Chapter 67: Shadows of the Past

Clara couldn’t sleep that night. Her father’s words echoed in her mind like an incessant drumbeat: “Not only can I, Clara. I can make his father pay with his life if I wanted to.” She tossed and turned under the sheets, unable to shake off the looming sense of danger hanging over her head like a sword.

When the first rays of sunlight began to creep through her window, Clara rose with a determination to get answers. She couldn’t allow her father to make impulsive decisions based on old feuds.

In the dining room, Vincent was seated, reading through some documents. He appeared calm, but Clara knew that calmness was merely a facade he used to maintain control.

“Father, I need to talk to you,” she said, gathering her courage.

Vincent looked up, setting the papers on the table with a calculated motion.

“What is it now, Clara?”

She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself.

“I want to know why Alex Morán is so important. I don’t understand why you hate him so much.”

Vincent let out a long, heavy sigh, as if what he was about to say cost him more than he was willing to admit.

“Alex’s father, Mateo Morán, is not just my enemy,” he began, his voice laced with resentment. “He’s the man who tried to destroy everything I built.”

Clara frowned, confused.

“What exactly did he do?”

Vincent leaned back in his chair, as if the weight of his memories was pressing him down.

“When I was young, Mateo and I worked together. We were partners in a business that was supposed to make us both wealthy. But Mateo was ambitious, far more than I ever imagined. He betrayed our alliance, stole crucial information, and tried to use it to ruin me. He failed, but the damage was done. I lost several key allies because of him, and my life was never the same. Since then, I became a mafioso and swore revenge on him.”

Clara felt a mix of empathy and bewilderment.

“And what does that have to do with Alex?”

Vincent stared at her intently, as if he couldn’t believe he had to spell it out.

"Because the Moráns don’t forget. If he’s here, it’s not a coincidence. He’s using you to get close to me, to finish what his father started."

Clara shook her head, her lips trembling slightly.

"That doesn’t make any sense. Alex doesn’t seem like that kind of person. We don’t even know each other; he was just asking for directions."

"That’s why he’s dangerous," Vincent replied sharply. "Because he doesn’t seem like it. And I don’t believe he’s here by chance."

Before Clara could respond, one of Vincent’s trusted men entered the dining room.

"Sir, we have news about Mateo Morán."

Vincent stood up immediately, his face hardening.

"What is it?"

"It seems he’s been moving in the shadows, gathering support. And there are rumors that Alex might not be acting alone."

Clara felt the air leave her lungs. Was Alex involved in his father’s plans? Or was all of this just Vincent’s paranoia?

Vincent turned to her, his gaze cold.

"I hope you understand now why I told you to stay away from him. This is not a game, Clara. If you go near Alex, I won’t be able to protect you."

Clara wanted to protest, but she remained silent. The possibility that Alex was connected to his father’s schemes was something she couldn’t ignore, though a part of her refused to believe it. Now she had to decide whom to trust: her heart or Vincent’s warnings, her protective father.

Clara couldn’t get her conversation with her father out of her mind. Vincent’s words about Alex Morán echoed in her head, and the fear of what he might do mixed with the guilt of having turned her back on Alex. She knew she couldn’t stay silent, but she also couldn’t confront her father directly.

As night fell, she made a decision. She would go to her sister Shopia’s house. Maybe she could offer advice or, at the very least, listen to what she had to say.

Shopia’s mansion was illuminated by the soft lights of the garden when Clara arrived. She knocked on the door with some anxiety and was greeted by Shopia, who held her baby in her arms.

"Clara, what are you doing here?" Shopia asked, surprised but with a warmth that invited her to come in.

"I need to talk to you. It’s important," Clara responded bluntly.

Shopia nodded, sensing the seriousness in her tone. They went into the living room, and Shopia placed the baby in his crib before sitting across from her sister.

"What’s going on?" Shopia asked, looking at her with concern.

Clara took a deep breath, trying to find the right words.

"I saw someone today… someone I didn’t expect to see again."

Shopia frowned.

"Who?"

"Alex Morán."

The name fell between them like a stone, and Shopia’s eyes widened in surprise.

"Alex? Mateo Morán’s son?"

Clara raised her gaze, startled by the firmness in Shopia’s tone.

"What do you mean you saw him again?" her sister asked, crossing her arms. Her expression reflected a mix of worry and reproach. "Clara, did you already know him?"

Clara swallowed hard, feeling her chest tighten.