PART 3 — THE MARRIAGE
Sofia remained motionless.
My father had no money.
Victor denied.
Not to spend.
“Then why?
To protect evidence.
I don’t understand.
Victor took another leaf.
“Your father transferred some of his assets to a trust.
“To my name?
"No.
“Then?
—In the name of an entity that can only be activated with two signatures.
What signatures?
Victor looked at her.
“Yours and your spouse’s.
Sofia was freezing.
"No.
"Yes.
Do you mean that my marriage activates something?
“Potentially.
Did you know that before you married me?
Victor didn't look away.
"Yes.
Sofia got up.
Then this was a business.
"No.
“Of course I do!
“At first, yes.
That phrase hurt more than any other.
Sofia backed down.
“At first.
Victor got up too.
I'm not gonna lie to you now.
“How considerate.
“Sofía...
Did you choose me because you needed my signature?
“I found you because I needed to protect what your father left behind.
“That doesn’t answer.
Victor closed his eyes.
"Yes. At first I approached because you were the heiress.
Sofia felt the air disappear.
“And then?”
“Then you stopped being a name in a file.
She did not respond.
Victor continued:
“But when that happened it was too late to tell the truth without putting you in danger.
“You decide that.
"No.
“You did.
Silence.
Sophie took the wedding ring between her fingers.
Who wanted my signature?
Victor changed his expression.
I don’t know for sure.
You’ve been researching for years and you don’t know it.
I know the small names.
What about the big one?
"No.
“Then why marry me now?”
Victor pointed to the papers.
Because someone started buying your debts.
-Who?
A company called Aster Capital.
Sofia remembered the name.
They offered me refinancing.
“Exactly.
I thought they wanted to help me.
They wanted to concentrate all your obligations under one creditor.
“For what?”
To have financial control over you.
And then?
“Force yourself to sign.
Sofia paled.
The Trust.
Victor nodded.
Your father had left a protection. If your financial situation became critical, the activation of the fund could block certain movements.
And did they need my husband?
"Yes.
“So you married me so they couldn’t choose another?
Victor held his gaze.
That was part of the reason.
“Part.
"Yes.
Sofia let go of the ring.
What is the other part?
Victor did not answer.
She understood.
“You’re not going to tell me.
“Not yet.
“Then we’re still the same.
Victor denied.
"No. Now you know that danger exists.
“And must I trust the man who hid his body from me and the real motive of our marriage?”
Victor looked at her sadly.
"No.
That answer surprised her.
“No?
“You have to check everything I’ve said.
