Chapter 13 - The Weight of a Secret
Then, the voice of Augusto Villanueva shifted. This was no longer just a concerned father; this was the self-made titan who possessed enough capital to loan millions to old-money families.
"Where are you?" he asked, his voice chillingly calm, stripped of all warmth.
"On the terrace of the Versailles room. At the Aranjuez Hotel."
"Do not move."
"Dad, wait," Valentina interjected quickly. "Before you do anything, I need you to know that I've already decided to leave. I'm walking away. I don't want a scandal."
"Valentina."
"What?"
May you like
"How long?" he asked, the question hitting her like a physical blow. "How long have you been protecting them?"
The question caught her completely off guard. The truthful answer was: a long time. Too long. A heavy sigh escaped her lips, carrying the weight of months of agonizing silence and misplaced loyalty.
