<><><><>
That same morning, Tadeus is led by Elena to one of the mansion's terraces where Edwin is waiting. — Come on, we're waiting for you — his father says, gesturing with his hand.
— Good morning — Gustaph says as soon as Tadeus sits down.
— The Maldives event didn't work out, but there will be a Thanksgiving dinner on Necker Island, — Edwin announces — You're going. Gustavo has already received the invitation.
— I thought you'd try something else. Like breaking into his house or ordering one of your men to follow him — Tadeus says.
— Don't you think I've already tried that? Nobody really knows where he holds his meetings — Edwin says.
— We've come to think that maybe he uses these events to finalize his deals because people come from all over the world — Gustaph comments.
— You'll be an escort, and you'll have to find a way to get close to the people in his circle. — Edwin says — Pay close attention to who he talks to, even who he exchanges glances with.
— So you don't have any information about the people who hang out with him? I thought you'd know, since you've supposedly been following him — Tadeus says — Anyone could approach him to chat; it's a millionaires' party for socializing.
— The only reason we received an invitation is because I doubled my earnings last year. But do you think I'd have the appeal at my age to approach him? — Edwin says — The only thing a young, wealthy man like him never turns down is the opportunity to sleep with a stranger at those parties.
After a long discussion about the protocols of the event and the steps to follow, it's time for lunch. Tadeus remains silent for most of the meal, trying to understand everything this job with his father entails. He hates feeling tied down in a life he still feels is his own, a life that still belongs to him. So, if this newcomer hasn't managed to infiltrate someone to do business with this supposed narco, and hasn't been able to get information from his prostitutes, he won't get anything through him either.
><><
Back at the retirement home, Yenedith has lunch with her grandmother and is happy to see her well cared for. The facility boasts a spa, sauna, group exercise pool, gym, and a dance studio. After the tour, they sit and chat for a while in one of the green areas. — How's your brother? — Daisy asks — Why hasn't he come to see me?
— He's fine, mama. He just got back from a business trip — Yenedith replies — I thought he was with you, but it turns out you're here.
— I'm fine here, as far away from that house as possible, and you should do the same — says the older woman.
— They won't let me leave that house alone. I'm going to start working in marketing for the Singer clothing stores. I think if I manage to earn some money, we'll go back to Switzerland. Tadeus is planning to do the same.
— Worry about yourselves — Daisy says — There's nothing that man can do with me now that your mother is dead.
— But why didn't Mom want us to know about our father?
— That man has shady dealings, my child. That's what your mother discovered before she left him. I advise you not to get involved with that company.
— What kind of shady dealings? — Yenedith asks.
— I don't know. But if you tell me your brother has trips for supposed business with him, I don't think it's anything good nor light — Daisy says, taking her granddaughter's hands on the table — Promise me you'll stay as far away from that as possible. If you decide to stay with your father, I advise you not to look for anything against him, because if he falls and there's proof that you know about it, you'll go straight to jail with him.
— We'll go back home — Yenedith affirms.
As soon as visiting hours end, the young woman is escorted back to the mansion. At dinner, Yenedith sees a man sitting next to Elena — This is Gustaph, an old friend — Edwin says, noticing his daughter's expression.
— Nice to meet you. I'm glad to see Edwin has finally found his children. Gustaph says.
— Speaking of which, I need you to call the detective to close the case. It should be kept private, not announced to the press — Edwin says. Gustaph nods, and they continue eating.
— How's Grandma? — Tadeus asks after a short silence.
— She's fine, she seems quite calm — Yenedith says.
— I wish she could stay with us — Tadeus remarks, glancing briefly at Edwin. — She's there on her own free will — Elena explains — We offered her a place to stay so she wouldn't be alone at home, but she preferred to leave.
— She never liked me — Edwin comments.
— I'd like to do the same. I don't want to stay in this house — Yenedith says. — I'm your father.
— I don't know you. I feel trapped, I feel like I'm still being held captive — Yenedith says. Tears start to flood her lower eyelids. Tadeus takes her hand to stop her, but she continues — Why don't you just let us go?
— I'm the only family you have left — Edwin says, approaching Yenedith, who gets up from her chair to walk away. Tadeus remains seated, frozen by his sister's defiant words.
— We still don't know who the fuck you are sir! — Yenedith says — Why have you treated us like hostages, then? Tell me, why did you drag me from the street to this place! — Yenedith cries looking around for a door. Edwin manages to approach the young woman, who is sobbing desperately, trying to avoid his embrace.
— Your brother sold the apartment where you lived; you have nowhere to go back to — Edwin says, holding her tightly in his arms — I paid off your university debts in Switzerland and bought your grandmother's house so you wouldn't have to worry.
— WHAT? No, get away from me! — Yenedith screams, but this man doesn't let go — Tadeus, tell me the truth! What is this man saying? What is he saying? — She shouts with hundreds of tears sliding through her cheeks.
Tadeus gets up from his seat and takes his sister by the arm, leading her to her room. The young woman bawls until she drinks some tea that Elena gives her to help her sleep. Seeing her like this breaks her brother's heart, and he sits weeping beside the bed, wondering, "What can I do so that you don't suffer?"
