Chapter 7 - THE GATES OF RUTA NORTE
The security guards at the front gates of Ruta Norte Logistics recognized Teresa immediately, but the respectful bows and obsequious smiles of the past were entirely gone. When she pulled up to the security kiosk, demanding entrance to the executive tower, the head guard didn't even bother to pick up the phone. “Step out of the vehicle, señora,” he said coldly, his hand resting on his belt. “You are permanently barred from these premises by direct order of the CEO.” Teresa slammed her hands against the steering wheel, her face turning a deep, dangerous shade of crimson. “Do you know who I am?!” she shrieked through the rolled-down window. “I am the mother of the regional director! I demand to speak to Elena right now!”
“Your son was fired for embezzlement and corporate fraud on Tuesday, señora,” the guard replied flatly, his voice carrying across the parking lot for all the arriving employees to hear. “And Mrs. Whitmore is currently meeting with federal prosecutors upstairs. Turn your car around before I have it towed to the impound lot.” Humiliated beyond endurance, with dozens of corporate employees staring and whispering behind her, Teresa threw the car into reverse, nearly clipping a concrete pillar as she sped out of the lot. She had come to intimidate the queen, only to discover that the kingdom had already been completely cleansed of her presence.
