Tadeus remains in silence for the rest of the flight and way back to Singer's Mansion. Everybody is in the main dining room waiting for the food to be served.
— Welcome, come sit down son! — Edwin says once he sees Tadeus — I'd like to introduce you to my wife Elena.
— Good evening, it's a pleasure — the woman says. She stands up and shakes Tadeus' hand offering a smile.
— I'm so glad to see my family is finally complete — Edwin says.
— I heard you graduated from a Swiss university, Yenedith. What did you study? — Elena asked.
— Marketing — the young woman replied.
— Really? You could work for your father's company and help us increase sales — the woman said. Yenedith glances at her brother for a second and nods slightly. — I'll get you an interview tomorrow, — Elena says. — And you, Tadeus? I know you have an investigative program about criminal cases. It's amazing to finally see you off-screen.
Yenedith looks up at this and sees his confused expression.
— Have you seen the program? — he asks, somewhat surprised by her comment.
— I told Edwin about the show. I noticed a resemblance between you and his younger self, but of course I didn't know it was about his own son, — Elena replied with a wider smile. She seems hopeful about the change in the family dynamic. — It's a shame you won't be continuing to appear on the channel.
— What? — Yenedith comments — I thought we stayed so we could work in television.
— We stayed to take care of Grandma, Yen — Tadeus replies.
— Your brother saw a better opportunity working at the company. — Edwin says — A better salary, less public exposure, and security. Working with me, he doesn't have to worry about losing his job. Besides, if you're going to be the heirs to the company, you need to know how it's run, how everything works.
— In fact, your brother had an important business trip to the Maldives — Elena comments.
— I thought you were with Grandma — Yenedith says with tears welling in her eyes. Elena noticed her expression, but just as she was about to ask, the young woman stood up — If you'll excuse me, I need to go to the bathroom.
— What's wrong? Did I say something wrong? — the woman asks.
— This has all been too much — Tadeus says, getting up from the table to go to his sister — Yenedith, sister, please open the door — he calls.
She opens the door and takes a few steps back, wiping away her tears — So this is going to be our life now? — she asks, turning back to him — With that man? Are you working with him?
— I have no choice.
— Why don't you call the police?!
— And what am I supposed to tell them? We can't prove anything — Tadeus says — Now all we can do is get as much money as we can to go back to Switzerland and take Grandma with us.
— Okay, I understand — she says.
— I thought staying would be a good idea, you know, coming back and being with Grandma in her final years — Tadeus says — You know it wouldn't be easy for her adjusting to a new house.
Yenedith nods, and Tadeo hugs her after seeing her undeniable expression of fear.
<><><> NOVEMBER <><><>
Next day, Yenedith gets up early to go with Elena to her father's company. A couple of men escort them from the front door to the car where a driver is waiting. As soon as she enters the company, she's introduced to the human resources team and has a brief interview about her studies and potential strategies for the textile and clothing market.
After the meeting, Elena makes sure to introduce her to the different teams in charge of the clothing stores and branches throughout the city.
— How about we go to lunch? — Elena asks. Yenedith nods, and as soon as they arrive at the restaurant, she limits herself to look at the menu and order something to eat — Are you nervous? You shouldn't be. The interview is just part of the process.
— Okay — she replies.
— We have complete confidence in your abilities — Elena says with a smile, trying to connect.
— Yes, thank you — Yenedith says.
After a long silence, the food arrives, and Elena notices Yenedith's subdued expression softens slightly — About yesterday, I don't know if I said anything wrong. I hope there aren't any misunderstandings between us.
— This is all so confusing, — Yenedith says — I thought I didn't have a dad.
— This must be devastating news, — Elena says — but you should know that your father always searched for you and even reported you missing because he believed something terrible must have happened to the both of you for there to be no trace of you and your mother.
— What I don't understand is why my mother never wanted to tell us what happened, for what reason she decided to take us far away — Yenedith remarks.
— So your mother isn't with you in the city? — Elena asks.
— She died — Yenedith says.
— I'm sorry to hear that — Elena says.
— We knew it would happen. She was very sick.
Elena extends her hand, touching Yenedith's, and says — I want you to know you can always count on me.
Yenedith nods at this and pulls her hand away to continue eating in silence. The rest of the afternoon, they visit different clothing stores and factories to learn more about everything the company does. They also run some errands, like going to the bank and buying new clothes for the young woman.
At dinner, Yenedith seemed a little calmer and in a more positive mood, talking about her day. This brought Tadeus some relief.
Next morning, during breakfast, Yenedith suggests that her grandmother live in the mansion with them — Of course, anything to see you happy — Edwin replies.
— Thank you very much — Yenedith says, roughing out a smile, and they continue eating.
— What do you think about going to pick her up? — Elena suggests.
— I think it's better if I go alone. She hasn't met you yet, and I don't want her to feel uncomfortable — Yenedith answers. She looks at her father, waiting for a reaction, but doesn't say anything.
— Okay, I understand. One step at a time — Elena says and nods. Yenedith takes a deep breath and smiles to hide her nervousness.
After breakfast, Yenedith asks Elena for the car keys. Elena tells her a driver will take her to the nursing home where her grandmother lives. This makes her think for a moment, but she decides to stick to her plan. In her purse, she has her grandmother's documents, her passport, and her new credit card should have enough credit to buy plane tickets that same day. As soon as she gets to the car, she sees a young man waiting for her with the door open. — Who are you? — she asks, not recognizing him as one of the men from yesterday.
— My name is Charles. I'm here to see you, miss — he replies.
Yenedith doesn't find it strange until she sees him get into the passenger seat — Are you coming with us? — she asks.
— I'll be your bodyguard, miss. It's my duty to make sure you are safe — he says. Yenedith smiles slightly and leans back in her seat. This makes things even more difficult. They won't let her leave the mansion on her own.