Chapter 1: A Door Closes, Another Opens
Chapter 1: A Door Closes, Another Opens
The moment Alejandro and Lucía stepped outside the De la Vega estate, the cool night air washed away some of the humiliation that still clung to her.
"I'm sorry," Lucía whispered, unable to hold back her tears. "Your company just lost millions because of me."
Alejandro stopped walking.
"No," he said softly. "We lost nothing tonight."
She looked up, confused.
"I've spent years building businesses," he continued. "Money can always be earned again. Integrity can't."
Lucía lowered her eyes.
"My grandmother discovered your restaurant five years ago. She came home talking about a young chef who respected every ingredient and every family recipe she touched."
Alejandro smiled faintly.
"She wasn't impressed by your cooking alone. She admired your character."
Lucía had never known.
His grandmother had secretly paid anonymous visits to her tiny restaurant several times before passing away.
She had believed Lucía represented the future of their country's cuisine.
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That night, Alejandro made a promise.
"We're going to build something better."
