Chapter 12 - The Divorce Papers Served At The Annual Denver Gala
Two months later, the Denver Convention Center hosted the annual Colorado Business Leaders Gala.
Mauricio Vega, desperate to find an investor or a wealthy patron willing to back his legal defense fund, had snuck into the gala using a forged corporate guest pass. He wore his only remaining suit, hovering near the cocktail bars, trying to corner mid-level executives who hadn't yet heard the full extent of his criminal indictment.
As Mauricio approached a group of venture capitalists, the ballroom lights dimmed.
The Master of Ceremonies took the main stage.
“Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we are honored to introduce the newest Managing Director of the Morales Foundation and Senior Vice President of Urban Development—Valeria Morales!”
The spotlights shifted to the center stage.
Valeria walked out wearing a stunning, elegant sapphire gown, her hair falling in graceful waves, radiating confidence, intelligence, and poise. The entire room of five hundred business leaders erupted into thunderous applause.
Mauricio froze, his drink slipping from his fingers and shattering across the carpet.
Valeria looked directly across the ballroom, locking eyes with Mauricio.
She gave a subtle nod toward the side entrance.
Two uniformed process servers stepped out from the shadows, flanking Mauricio on either side.
The lead server handed Mauricio a thick blue folder.
“Mauricio Vega,” the server announced loudly, drawing the attention of dozens of nearby executives and journalists. “You have been formally served with the final decree of absolute annulment, a permanent financial restraining order, and a federal indictment for grand bank fraud. You are required to surrender your passport to federal marshals outside this room immediately.”
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Mauricio looked up toward the stage.
Valeria turned her back on him, stepping up to the podium to deliver her keynote address, without sparing him another glance.
