Chapter 3 - The Secret Behind the Manor
For three days after Isabel Croft left Dwarte Manor, Marisol Vega expected her life to return to normal.
She was wrong.
Because normal had never existed inside a house where powerful people protected their pride more than their loyalty.
The first sign came when she found her employee file missing.
Marisol stood inside the staff office, staring at the empty cabinet.
"Looking for something?"
She turned.
Marcus, Rafael's assistant, stood in the doorway.
"The personnel files."
Marcus glanced at the cabinet.
"They were moved."
"Why?"
"Rafael ordered a review of every employee record."
Marisol frowned.
"Why?"
Marcus hesitated.
"Because someone tried to access them."
Her expression changed.
"Who?"
"We don't know yet."
Marisol looked away.
"I don't understand."
Marcus studied her.
"Miss Vega, how long have you worked here?"
"Three years."
"And during those three years, how many times did you complain?"
She almost laughed.
"Never."
"Exactly."
Marcus stepped closer.
"People who stay silent for too long usually have a reason."
Marisol looked down.
"I just needed the job."
Marcus nodded.
"I know."
That answer surprised her.
"You know?"
"Rafael knows too."
---
That evening, Rafael found Marisol in the kitchen.
She was helping Odette prepare dinner.
When he entered, the entire room became quiet.
The staff immediately straightened.
Marisol noticed.
"You make everyone nervous."
Rafael raised an eyebrow.
"Do I?"
"Yes."
"Should I apologize?"
The small smile that appeared on her face surprised both of them.
"No."
"Good."
A pause.
"Because I wasn't planning to."
For a moment, they simply looked at each other.
Then Rafael noticed the way Marisol kept touching the ends of her shortened hair.
Not constantly.
Just occasionally.
Like she was checking whether it was still gone.
His expression softened slightly.
"Does it hurt?"
Marisol looked confused.
"What?"
"Seeing it."
She understood.
"The hair?"
He nodded.
She was quiet.
"Sometimes."
Rafael leaned against the counter.
"Why?"
Marisol looked at him.
"Because it wasn't just hair."
She touched a strand near her shoulder.
"My grandmother grew it with me."
Her voice became quieter.
"She used to say every woman needs one thing nobody can take from her."
"What was yours?"
Marisol smiled sadly.
"My hair."
Rafael looked away for a moment.
A man like Rafael Dwarte was used to solving problems.
Money.
Enemies.
Contracts.
Threats.
But he could not replace something someone had stolen.
"I am sorry."
The words were simple.
But coming from him, they meant something.
Marisol looked surprised.
"You don't have to apologize for her."
"I do."
"Why?"
"Because she was wearing my family's name."
---
The next morning, a package arrived at Dwarte Manor.
It was addressed to Marisol.
Nobody knew who sent it.
Inside was a photograph.
A photograph of Marisol's mother.
Her hands trembled.
She immediately recognized it.
It was from ten years ago.
The same photograph she kept in her uniform pocket.
Except this one was different.
Written on the back were six words:
"You don't belong in their world."
Marisol's face changed.
Rafael noticed immediately.
"What happened?"
She handed him the picture.
The second he read the message, his expression became cold.
"Who sent this?"
"I don't know."
"Has anyone threatened you before?"
"No."
"Think carefully."
Marisol shook her head.
"Never."
Rafael looked at Marcus.
"Find out who delivered this."
Marcus nodded.
"Already started."
Marisol looked between them.
"Rafael..."
He turned.
"This isn't about Isabel anymore, is it?"
"No."
His answer was immediate.
"Someone wants you afraid."
"Why?"
Rafael looked at the photograph.
"That's what I'm going to find out."
---
Two days later, the answer arrived.
And it changed everything.
The man behind the message was not a stranger.
It was someone from Rafael's past.
Someone who knew exactly where to hurt him.
His uncle.
May you like
Vincent Dwarte.
---
