Chapter 10 - The Daughter Of The Dead ManThe Identity Nobody Wanted Her To KnowClara couldn't move.
"My father was Gabriel Valente?"
Matteo smiled.
"No."
Her confusion deepened.
"Then what are you saying?"
"Your father discovered Gabriel wasn't dead."
Matteo circled her slowly.
"Thomas Whitmore was the last man to see him alive."
"So why did my father die?"
"Because he refused to tell anyone where Gabriel went."
Clara's heart pounded.
"Who killed him?"
Matteo did not answer.
"Ask Adrien."
"Why?"
"Because he was twelve years old when your father disappeared."
Clara frowned.
"Adrien was a child."
"Children remember more than adults think."
She stared at Matteo.
"You are trying to turn me against him."
"No."
Matteo smiled.
"I'm trying to save you from trusting the wrong man."
He slid a photograph across the table.
Adrien.
Much younger.
Standing beside Thomas Whitmore.
Clara's father had one hand on Adrien's shoulder.
Behind them stood Gabriel.
Alive.
Clara's breath caught.
"Where was this taken?"
"The night before your father's death."
She looked at the photograph again.
Something was written on the back.
ASK ADRIEN WHAT HAPPENED AFTER THIS PHOTO.
Clara stood.
"I don't believe you."
"That's fine."
Matteo stepped aside.
"You will."
She turned to leave.
His voice stopped her.
"One more thing."
She looked back.
"The ledger is not about money."
"What is it about?"
"Blood."
She frowned.
"Family blood."
Then someone pulled a hood over her head.
She fought.
A hand covered her mouth.
The last thing she heard before darkness swallowed her was Matteo's voice.
"Tell Adrien his Christmas gift is on the way."
Adrien received the message seventeen minutes later.
A photograph.
Clara tied to a chair.
Blood on her cheek.
And a note.
COME ALONE.
Adrien crushed the phone in his hand.
Luca stared.
"Boss."
Adrien's voice was terrifyingly calm.
"Find Marco."
"Why?"
"Because Matteo knows where she is."
"And Marco?"
"Marco knew Matteo was dangerous."
Adrien reached for his coat.
"He didn't know dangerous enough."
Luca blocked the door.
"You're not going alone."
Adrien looked at him.
"Then keep up."
Clara woke in darkness.
Her wrists were tied.
A single bulb hung above her.
She heard footsteps.
The door opened.
Gabriel Valente entered.
Older.
White at the temples.
But alive.
Clara stared.
He smiled.
"You look exactly like your father."
She swallowed.
"You knew me."
"I watched you grow."
"Why?"
He crouched in front of her.
"Because Elena asked me to protect you."
Clara's voice shook.
"Then why did you let my father die?"
Gabriel's expression broke.
"I didn't."
He stepped closer.
"Matteo did."
Clara stopped breathing.
May you like
Gabriel whispered,
"And now he intends to kill my nephew next."
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