Then it dawned on him that Isabella wanted to escape from his questioning, and fear gripped his heart. Despite her assurances that she wouldn't leave them behind, he became so anxious that he called the security guards to check if she was still at the location. A sigh of relief escaped him when they confirmed that she was indeed there.His joy reached its peak when Isabella finally disclosed her whereabouts, granting him the opportunity to visit her. Mr. Sardino fell silent for a moment, relishing the excitement and unique bond he shared with his beloved granddaughter. He felt grateful that she had confided in him and entrusted him to help her. Love and pride swelled within his heart for Isabella, and he made a solemn promise to always be there to support her in any way she needed. However, he knew he had to go and discover what had driven her to hide in that place.Immediately after concluding the conversation, the grandfather contacted the market, specifically asking to speak with
He looks at her, distraught, apologising as if she were at fault for something. He pauses for a moment to observe her, and that's when she can no longer hold back and bursts into tears in his arms, causing him to momentarily forget everything else as he holds her tightly.He wants to make her feel safe and protected, to reassure her that he is there to defend her against the world. He embraces her with all his might, stroking her head and showering her with kisses while repeating over and over."I'm here now, Bella, I'm here now. No one will ever touch you like that again, I promise you. I promise, my dear.""Grandad, forgive me..., I..."Far from calming down, Bella cries even more despairingly as if releasing all the fear, pain, and suffering she has kept hidden in her chest. He continues to hold and stroke her, waiting patiently for her to calm down. Never in her twenty"three years had he heard her cry the way she does now; he knows he must let her be – she needs this release to b
When tycoon Santiago Sardino decided to settle the score, he did it in a big way. Not only did he have a network of contacts in the shadowy world of the mafia, where his name instilled fear, but he also had connections in the upper echelons of the country and politics.Santiago had built his business empire with cunning and determination, and over the years he had established strategic relationships with influential people in various fields. These connections gave him considerable power and influence, which he used wisely when necessary.But what few knew is that his weak point and at the same time his greatest strength is his family, especially his only granddaughter. Although he may appear to be a tough and fearsome man, his love and devotion to his family is unwavering. The relationship between Santiago and his granddaughter was special.Since she came into his life, she became his raison d'être and his greatest inspiration. He protects her tooth and nail, ready to face any challen
With evidence in hand, Santiago gathers his team of lawyers and heads to Isabella's father-in-law's house. His goal is to free his granddaughter without having to resort to a long and painful trial. Worried about what might be happening, Luis' father anxiously asked: “What's this all about? Go ahead, come this way.” He said trying to hide his nervousness. The atmosphere in the room was tense, and Luis' father could sense that something serious was about to be revealed. He prepared himself to listen to what Mr. Sardino had to say and wondered what his son had done to cause this unexpected visit and the serious attitude of Mr. Sardino and his lawyers.Luis' father stepped forward and showed them the way to his office, inviting everyone to come in, but Mr. Sardino ordered his lawyers to wait outside until they were called. Once the door was closed, Mr. Sardino took an envelope out of a folder and handed it to Luis' father. Luis' father took the envelope in intrigue, but when he saw it
Getting Isabella released was the goal for Santiago, more than his quest for justice. Even if it didn't go to trial, he had to get the heartless man to sign the divorce papers, to protect his granddaughter and make Luis pay. “I won't kill him for now,” he assured. “That would not be punishment enough. I will make him suffer and beg for the rest of his life. As for everything you own - it's already mine. I don't need you to give it to me. I warned you clearly I would ruin you and your family if Luis did anything to Bella, and I always keep my word. I'll leave it to my lawyers to get you to sign everything you need to.”“You can't do that, your son will go bankrupt too!” he shouted, desperate, seeing no way out but this one. “Let him go bankrupt!” was Mr Sardino's cold, forceful answer. “If he didn't know how to manage his affairs properly, I'm very sorry, but I won't let him touch his daughter's estate. And if you don't want your son to rot in jail, make him sign the divorce paper
Luis's father remained impassive, not revealing much about his wife Liana's situation. "I've done nothing to Liana. She's pregnant and has a threatened miscarriage. She was admitted to a clinic to care for the pregnancy and prevent her losing it, like the previous ones," he explained, with a tone of genuine concern. Disbelief was reflected in Eva's eyes. She had heard disturbing stories of Liana's treatment by her husband. Staring at him firmly and fearlessly, she asked: "Did you admit her to take care of her from your blows? Is that true? You don't have to fool me. I know you beat her. She used to live crying in the school's corners." Eva accused him firmly.Oswaldo felt a mixture of anger and frustration. He had not expected Eva to be so aware of the family problems he was having with his wife. "Eva, Eva, Eva..." he sighed. "You're still young, you need to watch your mouth. Is it true your father's gone bankrupt?" He abruptly changed the subject, trying to divert the conversa
