But Elena remembered the house he had built, the business he had grown, and the promises he had made before his death.
She remembered his final words to her.
Never let anyone convince you that being my daughter is a debt you must repay.
Isabel had spent years making sure she forgot them.
“You have until noon to come home,” Isabel said coldly. “If you don’t, I’ll report you missing and tell the police you stole confidential business documents.”
“I didn’t steal anything.”
“People believe what they are told by the right people, Elena. You should have learned that by now.”
The call ended.
Elena stared at the telephone.
Her heart pounded, but something stronger than fear was beginning to rise.
Anger.
She dressed and walked into the dining room, where Matthew was reading a report over coffee.
He looked up immediately.
“Did you sleep?”
“A little.”
“That’s better than nothing.”
