Samuel sat to my right, going over two pages of financial exhibits from his dark leather binder.

“The judge will call case four-twelve in five minutes, Elena,” Samuel said softly.

“Everything is ready, just as you asked.”

“Thank you, Samuel,” I said.

Down the hallway, two heavy glass doors swung open, and Doña Victoria walked toward us with Alejandro and the corporate attorney, Oscar Garza.

Doña Victoria wore a tailored navy silk jacket, her posture regal and sharp.

In her left hand she carried a narrow gold box tied with a white silk ribbon.