The woman who entered was Caridad.
She wasn’t dressed in luxury. She was simple, but impeccable. Her hair was styled with care. Her eyes were calm. She walked with a dignity that money can’t buy.
Caridad sat at the head of the table. A man announced:
—With you, Ms. Caridad Becerra, representative of the Becerra Group.
Gerardo felt the blood draining from his face.
“Becerra… daughter… headboard…”
Liliana, beside him, paled. Her smile shattered like glass.
Caridad looked up and saw him. Not with hatred. Clearly.
The manager spoke, looking at Gerardo.
—Mr. Ríos, you just introduced this lady as your wife. Is that correct?
Gerardo opened his mouth. Nothing came out.
Caridad slowly placed the folder on the table.
“Relax,” he said. “First, let’s discuss the business.”
But the business was already wounded.
When it came time to sign, Caridad looked him straight in the eye.
“This contract is based on trust. And trust begins with honesty,” his voice was calm but firm. “If you can lie so easily about your marriage, what guarantees do we have that you won’t lie about operations, reports, and decisions?”
Gerardo got up, desperate.
—Charity, please… let me explain. This… this is all for me.
Caridad took a deep breath.
“This was everything to me too,” he replied. “My home, my dignity, my patience. And you denied me without batting an eye.”
He turned towards the managers.
—The signing is cancelled.
No one argued. No one protested. They simply nodded, obeying the one who held the real authority.
