Chapter 4 - Web of DeceitGetting to Ricardo del Monte was easier said than done. He was constantly traveling, surrounded by personal assistants, bodyguards, and a wall of corporate secretaries. And whenever he did return to the mansion, Verónica never left his side.
For the next three days, Clara played the part of the submissive, terrified servant. She worked double shifts, cleaned without complaint, and endured Verónica’s harsh insults without looking up. Her obedience slowly eased Verónica’s paranoia, allowing Clara to observe the routine of the house more closely.
On Thursday afternoon, Ricardo unexpectedly returned from a business trip to New York early. Clara was cleaning the second-floor hallway when she heard his heavy leather shoes clicking against the marble entryway below.
"Verónica?" his deep voice echoed through the high foyer.
Verónica emerged from her study immediately, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him with practiced affection. "Darling! You're back early. I thought your meetings went through Friday."
"We wrapped up the agreement early," Ricardo said, looking tired as he unbuttoned his suit jacket. "Where is the file on the estate taxes? My legal team needs the original property deeds signed by my mother before Monday."
Clara, standing at the top of the stairwell with a bundle of linens, saw Verónica’s posture stiffen for a split second before she recovered her serene smile.
"I have them safe in my private office safe, my love," Verónica said smoothly, patting his chest. "Don't worry about estate matters today. You look exhausted. Let me have the kitchen prepare a hot meal for you."
As Ricardo headed toward his study, Clara caught his eye for a brief moment. She bowed her head respectfully, but as he passed her in the hallway, she intentionally dropped a small, folded piece of paper from her apron pocket onto his shoe.
Ricardo stopped, frowning. He bent down and picked up the note.
Written in neat, hasty handwriting were four words: Your mother is here.
Ricardo stared at the paper, his eyebrows knitting together in confusion. He looked up at Clara, but she was already walking quickly away toward the servants' quarters, her heart hammering against her ribs.
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Before Ricardo could process the strange note, Verónica called out to him from the dining room. "Ricardo, darling? Is everything alright?"
Ricardo slowly crumpled the note into his pocket. "Yes," he called back, his tone suddenly cautious. "Everything is fine."
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