Chapter 5 - Helena’s Secret|
The audio recording changed everything. The civil trial five years ago had focused on medical negligence—a tragic, accidental overdose of pain medication. The hospital settled out of court, and Lucas walked away with a massive payout while Ricardo was granted temporary custody to maintain Bia's stability.
But it wasn't an accident. It was an execution.
Before Ricardo could process his next move, the buzzer to his apartment blared violently.
He glanced at the security monitor. It was Helena. Camila and Lucas’s former mother-in-law, a woman whose wealth was matched only by her ruthless desire to control her family’s image.
“Hide the laptop,” Ricardo hissed at Marcus.
Marcus smoothly slid his equipment into his backpack and stepped into the hallway bathroom, closing the door just as Ricardo unlocked the front entrance.
Helena pushed her way inside without waiting for an invitation. She wore a pristine white trench coat and carried a designer handbag that cost more than Ricardo’s car.
“Ricardo. We need to talk.”
“I’m busy, Helena. What do you want?”
She didn't sit down. She paced the living room, her sharp eyes scanning every surface, stopping briefly on the bookshelf where Bia’s old doll, Rosie, sat slumped against a row of encyclopedias.
“Lucas tells me he’s filing for full custody,” Helena began, her voice tight and clipped.
“He is.”
“I want you to know I don’t support it.”
Ricardo blinked in genuine surprise. “Excuse me?”
Helena turned to face him, her mask of aristocratic composure slipping for just a fraction of a second. She looked exhausted. Terrified.
“Lucas is... unstable right now. He’s making reckless financial decisions. He’s associating with people who are dangerous. If Bia goes to live with him, she will not be safe.”
“Why are you telling me this?” Ricardo asked, narrowing his eyes. “You defended him at the funeral. You paid for his lawyers.”
Helena looked away, staring hard at the doll on the shelf.
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“Because five years ago, I didn't know what was in that safety deposit box. The box Lucas claimed was empty. I found out yesterday. Keep my granddaughter here, Ricardo. Whatever it takes.”
Before he could ask another question, Helena walked out, slamming the door behind her.