The encounter with Eva had blinded Oswaldo's judgement, and he had been caught in her web for years, he recalled as he looked at the papers left by the Sardino patriarch. "That's why I said we must wait a few years, while I make Santiago junior ask his father for the inheritance early. I'll make Santiago fall blindly in love with me. You know he's a nervous wreck now, the drugs have destroyed him. I'll help him, make the psychologist help me make Santiago dependent on me, trusting me blindly. You'll see. But you must promise you'll wait and help me in everything." Eva had asked him with a certainty that almost convinced him that everything would be all right.He looked at her without understanding what she meant by "everything". Eva immediately explained that she knew nothing about business. Besides, old Sardino sure as hell wasn't going to let her in on his son's stuff. He had told her so the night he showed up with Bella. He stated that he would never let her touch anything of his
As Eva said, the psychologist had helped Santiago junior develop a dependency on her. It seemed that if she left him, he would relapse into drugs and his terrible former life, which now frightened him. That was why when she left, he panicked and gave in on condition Luis would never touch Isabella again or he would have to deal with him. And now everything has collapsed.The stupid Luis had become infatuated with Vivian, who indulged him in his darkest desires, something he loved. No matter how much his father Oswaldo insisted he abandon that woman, Luis could not. Vivian was like an addiction he couldn't live without. To his delight, Isabella didn't seem to care and had accepted everything he proposed on their engagement day. What Luis hadn't realized was his father was still waging war on Vivian - he had even taken all Luis's money and would no longer pay for the luxury apartment where Luis kept her. And Isabella's credit cards only allowed him to withdraw a certain amount before
On the other hand, Santiago revisited his mother, parking his car at a distance this time. Waiting until nightfall, he crept through the garden surrounding his parents' house, reminiscent of his youth when he would sneak away from home. Eavesdropping by his bedroom window, he overheard a conversation between his father, mother, and daughter."Mima is right, Grandpa. That car she mentioned was Dad's; I remember it clearly. Yes, Mima, Dad is on his way to see you; he adores you.""Bella, don't get your grandmother too excited. If it were Santiago, he wouldn't need to keep his distance; he knows our doors are always open to him. Even if I was upset, I would never stop him from visiting his mother.""Mima says he's scared of you; that's why he hasn't come.""And what would you have me do? Should I leave so he can visit?""She didn't say that, Grandpa. Can you go talk to him? Maybe it's as I said; Dad feels guilty for missing Mima's surgeries and doesn't know how to face us now.""Coming,
Santiago acquiesced to the request, although his thoughts lingered on the prior accusations. Nonetheless, Eva persisted, unveiling a new revelation that triggered alarms in Santiago's mind. "You make the call, but kindly refrain from any altercations with my mother or, even more so, with Isabella. Are you certain Isabella is coming? I understand she works in France, so it's peculiar that she would abandon her esteemed position there. Perhaps she's merely visiting." Eva spoke with a mischievous glint in her eyes, prompting Santiago to suspect she harboured concealed intentions. "She's back for good. Your father informed the doctor. I overheard their conversation distinctly, and you know what?""What?""She's back for good. She's neither wed nor engaged!" she disclosed with a gleam in her eye, leading Santiago to suspect she was plotting something."How do you know? Perhaps she has a clandestine partner in France," Santiago posited in an attempt to counter Eva's insinuation. Unfazed,
Eva was taken aback. It was the first time Santiago had threatened her with divorce, and that couldn't be a positive sign. Dr. Alfonso undoubtedly had something to do with this, she was sure. Santiago was beginning to realise what she had been doing to him for years, she reflected. However, his recovery was rapid. She concealed her embarrassment behind a hypocritical smile that barely touched her lips."Don't be like that. I'm sorry for what I said before. You know that if she doesn't love me, I don't love her either. But that doesn't mean I wish her harm. It wasn't today, it was yesterday when I saw her. She appeared to be emaciated, although not entirely bad," Santiago explained. Santiago sank into the chair slowly, his gaze fixed on Eva. Something was being concealed, he sensed it, and was determined to uncover it. He vowed to rise early and visit the doctor without delay; he promised himself not to let any more time pass before seeing his mother and daughter. Yet, a nagging conc
