Chapter 7 - THE MAN WHO THREATENED MY FAMILY
Victor Bellini contacted me the following morning.
His assistant requested a private meeting.
I refused.
Then Victor called personally.
"Miss Valdez."
His voice was smooth.
Confident.
Accustomed to obedience.
"I understand you've been asking questions about my daughter."
I sat at my kitchen table.
"She was my sister."
Silence.
Then:
"That hasn't been established."
I looked at the photograph.
"Yes, it has."
Victor sighed.
"Family matters are complicated."
I felt anger rise.
"Then explain them."
He paused.
"You're a young woman with limited resources. I suggest you think carefully before involving yourself in matters you don't understand."
I went cold.
"Is that a threat?"
Victor laughed softly.
"Advice."
I ended the call.
Ten minutes later, I called Dante.
He answered immediately.
"What happened?"
I told him.
His voice became dangerously quiet.
"Did he threaten you?"
"He tried."
Dante exhaled.
"Elina, I need you to be careful."
I stared at the phone.
"Why?"
"Because Victor has spent decades protecting his reputation."
I looked toward the window.
A black sedan was parked across the street.
It hadn't been there yesterday.
"Dante?"
"Yes?"
"I think someone is watching my apartment."
Within minutes, Dante contacted his security team.
He also urged me to report the incident.
I documented the call and the vehicle.
That night, I stayed with Rosa.
My adoptive mother hugged me tightly.
"I should have told you."
I shook my head.
"You were afraid."
She began crying.
I held her.
"You didn't know what happened to Isabella."
Rosa whispered:
"I always hoped you'd find each other."
I looked at the photograph.
"We almost did."
Then my phone buzzed.
A message from Dante.
We found something in Isabella's old files.
I stared.
May you like
Another message appeared.
Elina, I think your sister knew she was being followed before she died.
