Chapter 17 - The Shadow Returns
The air in the office felt instantly heavier.
Diego stared at the cryptic, terrifying note from Ricardo.
"Are you sure he means Paulina?" Marisol asked, wrapping her arms around herself.
"She is the only one who escaped the fallout," Diego said, pacing the length of the office. "Ricardo used her ambition. He fed her ego. But when the ship sank, she abandoned him. Now, he is warning us."
"Why would he warn you?"
"Because he hates her more than he hates me," Diego explained. "He took the fall. She took the money he hid offshore."
Diego immediately picked up his phone and dialed his head of security.
Marcus had been with the family since the night they locked down the mansion ten years ago.
"Marcus. I need a full background sweep," Diego commanded the moment the line connected.
"Who is the target, Mr. Villaseñor?"
"Paulina Vargas. I want to know where she has been for the last decade. I want to know what names she is using, what bank accounts she is accessing, and if she has crossed the border back into the United States."
"Consider it done, sir."
Diego hung up the phone.
He turned back to Marisol, pulling her into a tight, protective embrace.
"I won't let her near you or Valentina," Diego promised, kissing the top of her head. "Not ever again."
"Valentina is older now, Diego," Marisol reminded him gently. "She isn't a fragile little girl anymore. She is incredibly smart. We shouldn't hide this from her."
"I want to protect her innocence for as long as possible," Diego sighed.
"You protected her by giving her a father," Marisol said. "Now, you protect her by giving her the truth."
Later that evening, they sat down for dinner in the grand dining room.
Valentina was talking enthusiastically about her upcoming charity gala.
She had personally organized a massive fundraiser for the foundation, inviting the city's top philanthropists.
"It's going to be amazing, Dad," Valentina smiled. "We already sold out all the tables."
"I am incredibly proud of you, princesa," Diego smiled.
He exchanged a heavy look with Marisol.
"Valentina," Diego started, setting his fork down. "There is something we need to discuss with you."
Valentina noticed the shift in his tone immediately.
Her smile faded.
"Is something wrong?" she asked.
"We received a letter from Ricardo today," Diego said gently.
Valentina’s posture stiffened.
"He mentioned Paulina," Diego continued. "We have reason to believe she might be trying to return."
Valentina did not cry.
She did not panic.
May you like
Instead, she looked at her father with a fierce, unwavering determination.
"Let her come," Valentina said quietly. "This is our house now. She has no power here."
