CHAPTER 4: THE FALL OF A NAME
The scandal exploded overnight.
News outlets ran the story: The Rivas Secret Daughter.
Investors called. Lawyers got involved. The pristine image of the Rivas empire began to crack.
But for Clara, none of that mattered.
She sat alone in a quiet guest room, staring at the locket in her hands.
Her entire life had been built on questions.
Now she finally had answers.
And somehow, it hurt more.
A knock came at the door.
Julian.
“I’m sorry,” he said as soon as he stepped inside.
“For what?” Clara asked.
“For everything you didn’t have… that I did.”
She studied him. “I don’t want your money. Or your name.”
“I know.”
“Then what do you want?”
Julian hesitated.
Then, softly: “The truth.”
Clara looked down at the locket again.
May you like
“My mom used to say… some truths don’t set you free. They break you first.”
Julian nodded. “Then we’ll face it anyway.”
