The sun was setting over Washington, bathing the city in golden light. Daniella wandered alone through the studio, searching for her forgotten headphones. She entered Diego's private office, thinking she might have left them there. While rummaging, her eyes fell on an unsealed beige envelope carelessly left on the desk.
Out of simple curiosity, she glanced at the paper sticking out. Her heart skipped a beat as she read the first few lines:
> "Declaration of kinship: Diego Lenoir, born in London, first cousin of Dylan Lenoir…"
— Cousins?! she whispered, eyes wide.
She kept reading. There was an old letter, dated several years ago, signed by someone named "Uncle Louis" and addressed to Diego. It read:
> "Protect Dylan as your own brother. He carries more than a name. He carries a story, an invisible scar. You are the only one who can help him stay in the shadows until the right time."
Daniella stepped back, shocked.
— But… Dylan… who are you really?
She put the papers down and backed away, as if she had just uncovered a state secret. Suddenly, the door opened. Diego walked in. He froze when he saw her holding the documents.
— Daniella… he murmured.
She looked him straight in the eye.
— You had no intention of telling me, did you?
— It's not what you think…
— Then explain! Why do you protect him so much? Why has Dylan been getting special treatment from the very beginning? And most of all… why does his name, his eyes, his pain… remind me so much of Victoire?
Diego let out a long sigh and stepped closer.
— Yes, Dylan is my cousin. We grew up together for part of our childhood. We were separated because of our family. He went through things no one should ever face. I was trained to protect him… because he was chosen for a much greater destiny.
— What destiny? whispered Daniella.
— One that only time can reveal.
She shook her head.
— And Victoire? Was he his brother too? Or… was he Dylan?
Diego hesitated, then stepped back.
— I can't answer that. But can I ask you one thing, Daniella? Keep what you know to yourself. For Dylan. He's not ready to carry it all yet.
Tears welled up in Daniella's eyes — a mix of bitterness, compassion, and jealousy.
— So that's why he gets everything? The villa, the cars, the check, the applause? It's not earned — it's blood?
— No, Diego said firmly. What he has, he didn't steal. He earned it. Through hard work, pain, and a past you can't even imagine.
Daniella lowered her gaze. A heavy silence filled the room.
— I always felt he was hiding something… and deep down, I think I always knew.
She turned around, ready to leave.
— But you know what, Diego? If he has to wear a mask… I'll wear one too. I won't say a word. But don't ask me to look at him the same way.
She walked out, leaving Diego alone, head bowed.
---
The next day, Daniella was quiet in the studio. She avoided Dylan. Every smile seemed forced. Dylan noticed, of course. When he tried to talk to her, she simply said:
— I'm fine, don't worry.
But in her eyes… a storm was brewing.
---
Ryder, meanwhile, watched Daniella from a distance. He could tell something had changed. He approached her quietly.
— You know something, don't you?
She stared at him for a few seconds. Then she looked away.
— And so do you, Ryder.
He realized then that they were now two who doubted… two who knew… but couldn't speak.
But neither of them knew that behind them, Dylan was watching in silence.
And he, too… had understood.