Chapter 2: The Woman in the Hallway
Rafael didn't lower the phone.
He pressed play again.
Louder this time.
Victoria's voice filled the room.
"If she finds out about Camila, everything falls apart.
You promised me this would stay buried."
Elena went still.
"Who is Camila?"
No one answered.
Alejandro took one step forward.
"That's not what it sounds like."
Rafael put his hand up.
"Don't."
Victoria covered her mouth.
Her eyes were red.
She wasn't looking at Alejandro anymore.
She was looking at Elena — and there was something in that look that wasn't guilt.
It was pity.
"Elena." Her voice cracked.
"I wanted to tell you.
I did.
But he said it would destroy the family."
"What family?" Elena's voice was quiet.
Almost calm.
"Tell me who Camila is."
Victoria opened her mouth.
Alejandro said one word.
Sharp.
Final.
"Don't."
But it was too late.
Because behind Rafael, the door was still open.
And a woman was standing in the hallway.
She hadn't knocked.
She had a child with her.
A little boy.
Maybe three years old.
She looked at Elena.
May you like
Then she looked at Alejandro.
And she said: "You told me she knew."
