Mariana bent down to pick up the bills.<\/p>\n
Not because she needed them, but because she didn\u2019t want them to stain the pristine marble.<\/p>\n
She carefully placed them on the edge of the trash can and said calmly,<\/p>\n
\u201cYou should keep them. That money\u2026 you\u2019re going to need it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Alejandro froze for a second.<\/p>\n
There was no resentment in her tone.<\/p>\n
Nor was there any pleading.<\/p>\n
That calmness\u2026 unsettled him more than any reproach.<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you still acting so self-important?\u201d Alejandro growled, turning to Camila. \u201cSee? Poor, but full of pride.\u201d
\nCamila let out a mocking laugh and clung tighter to Alejandro\u2019s arm, looking Mariana up and down with disdain.<\/p>\n
At that moment, a group of men in black suits entered the lobby.
\nAt the front was a gray-haired man with a commanding presence and a respectable gaze, followed by executives and a press team.<\/p>\n
The mall manager bowed deeply:<\/p>\n
\u201cMrs. Mariana, everything is ready. The presentation will begin in three minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n
The entire lobby fell silent.<\/p>\n
Alejandro paled.<\/p>\n
\u201cMrs. Mariana?\u201d His voice was choked, as if someone were squeezing his throat.<\/p>\n
Mariana nodded slightly.
\nShe placed the cloth on the cleaning cart.
\nShe calmly removed her gloves.<\/p>\n
An assistant immediately approached and draped an elegant white blazer over her shoulders.<\/p>\n
In a matter of seconds, the \u201ccleaning attendant\u201d was gone.<\/p>\n
Now another woman stood before Alejandro:<\/p>\n
Her hair was loose, her posture straight, her gaze deep and cold.<\/p>\n
The gray-haired man stepped forward and announced in a clear voice:<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is an honor to introduce you to Mrs. Mariana Ortega, founder of the \u2018Phoenix of Fire\u2019 brand and principal investor in this exclusive collection launching tonight.\u201d
\nAlejandro took a step back, completely distraught.<\/p>\n
The red dress with rubies behind Mariana\u2014the same one he had scorned\u2014bore his name on it.<\/p>\n
Mariana turned to face him.<\/p>\n
And smiled.<\/p>\n
But it was no longer the fragile smile of the woman from seven years ago.<\/p>\n
\u201cSeven years ago you said I wasn\u2019t good enough for you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cA few minutes ago you said I could never touch this dress.\u201d<\/p>\n
She raised her hand. The staff opened the display case.<\/p>\n
Mariana touched the red fabric with grace.
\nThe lights made the lobby seem to be ablaze.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat a shame\u2026\u201d she whispered. \u201cBecause the one who no longer has the right to touch any of this\u2026 is you.\u201d<\/p>\n
At that moment, Alejandro\u2019s phone began to vibrate incessantly.<\/p>\n
Message from his secretary:<\/p>\n
\u201cSir, the strategic partner has just withdrawn the entire investment. They\u2019ve signed an exclusive contract with\u2026 Ms. Mariana Ortega.\u201d
\nBefore he could react, Camila abruptly released his arm.<\/p>\n
\u201cWeren\u2019t you supposed to be vice president? Was it all a lie?\u201d<\/p>\n
She turned and left, her heels clicking like hammer blows on Alejandro\u2019s shattered pride.<\/p>\n
Mariana walked past him.<\/p>\n
She didn\u2019t look at him.<\/p>\n
She only left a phrase hanging in the air, soft as the wind:<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you\u2026 for letting go of me that day.\u201d<\/p>\n
Alejandro stood motionless in the middle of the lobby, surrounded by luxury, flashes, and whispers, trapped in a reality he never imagined he would face.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Mariana bent down to pick up the bills. Not because she needed them, but because she didn\u2019t want them to stain the pristine marble. She carefully placed them on the edge of the trash can and said calmly, \u201cYou should keep them. That money\u2026 you\u2019re going to need it.\u201d Alejandro froze for a second. There … <\/p>\n