—Mateo… she finally said… There’s something you need to know.
He looked up.
—What is it, Dad?
Don Ricardo hesitated.
—After… your “death”… many things changed.
Mateo frowned.
—What do you mean?
The silence grew heavy.
“Your uncle…” he continued. “He took control of the company for a while… and now… he’s a partner.”
A chill ran through Mateo.
—My uncle Javier?
—Yes.
Something inside him stirred.
A shadow. A warning.
—And… does he come here often?
Doña Elena quickly answered.
—Yes, son… he’s family…
Mateo lowered his gaze.
Family…
The word didn’t feel the same anymore.
Three days later, Javier arrived at the house.
Elegant. Confident. Smiling.
But the moment his eyes met Mateo’s…
Time seemed to freeze.
“Nephew…” he said with a tight smile. “What a miracle to see you…”
Mateo stared at him in silence.
And then—
The memory came back.
Stronger.
Clearer.
Impossible to ignore.
The club bathroom.
The music.
The scent of alcohol.
And that face…
That face.
“You…” Mateo whispered.
A chill ran down Javier’s spine.
—What are you saying?
Mateo’s fists tightened.
—You were there that night…
Silence dropped heavily.
Doña Elena looked confused.
—What are you talking about?
Mateo didn’t break his gaze.
—In the bathroom… you asked me for something… you wanted me to steal my father’s documents…
Javier’s expression stiffened—just for a second.
But it was enough.
—I don’t know what you’re talking about, son… you must be mistaken…
“No.” Mateo’s voice was steady. “I’m not mistaken.”
The air turned suffocating.
Don Ricardo looked at his brother, confused.
—Javier…?
But Javier forced a smile.
—Ricardo, please… the boy has been through something terrible… his mind is mixing things up…
Mateo felt his blood burn.
—Was the accident part of my imagination too?
Silence.
No one moved.
Javier stared at him.
—Be careful what you’re implying…
Mateo leaned forward.
—Or what?
For a brief moment…
Just one…
Javier’s mask slipped.
And something dark surfaced in his eyes.
Cold.
Dangerous.
—Or you might put your family in danger.
Doña Elena gasped.
—Enough!
Don Ricardo stood up abruptly.
—What is happening here?!
Mateo looked straight at him.
And for the first time…
He spoke the truth without holding back.
—Dad… the accident… it wasn’t an accident.
Silence swallowed the room.
