Chapter 10 - THE PRINCE WHO SIGNED HER NAME“Bring him here.”
Elena's voice was calm.
Clara studied her.
“Are you certain?”
“Yes.”
Rafael stood beside the fireplace.
“Elena, you don't have to face him.”
She looked at her father.
“I know.”
Then she turned back to Clara.
“But I need to hear him explain why my signature appears on documents I've never seen.”
Adrián arrived two hours later.
He wore a dark blue suit, but the confidence that had once defined him was gone.
He looked tired.
His eyes were shadowed.
For the first time, he seemed uncertain whether he would be welcomed into a room.
Elena stood beside the desk.
Clara sat nearby.
Rafael remained close enough to intervene if necessary.
Adrián looked at Elena.
“Thank you for seeing me.”
She did not respond.
Instead, she placed the contracts before him.
“Did you sign these?”
He glanced down.
His expression changed.
“Where did you get them?”
“Answer the question.”
He looked at the first page.
Then the second.
Finally, he nodded.
“Yes.”
Elena felt something inside her collapse.
“You witnessed my signature.”
“Yes.”
“I never signed these documents.”
Adrián looked away.
“I know.”
The room fell silent.
Rafael stepped forward.
“You knew?”
Adrián swallowed.
“Victor told me Elena had already agreed.”
Elena stared at him.
“Then why didn't you ask me?”
“He said the paperwork was routine.”
“Routine?”
Her voice sharpened.
“You signed away properties belonging to my mother's trust without even speaking to me?”
Adrián rubbed his forehead.
“I didn't know they belonged to you.”
“That's not the point.”
He looked up.
She continued.
“You knew I hadn't signed them.”
He said nothing.
“You knew, Adrián.”
Finally, he whispered:
“Yes.”
Elena stepped backward.
For years, she had defended him.
When he forgot her birthday.
When he mocked her background.
When he allowed his mother to insult her.
She had told herself he was misunderstood.
That beneath the arrogance was a good man.
Now she saw the truth.
He had repeatedly chosen convenience over integrity.
And every time, she had paid the price.
“Why?” she asked.
Adrián looked at her.
“Because Victor said the transfers would protect the family.”
“From what?”
“He wouldn't tell me.”
Elena shook her head.
“You didn't even ask?”
Adrián's expression hardened.
“You don't understand what it's like growing up in that palace.”
She stared at him.
“No, Adrián. I don't.”
He looked relieved for a moment.
Then she continued.
“But I understand what it's like living there with someone who makes you afraid to speak.”
The words silenced him.
Clara stepped forward.
“Prince Adrián, these transactions may constitute serious financial crimes. You should obtain independent legal representation.”
Adrián looked at Elena.
“Are you going to have me arrested?”
“That decision belongs to the authorities.”
His face tightened.
“You're really going to destroy me?”
Elena's eyes filled with tears.
“No.”
She took a slow breath.
“I'm going to stop protecting you from the consequences of your choices.”
Adrián stared at her.
Then he lowered his head.
For the first time, he seemed to understand that his title could not command forgiveness.
Before leaving, he paused at the doorway.
“Elena?”
She looked up.
“There is something else.”
Her expression tightened.
“What?”
Adrián hesitated.
“Three months ago, Victor asked me to sign an authorization for a private medical transfer.”
Rafael stepped forward.
“Whose transfer?”
Adrián looked pale.
“A woman named Lucía Aranda.”
Elena froze.
“Where was she taken?”
Adrián shook his head.
“I don't know.”
“Think.”
He closed his eyes.
“Victor said she was being moved somewhere no one would ever find her.”
Then he whispered:
“But I remember the destination written on the file.”
Elena held her breath.
May you like
Adrián looked directly at Rafael.
“It was your brother Gabriel's estate.”
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