Isabella confronts Valdés

She swallowed hard, her gaze never leaving Eduardo's cold, lifeless eyes.

"Speaking of my father, Minister Valdés, I have come today to seek some answers. Perhaps you can enlighten me."

"Of course, Presidente," Eduardo replied, his expression remaining neutral. "What is it you wish to know?"

"I've stumbled upon a set of documents, Minister, one that my father kept in his desk before his death. A list of names, and what was to be done to them. Stamped with your approval."

"I see." Eduardo's voice was cold and distant, devoid of any emotion.

"Do you deny this, Minister? Or would you explain the meaning of this?" Isabella demanded, her tone sharp.

Eduardo gazed at her impassively, standing stock still.

"No, Presidente," he replied, his voice steady. "I am afraid I cannot help you."

"It carried your stamp, Valdés. You were the one my father trusted to carry out the purge. Why do you still insist on lying to me?"

"I have never lied to you, Presidente. I am merely unwilling to share the truth."

Isabella stared at him, a mix of confusion and fury ripping through her mind. "So you admit it, then? You betrayed my father, sold him out to his enemies?"

"No, Presidente. I served your father faithfully until his last breath."

Isabella jumped to her feet, her blood boiling. She was sick of this game of cat and mouse, this pointless dance. She wanted answers. Now.