Part 5: The Frame-Up
The screens showed the passage of time. For the next hour, Emiliano watched as Patricia meticulously laid her trap.
Camera 4 captured her slipping into the staff quarters. The hallway was empty; the rest of the staff were busy with their daily routines. She moved with practiced stealth, opening Rosa’s small locker. From her pocket, she pulled a velvet pouch. She didn't just toss it in; she carefully buried it at the bottom of Rosa’s tote bag, hiding it beneath a worn, folded sweater.
Emiliano’s jaw clenched so tight he tasted blood.
He watched as she returned to the main house, her face shifting back into a mask of perfect calm. She walked into the kitchen where Rosa was preparing lunch for the girls.
"Rosa," Patricia said, leaning against the marble island. "I seem to be missing a few very important pieces of jewelry from my vanity. Have you seen them?"
"No, Miss Patricia," Rosa answered calmly, continuing to chop vegetables. "I haven't been in the master suite today. Maria was assigned to the upstairs rooms."
"Maria is clumsy, but she's not a thief," Patricia said, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "I know it was you. You’re resentful. You see what I have, what I’m going to have with Emiliano, and you want a piece of it."
Rosa set the knife down. She looked at Patricia, her eyes reflecting a quiet, unbreakable resilience.
May you like
"I don't want anything that isn't mine, ma'am," Rosa replied steadily. "My only concern is the well-being of Mr. Duarte's daughters."
"We'll see about that," Patricia smirked. "Let's see how much they love you when the police drag you out of here in handcuffs."
