Chapter 5 Shadows in the Mansion

The day progressed in Villa Esperanza, slow and heavy like a punishment.

Beatriz couldn't get the encounter in the library out of her mind.

Doña Estela's gaze followed her even as she scrubbed the floors, served the sparkling glasses in the dining rooms, and picked up the linens scented with expensive essences.

She felt a constant knot in her stomach, as if at any moment someone might touch her shoulder and drag her out of the mansion.

But the call came in a different form.

"Beatriz Sosa, to the young master's office," one of the butlers announced, tersely, almost amused, as if he knew that for a maid like her, this could only mean trouble.

Beatriz put down the bucket of water, dried her trembling hands, and walked through the wide, cold halls, like corridors in a mausoleum.

Eduardo Moura's office was in the private part of the house.

Where servants didn't enter.

Where secrets hid behind massive oak doors and dark velvet curtains.

She knocked softly.

"Come in," said a voice from inside.

Beatriz opened the door.

Eduardo stood behind a monumental desk, surrounded by books, papers, and a lamp with a warm light that tinged his light brown hair with gold.

He seemed engrossed in reading a document, but when he looked up, his gray eyes fixed on her with an intensity that rendered her motionless.

"Close the door," he ordered.

She obeyed.

For a few seconds, there was only silence.

The air between them vibrated with something Beatriz couldn't name, but which made her feel naked.

"You did well," he said finally, putting the papers aside. "The letter is in its place."

Beatriz nodded, pressing her hands against her apron to control the trembling.

"But there was a problem," Eduardo added, his tone hardening.

Beatriz's heart stopped for a moment.

"A problem...?" she murmured.

He stood up. He wasn't an overly tall man, but he had a presence that filled the room.

He approached slowly, like a predator sizing up its prey.

"My grandmother saw you," he said, stopping in front of her, too close.

Beatriz lowered her gaze, but Eduardo wouldn't allow it.

He lifted her chin with two fingers, forcing her to face him.

"What did you tell her?" he asked, his voice low, dangerous.

"Just... just that I was following cleaning orders, sir," Beatriz stammered.

He studied her silently.

His eyes seemed to pierce through her, read all her fears, all her secrets.

Suddenly, he smiled.

A crooked smile, almost cruel.

"Good thinking," he said, releasing her. "You're smarter than you look."

Beatriz swallowed.

Eduardo returned to his desk, poured two glasses of brandy, and, to her surprise, offered her one.

"Don't drink," he warned when she reached out, confused. "It's just so no one will suspect us if they see us."

She immediately withdrew her hand, embarrassed.

He laughed softly, as if he enjoyed seeing her uncomfortable.

"Listen, Beatriz," he said, more seriously this time. "In this house, everything is a silent war. Every word, every look, every gesture. And now you're in the middle of that war... with me."

She felt a chill run down her spine.

"Why did he choose me?" she dared to ask.

Eduardo looked at her with an expression she couldn't decipher.

"Because you're invisible," he replied. "And no one suspects those who have no voice. No name.

You're perfect for what I need."

The cruelty of his words hurt more than any blow.

Beatriz wasn't an ally to him.

She was a tool.

A tense silence fell over the office.

"Tonight," Eduardo continued, "you'll have your next assignment."

"Another one?" she blurted out, unable to stop herself.

He smiled again, amused by her shock.

"Yes. This time, much more dangerous."

Beatriz wanted to protest, but she thought of Martín. Of the medicines. Of the money Eduardo had promised.

"I'll do whatever it takes," she said softly.

Eduardo looked at her for a long moment.

Something in his expression changed, softened slightly, like a fleeting flicker of humanity.

"I hope so, Beatriz," he whispered.

She turned to leave.

As her hand touched the doorknob, Eduardo's voice reached her like a murmur against her back.

"And Beatriz..."

She stopped, not daring to look back.

"Be careful," he said. Not everyone here is as... benevolent as I am.

The tone in his voice chilled her blood.

Beatriz stepped out into the hallway, feeling the air weigh like lead.

She knew she'd crossed an invisible line.

And that there was no turning back.

Now, it wasn't just her life that was at stake.

It was everything she loved.

And the night hadn't even begun yet.