Always on the 15th of every month, always the same amount: €5,625. Cristina felt her mouth go dry. That figure wasn’t random; it was exactly her monthly salary at the health center.
“Whose account is this?” Elena hesitated a moment before answering. “Ru Díaz Moreno.” The silence that followed was so thick it seemed to have a weight of its own. Cristina leaned back in her chair, processing the information.
For months, while she worked double shifts at the health center to save money for the baby, her husband had given his lover the equivalent of his entire salary.
“Is there anything else?” he asked hoarsely. Elena nodded gravely and opened another section of the file, “Undeclared Expenses,” an apartment on Diagonal Avenue rented in the company’s name as a technical office, but which, according to my investigations, is used for other purposes.
I know, that’s where they met. But beyond the rent, there are the expenses for furnishings, the expensive restaurant bills, even the jewelry bill for the prom. Elena pointed to each document, all charged as corporate entertainment expenses.
Cristina closed her eyes, feeling the betrayal multiplying like a hydra. Not only had he cheated on her with another woman, but he had used her company, her money, to support his lover like a princess.
How much in total? Between direct transfers and hidden expenses, almost 80,000 euros in eight months. The figure hung in the air like a death sentence. Elena leaned a little closer, lowering her voice.
Cristina, technically this is embezzlement. Damián used company funds for personal expenses without the owner’s authorization. Could we report him? Report him. Cristina’s eyes widened. What would that entail? Criminal charges.
We could be talking about a prison sentence of two to six years, depending on the amount, and she would have to repay the entire sum with interest and fines. Cristina slowly stood up and approached the window.
Down on Valmes Street, life went on as usual. People shopped at the pharmacy, students entered and exited the subway, couples strolled hand in hand: normal lives, without the drama that had disrupted theirs for so many months.
Elena, yes, you, what would you do? If you were me, what would you do? Elena took off her glasses and carefully polished them before answering. As a manager, I would tell you to protect your interests and those of your son.
As a woman, she paused meaningfully. As a woman who has seen too many cases like this, I would tell you that sometimes the best revenge is not the one that destroys the other person, but the one that strengthens you.
Cristina nodded slowly, stroking her stomach. “I need to think. I need to talk to someone.” “Sure, but Cristina, is there anything else you need to know?” Elena put her glasses back on. “This morning, after the visit, Ru Díaz called asking if she could access the company accounts to help with the administrative management.”
Seriously, Cristina laughed bitterly. It hadn’t even been three hours since she discovered Damian had nothing, and she’s already trying to get her hands on my money.
I told her that only the company owner could authorize such access, but she insisted. She even mentioned the possibility of convincing Damian to make some changes to the company structure.
Cristina turned to Elena with an expression the manager had never seen before. She was no longer the sweet, trusting physical therapist she had known years before. She was a woman who had learned, perhaps too late, that in this world, you have to know how to defend yourself.
Elena, I want you to do something for me, whatever you need. I want you to prepare a complete report of all these irregularities: dates, amounts, descriptions, all legally documented. He paused, looking back at the road.
And I want you to change all the account access codes. Starting tomorrow, any business transaction over €500 will require my personal authorization. Cristina, are you sure? That means Damian won’t be able to do it.
Damian can continue to manage day-to-day operations, but the small gifts for his wife are over. His voice was firm, resolute. And Elena, I want Ruth to know exactly why she won’t have access to anything.
Elena smiled for the first time all afternoon. “When do you want the report ready?” Cristina checked her watch: 3:15 PM. In a few hours, Damian and Ruth would be in their newlywed apartment, presumably planning how to leverage company resources for their honeymoon, which was taking place that very afternoon.
Elena, make sure they get a certified copy by 8:00 PM. As Cristina headed for the door, Elena stopped her with one last question. What would happen if Damian tried to contact you?
If he wants to negotiate. Cristina paused in the doorway, one hand on the doorknob and the other on her stomach. Tell him I’d be happy to talk to him after he’s given me back every last cent he stole from my son.
