Chapter 8 - SHADOWS OF THE PASTTwo years passed.
The Salvatierra empire flourished like never before under Adriana’s leadership. She had taken over as CEO of Salvatierra Conglomerate, guiding the business into new heights while raising Renata in an environment filled with love, security, and absolute luxury.
Mauricio, Beatriz, and Vanessa were rotting in their respective prison cells, forgotten by the world.
One evening, Adriana sat in her father’s grand study, reviewing international trade reports. The door opened, and Don Mateo walked in, looking unusually solemn.
"Father?" Adriana asked, setting down her documents. "Is something wrong? Is it about Renata?"
"Renata is asleep, completely safe," Don Mateo said softly, taking a seat opposite her. "I come to you tonight because there is something I have kept from you for six years, Adriana. Something about the night you met Mauricio."
Adriana frowned. "What do you mean?"
Don Mateo let out a heavy sigh, pulling an old yellowed document from his coat.
"You always believed that meeting Mauricio was a coincidence—that you fell in love with a random man and decided to test his loyalty with the red thread," Don Mateo explained carefully. "But it wasn't a coincidence."
Adriana felt a cold shiver run down her spine. "What are you saying, Father?"
"Six years ago, Mauricio’s father—before he died—owed a massive, illegal debt to a shadowy cartel syndicate operating out of South America," Don Mateo revealed. "Mauricio was sent to approach you on purpose. He knew you were a Salvatierra from the very beginning."
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Adriana gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "What?"
"His entire courting of you was staged," Don Mateo said, his voice laced with bitterness. "He pretended to be a sweet, mid-level businessman to make you fall in love with him. But when you imposed the 'red thread test'—stripping yourself of your money to live like a commoner—Mauricio panicked. He couldn't access your wealth. He thought you had actually been disowned!"
