Relief surged through Karina, her voice faltering slightly. “I need your help.”
Otávio didn’t hesitate. “Come to the Barbosa mansion. I’ll be waiting.”
Karina quickly ended the call, her hands clutching the gemstone necklace as if it held her mother’s spirit. She tucked it into her backpack and moved swiftly. Grabbing sheets from her wardrobe, she tied them with nimble hands and secured the makeshift rope to the window.
Her heart pounded as she climbed down. The second-story drop wasn’t far, but every creak of the sheets made her muscles tense. Once her feet touched the ground, she darted through the garden, her breath coming in sharp bursts.
The mansion's address was clear in her mind. She ran, ignoring the sting in her feet and the ache in her legs, driven by the hope that this was her escape.
At the Barbosa family mansion, Julio stepped into the spacious office and cleared his throat. “Bro, Uncle Denis called. He wants to know if you’ll be home tonight.”
Ademir Barbosa sat by the window, his sharp profile bathed in sunlight. He didn’t answer immediately, his gaze fixed on the sprawling view outside.
“I’ll go,” Ademir said finally, his tone clipped.
Julio hesitated before continuing, “About the investigation... We’re still piecing things together. Someone spiked your drink last night. The girl was forced into it—clearly against her will.”
Ademir’s jaw tightened, but his voice remained even. “And the girl?”
“She’s an artist. The cameras caught her entering and leaving the hotel, but the footage is too grainy to confirm much. She likely went to Francisco’s room. Her name is Vitória.”
Julio handed his phone to Ademir and showed him a photo. The woman in the image looked meek and frightened. She was attractive, yes, but something about her seemed off.
Ademir’s lips curled into a faint smile. “Vitória, huh? Interesting.”
His grandfather’s health had been declining, and the older man’s obsession with seeing Ademir married weighed heavily on him. Perhaps this woman, humble and untouched by high society, could fulfill the role his grandfather desperately wanted.
“Prepare the car,” Ademir said. “We’re paying the Costa family a visit.”
Chaos consumed the Costa family home.
Francisco, red-faced and fuming, had Vitória by the wrist, dragging her toward the door. “If I can’t have Karina, you’ll do!”
Vitória’s cries echoed through the room. “No! Please, no! Someone help me!”
Eunice lunged to stop Francisco but was quickly kicked to her side. She crumpled to the floor, clutching her ribs.
Lucas stood frozen, unwilling to intervene. His cowardice only fueled Francisco’s rage.
Suddenly, the screech of tires pierced the commotion. A sleek black car rolled to a stop outside the gate.
Ademir Barbosa stepped out. His sharp, tailored suit was impeccable, and his presence was commanding. He moved toward the scene with an effortless grace that turned heads.
Francisco froze mid-step, his grip loosening on Vitória. Recognition dawned on his face, quickly followed by fear.
“Mr. Ademir...” Francisco stammered, attempting a weak smile. “What brings you here?”
Ademir’s eyes didn’t waver. They were locked on Vitória, who was trembling and tear-streaked. Something primal and protective stirred within him, and his expression darkened.
Without warning, Ademir’s hand shot out. The slap was swift and brutal, sending Francisco sprawling to the floor.
Francisco groaned, his hand flying to his face as blood dripped from his mouth. A tooth lay on the floor beside him.
“How dare you touch what belongs to me?” Ademir’s voice was dangerously calm, each word sharp as a blade.
Francisco scrambled back, his bravado crumbling. “Mr. Ademir, I didn’t know she was yours! I didn’t touch her, I swear!”
Ademir ignored him and turned to Vitória. His expression softened, his hand gently brushing her tear-soaked cheek.
“Why are you crying?” His voice was low, almost tender. “As long as I’m here, no one will harm you.”
Vitória’s wide eyes met his, confusion and disbelief swirling within them. “Do you... know me?”
Ademir’s lips quirked into a faint smile. “Last night. Room 7203 at the Dynasty Hotel. Me and you—understand?”
The words hit Vitória like a thunderclap. Her heart raced. Last night? The hotel? Him?
Her parents stared, equally stunned. It was clear now. Karina had ended up in this man’s room last night, and he’d mistaken Vitória for her.
Ademir straightened, his tone shifting back to authoritative. “Prepare yourselves. Vitória will be my wife. The wedding arrangements will begin immediately.”
The room fell silent. Vitória’s heart skipped. Marriage? To him?
Ademir tilted his head. “What’s the hesitation? Don’t you want this?”
Vitória swallowed her shock and quickly nodded, lowering her eyes in mock humility. “I do. I want this.”
Satisfied, Ademir gave a small nod. “Good. Stay here. I’ll handle everything.”
As he walked away, Vitória’s mind spun. This was her chance. She didn’t know how long the charade would last, but she would make the most of it.
Meanwhile, Karina hurried toward the Barbosa mansion, unaware of the web of deception tightening behind her. Her heart carried hope, but fate seemed determined to toy with her every step of the way.
At the Barbosa family mansion, Otávio gently placed the gemstone necklace back into its ornate box and slid it toward Karina.
“Keep it safe,” he said firmly. “It was always meant to be yours.”
Karina hesitated, her fingers brushing the edge of the box. “Yes… Mr. Otávio.”
Otávio sighed deeply, his weathered face softening. “Do you still call me Mr. Otávio? Years ago, your mother saved my life. I gave her this necklace and promised her that my grandson would marry her daughter. All these years, I’ve searched for her, not knowing she had passed. It’s fate that you’ve found your way here. You’ve grown into a fine young woman, and it’s time to fulfill that promise. Call me grandfather, won’t you?”
Karina lowered her gaze, unable to utter the word. Before her mother passed, she had told Karina about the promised engagement but warned her not to take it seriously. Her mother had never wanted gratitude to become a chain around her daughter’s neck.
Karina came here today to ask for help. Her mother’s savings, Otávio, gave her the courage to request a loan for her brother’s treatment. If not for Catarino’s condition, she would never have approached the Barbosa family.
