The video ended with the SUV leaving Sofia behind.
Nobody in Elena’s executive team spoke.
Elena replayed it once.
Her expression never changed.
That silence frightened the people who knew her best.
Elena Mendoza rarely made important decisions while angry.
She waited until emotion became clarity.
Then she acted.
She handed the tablet back.
“Rachel.”
“Yes?”
“Cancel the site visit.”
Rachel hesitated.
“The Pines Manor evaluation?”
“The entire evaluation.”
Elena’s Chief Operating Officer looked toward her.
“We’re supposed to begin final negotiations today.”
“There will be no final negotiations.”
Elena took out her phone.
“And remove The Pines Manor from future partnership consideration.”
Her executive team exchanged glances.
One of them carefully asked, “Permanently?”
Elena looked at her daughter’s GPS dot again.
“Yes.”
Then she called her Chief Legal Officer.
“I want the preliminary documents reviewed immediately. Make sure Altavista has no outstanding obligations. If we don’t, terminate all discussions.”
She paused.
“And document the reason internally.”
The executive beside her nodded.
“What reason should we state?”
Elena’s eyes remained fixed on the location moving through the storm.
“Failure to meet Altavista’s standards regarding professional judgment, safety culture, and executive conduct.”
She ended the call.
“Now find my daughter.”
Back at The Pines Manor, Teresa was inspecting the dining room when the general manager received the phone call.
He answered smiling.
Within seconds, the smile vanished.
“Yes, sir.”
Pause.
“I understand.”
Another pause.
