Chapter 8 - Behind the Portrait
The safe was hidden behind a portrait of Lucille's father.
Celina opened it at 1:12 a.m.
Rafael stood watch.
Inside were dozens of files.
They found Elena's.
Rafael opened it.
The original ledger was there.
So was something unexpected.
A birth certificate.
Sofia Vale.
Mother: Elena Vale.
Father: Mateo Montaro.
Rafael stopped breathing.
“No.”
Celina covered her mouth.
That made Sofia not merely Elena's daughter.
It made her Rafael's half sister.
Rafael heard movement behind them.
Lucille stood in the doorway.
“I wondered how long it would take.”
Rafael held up the certificate.
“Is this real?”
“Yes.”
“Dad is Sofia's father?”
“Yes.”
“Does he know?”
May you like
Lucille smiled without warmth.
“He always knew.”
