Inheritance of Shadows

XI

Damian, picking up on his father’s tone, nodded silently, understanding that some things were best left unasked.

They reached the town hall where the association meeting was to be held. A young man met them outside, offering to take their horses. “The meeting’s starting soon,” he said. Javier led Damian into the hall, which was already crowded with familiar faces—business partners, neighbors, even family friends he hadn’t seen in years.

The gavel banged, signaling the start of the meeting. One of the council members stepped forward, calling the room to attention. “We’d like to extend a warm welcome to a returning member of one of our village’s most important families, Javier Betancourt.” A round of applause followed, and Javier stood, nodding in appreciation. Damian watched his father with awe, sensing the pride in his father’s posture.

The council member continued, “We’re here to discuss the inheritance of Ms. Angela Betancourt’s position in our association.” Javier settled into his seat, intrigued but a bit apprehensive.

“Ms. Angela wished for her son, Javier, to inherit her spot,” the council member announced. “However, the council has voted against this, citing lack of experience.”

A murmur rippled through the room, and Javier felt the air chill around him. The council member continued, “After careful consideration, we have deemed that Lucia Betancourt should take her mother’s place. She has shown dedication to the association over the years, accompanied Ms. Angela to numerous meetings, and understands the workings of our organization. This matter is now closed.”

Javier’s mind reeled. He’d returned expecting to pick up where his mother left off, but the council had effectively blocked him from inheriting her position—and with it, access to essential resources like government subsidies and association dividends. It was a devastating blow; without those funds, the business could suffer, especially as they prepared for their first harvest and cattle sales.

The room blurred as the meeting continued, with Javier barely registering the proceedings. His hopes for the business, for his family’s legacy, felt like they were slipping away. Beside him, Damian watched his father in silence, picking up on his father’s distress but unsure of what to say.

As the meeting adjourned, Javier noticed the association’s president heading out and tried to catch him. “Excuse me, can we discuss this decision?”

The president stopped briefly, acknowledging Javier with a thin smile. “Perhaps another time. I have a full schedule today.” With that, he walked away, leaving Javier feeling stranded and defeated.

The ride home was quiet. Damian sensed his father’s frustration and tried to offer comfort. “We’ll figure this out, Papa. You always do.”

Javier gave his son a sad smile, feeling the weight of responsibility bearing down on him. The future of the family business—and perhaps even his family’s future in Topilejo—now seemed more uncertain than ever.

After the disheartening meeting, Javier and Damian rode back home in silence. Damian glanced at his father, picking up on his tense expression, his grip on the reins a little too tight. As they neared the house, the warmth of home—seeing Victoria waving from the front porch with Helena close behind—brought a small but needed comfort.

Inside, they gathered around the kitchen table, the warm glow of the afternoon sun filling the room. Victoria served coffee, while Damian and Helena exchanged glances, sensing that something was wrong. Finally, Javier broke the silence, explaining what had happened at the meeting: how Lucia had been given his rightful place in the association under the pretense that he lacked experience, effectively blocking their access to critical resources and income.

Helena was the first to speak up, her brows furrowed with frustration. “But Dad, it doesn’t make sense. If Grandma left everything to you, how could they just give it to Aunt Lucia? And why now?”

Javier sighed, rubbing his temples. “That’s the question I keep asking myself. It feels like she’s one step ahead… it’s almost like someone’s advising her, showing her every loophole.”

Victoria nodded thoughtfully, leaning back in her chair. “The fact that she had the confidence to do this—she must know someone powerful within the association. Perhaps someone who wanted her there all along?”

Helena and Damian looked at each other, then Helena quietly spoke up. “Do you think Aunt Lucia might have had anything to do with the Child Services call? It’s just… strange that we’d start having all these issues back in California as soon as we got here. Maybe it’s not a coincidence.”

Javier’s gaze darkened as he considered it. “It would explain a lot. If she’s willing to block me from the association here, maybe she thought we’d give up on coming back altogether.”

Damian chimed in, “Maybe we can fight it somehow, prove they were wrong to block you from Grandma’s spot. There has to be a way, right?”

Victoria put a reassuring hand on Javier’s shoulder. “Javier, we need to think through every option—legally, politically, and even among the other families in the association. There might still be people who respected your mother and could support us.”

Javier nodded, the support from his family helping him refocus. “You're right, all of you. I’ll need to get to know the remaining members, see if anyone can tell me who might be helping Lucia and if there’s any way to push back. This isn’t over yet.”

As the family sat there, planning, there was a quiet but firm resolve. Javier wasn’t facing this battle alone—and his family’s determination would be crucial as they prepared to face Lucia's next moves.