Now, as she glanced at her bank account and saw the massive sum, a giddy smile spread across her face. "This will keep me afloat for a while," she murmured.
The sound of the boutique door opening snapped her out of her thoughts. She looked up, ready to greet the customer, but the words caught in her throat.
A man had entered, his towering figure and impeccable posture exuding an air of authority. He was stunningly handsome, with features so perfect they almost didn’t seem real. His sharp eyes locked onto hers, and she felt her knees weaken under the intensity of his gaze.
"Welcome to..." she began, but her voice faltered.
"HeloÃsa Simões?" he asked, his voice deep and smooth, laced with an edge that sent a shiver down her spine. His penetrating stare made her feel like he could see right through her.
"Y-Yes," she stammered, her pulse quickening. "And you are...?"
The man stepped closer, pulling a watch from his pocket and holding it up for her to see. The gleaming timepiece glinted under the boutique’s lights, and her heart sank.
"This watch," he said slowly, his voice dark and deliberate, "has been in your possession all these years. Were you in Room 808 at the Abismo Nightclub five years ago?"
Panic flared in HeloÃsa’s mind. Her thoughts raced. Room 808? That was the room where Erica and I had trapped Alana. Why was he asking her about it?
Gathering her composure, she forced a smile. "Of course, it was me," she lied smoothly.
The man’s eyes narrowed, scrutinizing her every move. Finally, he placed the watch on the counter.
"Keep this. Don’t sell it again. I’ll make it up to you for what happened that night. My name is Enzo Presgrave. Remember it."
HeloÃsa’s breath hitched. Enzo Presgrave? The heir to the Presgrave Group? Her shock was palpable.
Before she could respond, Enzo’s assistant handed her a gleaming business card, the gold engraving catching the light. "Miss Simões, if you need assistance, contact us. Young Lord Enzo will take care of everything."
As she stared at the card in disbelief, a cunning plan began to form in her mind. She grabbed Enzo’s arm, her eyes glistening with crocodile tears.
"You have to take responsibility, Enzo," she whispered, her voice trembling with feigned emotion. "You don’t know how much that night affected me."
Enzo’s gaze softened, guilt flashing across his face. "Don’t worry," he said solemnly. "I promise to take responsibility."
The assistant stepped in again. "Miss Simões, Young Lord Enzo has arranged a mansion for you. You can move in anytime, and all your needs will be met."
HeloÃsa’s heart soared. Wealth and luxury were now within her grasp. She clutched the watch tightly, her thoughts racing with greed and ambition. This is my chance to secure a future I’ve always dreamed of.
As Enzo turned to leave, the boutique’s door closing behind him, HeloÃsa’s lips curled into a triumphant smile. She whispered, "I’m going to be rich… and no one can stop me."
Meanwhile, in the backseat of his car, Enzo leaned back and closed his eyes. Doubt crept into his mind. Was she indeed the woman from that night? Something felt off, but he shoved the thought aside. He had made a promise, and he intended to keep it.
Far away, Alana’s gentle voice carried across her cozy apartment. "I understand. I’ll be back in three days to prepare for the competition."
A small boy tugged at her sleeve, his bright eyes filled with curiosity. "Mommy, are we going back?"
She smiled and knelt to his level. "Yes, sweetheart. Would you like to come with me?"
The boy grinned and nodded, his delicate features glowing with excitement. Alana hugged him, her heart swelling with love and determination.
Little did she know, her return would bring her face-to-face with the past she thought she had left behind.
Last updated on August 20th, 2025 at 11:21 pm
