Salgado inclines his head. “Of course. Alejandro’s will is valid, notarized, and supported by a detailed memorandum of intent. There is also a sealed appendix that becomes relevant depending on the interpretation of certain clauses. I will read the principal provisions first.”
Valeria’s posture loosens just slightly. You notice because now that the shock of loss has worn its first raw edges off, you are noticing everything. The way she keeps one thumbnail pressed lightly into the side of her finger. The way she glances, not at you, but at the blue folder nearest the attorney’s elbow. The way her confidence seems rehearsed rather than natural.
Salgado begins.
Alejandro Hernández, of sound mind and legal capacity, leaves the majority of his corporate assets, intellectual property rights, and liquid holdings in the care of the Alejandro Hernández Foundation, a charitable vehicle established eighteen months before his death. The foundation is to support education, technology access, and entrepreneurship grants for low-income youth in Mexico City and selected parts of the United States. A board of trustees is named. Salgado is one. A former professor is another. A venture partner. A retired judge. And then your breath catches.
You.
You look up sharply.
Valeria’s chin jerks toward you so quickly it looks painful.
Salgado continues as though he has not just detonated the room. A stipend is assigned to each trustee for service. Compensation and voting terms are defined. Safeguards are included to prevent hostile restructuring, liquidation, or misuse of the foundation as a private holding shell.
Valeria interrupts first.
“I’m sorry,” she says with a smile too polished to be real. “There must be some mistake. Alejandro intended the foundation as a future project, not the primary beneficiary.”
