Part 2
At nine with ten, the main entrance opened.
First, assistants came in, then discreet security, then a tall man in dark gray suit, straight back and a strange calm, of those who do not need to prove anything. I’d be about thirty-five. Brown in the sun, firm jaw, serene look.
The whole room turned to him.
Don Ricardo advanced with both hands outstretched.
“Mr. Cruz, it is an honor…
The man shook his hand just a second.
Then he looked around.
He looked among a hundred faces as one who has been knowing exactly who he comes to see for years.
Her eyes stopped at Isabella.
She stopped breathing.
Because he smiled just like that hungry child when he received half a cake for the first time.
Matthew walked straight to her.
The entire room watched as the night’s most coveted investor ignored politicians, partners and photographers to stop in front of the owner’s daughter.
“It took a little longer than promised,” he said quietly.
Isabella felt her hands shaking.
—Matthew…
He pulled something out of the inner pocket of the bag.
A small silver bracelet, worn out by the years.
Half that was missing.
“I told you I would come back when I could stand in front of you and no longer be the hungry child in the fence.
Isabella was filled with tears in the middle of the most elegant living room in the city.
No one understood anything.
Don Ricardo less than anyone.
“Do you know each other?” he asked rigidly.
Matthew turned to him with impeccable education.
“Yes, Mr. Montes. Her daughter fed me for months when I had no home, no family, no reason to believe in anyone.
The silence was absolute.
The associates looked at Ricardo. Journalists smelled history. Isabella could not look away.
Matthew continued:
“A couple from Monterrey adopted me shortly after. They gave me a last name, school and love. I put the rest. But I never forgot who taught me that dignity can fit into half a cake shared between bars.
Don Ricardo tried to get back together.
“Well… what a touching one. If we move on to the business issue…
“Sure,” Mateo said.
He pulled a folder out of the assistant.
“Cruss Altamira Group will buy sixty percent of Montes Holdings’ debt and refinance its operations… on a condition.
Richard strained his jaw.
Which one?
Matthew didn’t look at him.
He looked at Isabella.
“May Isabella Montes be at the head of the new social foundation and the human transformation council of the company. Independent budget. Autonomous decision. Full signature.
