Book 3: Chapter 35

One week had passed since the leaked photos had thrown Santiago's life into chaos. 

Santiago remained hidden, not showing up for the scheduled meeting with Esmeralda and Diego. Instead, his lawyer had shown up with all the necessary paperwork, handling every detail with a brisk efficiency that left Esmeralda wondering where the hell he could be. 

There was no word from Santiago himself, no message or explanation, and the lack of communication gnawed at her more than she cared to admit.

She soon found herself alone in the house, Diego had left for a supposed business trip, claiming it was related to the perfume line, but Esmeralda couldn’t shake the feeling he was up to no good yet again. 

His behavior before he left had been too quick, as though there was something he wasn’t telling her. She suspected there was more to his departure than he’d let on, but without any proof she’d let him go without questioning him.

She paced around her room