your Honor, our petition is based on the emotional instability of the mother, Daniela Salgado. Recently, at a public gathering, Mrs. Salgado staged a highly volatile, calculated scene designed to cause maximum emotional distress to the family. Furthermore, she has removed the child from a stable, high-security environment and placed her in a cramped, unsafe residence. We believe the child is being used as a pawn for financial extortion."
The attorney presented photos of my parents' modest apartment, twisting the simple home into looking like a dangerous environment.
Judge Harrison looked over the photos, then turned to Victoria. "Ms. Vance, what is your response?"
Victoria stood up calmly. "Your Honor, we find the petitioner's claims not only baseless but profoundly ironic. We have brought a witness who can shed light on the true motivations behind this custody petition."
Victoria turned toward the back of the courtroom. "The defense calls Mr. Arthur Aranda."
A collective gasp echoed through the room. Teresa froze, her face turning completely white. Even Rodrigo jumped in his seat.
Arthur Aranda was Teresa’s husband—Rodrigo's father. He was a man who had been reported to be living in a private medical retreat in Europe for the past three years due to "severe illness." The family had kept him completely hidden from the public eye.
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The doors opened, and Arthur Aranda walked in. He didn't look sick at all. He looked sharp, healthy, and incredibly angry. He walked with a firm stride straight to the witness stand.
"Arthur..." Teresa whispered, her voice cracking with genuine terror. "What are you doing here?"
