CHAPTER 5
435 Words
The Third Family
Lia couldn't sleep.
The note sat on her bedside table.
She read it again.
The truth is closer than you think.
She thought about Elena.
Her aunt had known about the feud.
She had known about the box.
And she had reacted strangely when Lia mentioned the third family.
The next morning, Lia confronted her.
"What do you know about Adrian Vale?"
Elena stopped pouring tea.
"Why are you asking?"
"Because I found his photographs."
Elena's hand trembled.
Lia noticed.
"You know him."
"No."
"Don't lie to me."
Elena sat down.
"There are things you don't understand."
"Then explain them."
Elena remained silent.
Lia placed the photograph on the table.
Her aunt stared at it.
Finally, she whispered:
"I thought he was dead."
"He isn't."
"I know."
Lia froze.
"You knew?"
Elena looked at her.
"Your father discovered Adrian's organization years ago."
"The Vale Circle."
Elena nodded.
"He manipulated people, businesses, and families. Your father and Vittorio tried to stop him."
"Then why did they become enemies?"
"Because Adrian made them believe the other had betrayed them."
Lia sat down.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because your father wanted you to have a normal life."
"That didn't work."
Elena's eyes filled with regret.
"No."
Lia looked at her.
"What happened to my father?"
Elena hesitated.
"Adrian threatened him."
"And you?"
"I tried to help."
"Did you?"
Elena looked away.
Lia suddenly noticed a small scar on Elena's wrist.
She remembered seeing the same symbol tattooed near the scar years ago.
The snake and crown.
Lia's voice became quiet.
"You were part of the Vale Circle."
Elena closed her eyes.
"Yes."
Silence filled the room.
"I left when I realized what Adrian really wanted."
"What did he want?"
"Control."
Elena looked at Lia.
"And your father was the only person who could stop him."
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