Part 2

My mother grabbed Elena’s wrist.

“Fix your dress. Smile. You are not ruining this family.”

I stepped forward, and she let go. My father lowered his voice, trying to sound calm, but I could hear the panic underneath.

“Think carefully, Daniel. Mateo is closing the Alvarez merger next week. One scandal, and hundreds of millions disappear.”

“There it is,” I said. “The family heart.”

Mateo wiped blood from his mouth.

“You always hated me.”

“No,” I said. “I just finally see you.”

He stood unsteadily, still drunk, still arrogant.

“No one will believe her. They’ll believe me. They always do.”

My parents did not deny it. They escorted us into the library and shut the door behind us. Outside, the music grew louder, as if violins could drown out what had happened. My father poured himself whiskey and spoke like he was settling a business issue.

“Here is what will happen. Elena had too much champagne. She misunderstood. Mateo helped her. You overreacted.”