"Alright, let's put an end to this," Dad interjected, gesturing for Mum to cease speaking. "But son, you're excelling in your company, which suggests you could return to ours and even assume control alongside your sister.""Dad, that's not on the cards for now." I rush to stop him in his attempt to get me to return to work for him."Son, you need to come back to your family, to your life." He insists, I know he's saying it because he thinks it's best for me, but I refuse."I'll only do so when I feel the time is right, not now, alright?” I answer and change the subject immediately. “ How long do you plan to stay here?""One week. Don't fret, we won't encroach on your space; we'll lodge in a hotel in the city centre. This place is too far. Have you considered purchasing a flat closer to your workplace?" My father again wants to interfere as usual in my decisions."I like it here. The commute doesn't bother me. It feels familiar, and I enjoy the drive each day." I explain, trying to mak
I look around the room at the faces of my family. They all look so worried and concerned. I know they want to help me, but I don't think they can. This is something I have to figure out on my own."Don't behave like that, Rafael," My father interjected and spoke to Adele's father. "Let's give it a bit more time, as they agreed. We can continue working together as before. You need to understand.""I won't let my daughter linger without hope any longer. If Christian don't make a decision within a year, I'll consider the engagement terminated. Come, Adele." He says firmly.I smiled openly, it's just what I wanted to hear. I am determined to end this farce and the persecution they have with me to force me to declare Adele my fiancée, so hearing her father say that I immediately added."The engagement is over; there's no need to wait a year, Mr. Rafael," I asserted firmly and assuredly to dispel any doubts. "Adele is free to pursue any relationship
I walked away, glancing at Isabella in the rearview mirror as she watched me depart. That girl is perceptive, opening up to me like that. So, a wild night? She doesn't strike me as the type to have a fling with a stranger. She mentioned she's not married; what led her to make such a decision? "A night of recklessness and madness." Those were her words.I continued towards my house on the outskirts. As I passed the doorman, he informed me of a visitor. Who could it be? Two cars were parked in my driveway; one I recognised as my parents'. The other remained a mystery. Resigned, I anticipated another challenging encounter with them.Unlocking the door with my keys, I headed towards the voices coming from the terrace adjacent to the dining room. My tension spiked when I identified the guests. It was my parents, accompanied by Adele, who approached me eagerly, attempting a kiss as a greeting. I sidestepped her advance, avoiding her attempt to cling to my arm.
I can see that Marta is really happy about her achievement. She immediately informs me that the job is with a French company. The same one we were looking at yesterday and she asked me to help her translate the ad into French."Of course. What happened? Is that the one? What role is it for?" I fill her with questions, happy for her, and at the same time worried that she's been cheated. I should have gone with her, I think."An Illustrator! Can you believe it?" she exclaims, brimming with excitement. "This company specialises in marketing. They are expanding to France and needed a native French speaker. And who is a native of France? Me! Ha, ha, ha... I called them, and they immediately invited me for an interview. Grandpa drove me there, and they accepted me on the spot when they learned about my work experience and qualifications."I can't believe she was so lucky. We hugged each other jumping up and down and laughing happily that she was accepted into a
I know that right now my friend's imagination is running wild imagining a thousand scenarios. I'm not going to deny it, I'm also very impressed with my boss's story."Yes, he says he saved a child who ran into the street and got hit by a car. He was in a coma for a year! When he woke up, he couldn't remember anyone. Not even his family! He recognises them from photos but has no recollection of his life with them before the accident," I reveal, still shocked by this terrifying revelation."Terrible!" She exclaims. "I can't imagine living without any memories!""That's why I can't abandon him. Even though I have to face Luis every day. But I don't want Grandpa to find out. Because I suspect the bankruptcy my boss mentioned relates to the transport company Luis's parents' business. It is my grandfather's work" It's true, I believe it. I remember how furious he was when he saw my face all bruised from the blows Luis had given me.Although I didn't a
I almost laugh when I see how furious she is. I'm sure that if she had Luis in front of her right now, he would have a worse time than he did with me. That's why I hurry to tell her everything, or she is capable of going to look for him to settle accounts."No, it wasn't that. I just didn't have the chance to respond. Because my boss appeared at that moment and whisked me away." I tell her, without ceasing to move forward. "I was fine until later, when I went down to sign the contract at human resources. When I came out, he was waiting for me in the elevator hallway. He cornered me against the wall and squeezed my face so hard; look at the marks on my face."She looks at me with a mix of pity and fury. During my stay in Paris she forced me to learn self-defense, so that I could defend myself when something like what happened to me today."And what did you do, Bella? Didn't you defend yourself? Why didn't you ask for help if you were afraid of him?""I