They chained a pregnant woman to the bottom of the swimming pool, but when Daniel tried to save her, his mother closed the lid, causing both of them to drown. / Chapter 3 / 40

Chapter 3 - The Key

Up on the dry, sun-drenched deck, Teresa smoothed the invisible wrinkles from her crimson dress. She stood perfectly still, her face an unreadable mask of absolute calm. She didn't look over her shoulder. She didn't flinch at the splashing.

In her right hand, hidden against the folds of her dress, she held a small, silver padlock key. It was the only key capable of unlocking the heavy chain binding her daughter-in-law to the bottom of the pool.

She stepped closer to the edge, looking down through the crystal-clear water. She watched Valeria thrashing wildly, her white sundress billowing like a ghost, her bound hands desperately clutching her stomach.

"Such a tragic accident," Teresa murmured to herself, a cruel, satisfied smirk touching the corners of her lips. "A pregnant woman, prone to fainting spells, slips and falls into the deep end during a crowded party. The tragedy will be on the front page of every newspaper by tomorrow. And the Valdés bloodline will remain pure."

Teresa watched as Valeria’s movements began to slow. The lack of oxygen was taking its toll. The frantic kicking turned into weak, sluggish spasms.

Just a few more seconds, Teresa thought, her eyes glinting with victory.

But then, a sharp, terrified voice tore through the festive music of the Cuban band.

"Valeria!"

Teresa’s head snapped up.

Daniel had just walked out from the garden path, carrying two glasses of sparkling water. He stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes locked onto the pool. He saw the violent splashing. He saw the white fabric sinking into the deep end. He saw his mother standing at the edge, doing absolutely nothing.