Chapter 3
388 Words
Adrian Vale rarely approached strangers, but the woman standing near the window had caught his attention the moment she entered the room, not because she was trying to attract attention, quite the opposite, she stood quietly, observing everything. Watching and studying.
He reached her a moment later.
"Good evening," he said.
His voice was calm but curious.
"I don't believe we've met."
The woman turned toward him.
Up close, Adrian noticed the quiet confidence in her posture.
Dark eyes.
Sharp intelligence behind them.
"No," she replied. "We haven't."
Her voice was steady.
Not nervous.
Interesting.
Adrian extended his hand.
"Adrian Vale."
She shook it.
"Isabella Moreno."
The name struck a faint chord somewhere in his memory, but he couldn't place it immediately.
"And what brings you to my event, Ms. Moreno?" he asked.
She tilted her head slightly.
"Professional curiosity."
"Curiosity?"
"I'm a journalist," she said.
Adrian raised an eyebrow.
"A journalist at a private charity gala?"
"Investigative journalism," she clarified.
Something about her honesty amused him.
"And what exactly are you investigating?"
Isabella met his gaze without hesitation.
"Corporate history."
The air between them seemed to shift slightly.
Adrian studied her more carefully now.
"You're very direct."
"I prefer efficiency."
A faint smile touched his lips.
"I imagine that makes you very good at your job."
She didn't smile back.
"That depends on how cooperative people are."
Adrian leaned slightly closer.
"Are you asking for an interview?"
"Yes."
"About Vale Global?"
"About events that happened ten years ago."
The words hung between them.
For the first time that evening, Adrian felt a flicker of real curiosity.
Ten years ago.
The year Moreno Shipping collapsed.
He studied her face again, and suddenly something clicked.
Moreno.
"Interesting topic," he said quietly.
Isabella's gaze didn't waver.
"I think so too."
Adrian considered her for a moment.
Then he nodded.
"Very well."
Her eyebrow lifted slightly.
"You're agreeing?"
"Yes."
"But on one condition."
"And that is?"
He held her gaze.
"You tell me why you're really interested in the past."
For the first time that evening, Isabella hesitated.
The tension between them grew heavier.
Then she spoke.
"My father's name is Rafael Moreno."
Silence settled between them.
Adrian finally understood.
This wasn't just journalism.
This was personal.
Very personal.
And somehow, he had a feeling their story was only just beginning.
- Writer
