Chapter 10 - The Betrayal
Mariana confessed everything.
Teresa had contacted her months earlier.
She had asked Mariana to monitor Sofia.
Not to hurt her.
Not initially.
Just to know where she went.
Who she met.
What documents she possessed.
Mariana had agreed.
Javier looked horrified.
“You recorded her.”
“Yes.”
“At the bus station?”
Mariana nodded.
“Why?”
“Because Mom said Sofia was dangerous.”
Sofia watched her.
“Did you believe her?”
“At first.”
“And now?”
Mariana looked down.
“I don't know.”
Sofia sat quietly.
“Did you access the account?”
“No.”
“Who did?”
Mariana hesitated.
Then she said,
“Mom's lawyer.”
Elena's eyes narrowed.
“Name.”
“Richard Vale.”
Javier stared.
“He's been handling our legal affairs for fifteen years.”
Elena immediately reached for her phone.
“Find him.”
The security officer called.
After a few seconds, he returned.
“Mr. Vale isn't answering.”
Elena's expression hardened.
“Where is he?”
“He left Syracuse two hours ago.”
Sofia stood.
“Then he has the missing page.”
Elena looked at her.
“What page?”
“The last page of my father's letter.”
Javier frowned.
“You think Richard took it?”
“I know he did.”
“How?”
Sofia pointed to the wooden chest.
“There was dust everywhere except one corner.”
She looked toward the door.
“Someone opened this recently.”
Elena understood.
“He came here.”
“Yes.”
“To find what?”
Sofia looked at the remaining documents.
“Something my father didn't want Teresa to know.”
Suddenly the lights flickered.
Then the security alarm sounded.
The officer rushed inside.
“Mrs. Mendoza, the gates have been breached.”
Elena looked at Sofia.
“How many?”
“Four vehicles.”
Sofia's phone vibrated.
Unknown number.
A message appeared.
You found the vault.
Another message followed.
Now find the man who disappeared.
Sofia stared at the screen.
Javier whispered,
“Who disappeared?”
May you like
Sofia slowly looked at Elena.
“My father.”
