Chapter 18 - The DaughterEveryone believed Helena had only one son.
Leonardo.
They were wrong.
Her daughter was named Clara.
She had been sent away as a child.
But she had returned years ago under another identity.
Clara was the mysterious woman who had been moving money through the trust.
She had orchestrated Victor.
She had manipulated Helena.
She had even arranged the assassination attempts.
Sofia found her in a luxury hotel.
Clara didn't run.
She simply waited.
“You know who I am.”
“Yes.”
“Then you know why you're here.”
Sofia stepped inside.
“You killed my father.”
Clara smiled.
“No.”
“Then who did?”
Clara poured two glasses of wine.
“You still think this is about murder.”
“It is.”
“No.”
Clara pushed one glass toward her.
“This is about power.”
Sofia didn't drink.
Clara revealed that Helena had planned to inherit the entire empire.
But Clara had built something larger.
A network of politicians, judges, bankers, and corporations.
Helena was merely the visible face.
Victor was the lawyer.
The judge was the shield.
Clara was the architect.
“And now?”
Clara smiled.
“Now I want Leonardo.”
“Why?”
“Because he owns the last legitimate share of the Valenti fortune.”
Sofia laughed bitterly.
“You think he will give it to you?”
“No.”
Clara's smile disappeared.
“I think you'll convince him.”
Then the hotel lights went out.
When they returned, Clara was gone.
On the table lay a photograph.
Leonardo.
Bound to a chair.
May you like
Alive.
Barely.
