Chapter
70: The Great Pretender
Nina,
wearing minimal makeup to make herself look wan and pathetic, told
Erick her intentions.
“Your
father is determined to leave me and I will take his entire fortune
and business holdings. Do you understand?”
“I'm
sorry, Mama. You can count on me for anything you want. And now
there will be more money because Ashmore will be doing all his
business with us and not with Gómez-Luna.”
Nina went
on about how this was because she had told Ashmore about what
happened with Eladio's Tabasco project. Erick corrected her by
telling her that there was an outside deal in which Arturo put some
shares related to the construction into a bank account for Ashmore's
son-in-law. She looked suspicious, then satisfied.
Regina and
David dined together in New York City, blissfully unaware of the
havoc their parents were wreaking in Mexico City.
“I
believe in our commitment, really,” he said. “but I want to keep
our freedom. I'm sure of myself and sure of you and I don't need
anything else.”
“Me,
neither,” she said. “I don't need anything else. And I love the
idea of living every day with you. When everyone knows what we feel
and you know that I love you. Thank you for giving me your love and
your confidence.”
“Thanks
to you for making me so happy.”
“Because
I love you.”
They
clinked glasses of red wine. I think the waiter said it was merlot.
“You make
me very happy,” he said. They drank to their love and sealed it
with kisses that would have made someone there are tell them to take
it to their room.
Julia
attended her first orientation on selling real estate. Mr Ferice,
the company president, explained that they would be working
independently and their income will depend on their own capabilities.
He explained that not all the appointments they will make will be
with people with a true intent to buy. He warned them that some of
these people will be working for their competitors and will only be
looking to find out what their selling prices are. Others would be
looking at the properties to see what they could increase the prices
of. The rest look to take advantage of women who lacked experience
in this field. To Julia this sounded horrifyingly familiar.
Eladio was
at that moment speaking with his therapist.
“That
your wife wants to work is something positive for her. If you love
her you'll like to see her getting stronger every day.”
“For
years she depended on me. It's that I'm used to knowing every move
she makes,” he replied.
“Don't
forget that to work represents a big change. Wouldn't you want Julia
to walk at your side instead of behind you? The idea is to share
your lives, not that you manage hers or she yours.”
Eladio took
a deep breath and closed his eyes for a moment.
“I know
that's what I have to do. But that's the problem. I can't see
myself giving her the freedom she needs.”
“Eladio,
what would you say if Julia asked you not to go after the same
business as Arturo? Would you comply?”
Eladio
stared at him with a face that could have been carved from stone.
“Are you
happy?” David asked Regina.
“Yes.
The ring is beautiful. I love you. But I have doubts. I want to be
with you but to get married now is a little soon, isn't it?”
“No, no,
it's not that I want us to get married today. It's simply that the
ring is to remind you that the two of us are meant to be together for
life. It's a symbol of our love.”
“David
--”
“My love,
it's that I want to give you second for second, minute for minute, my
whole life. I want to make you happy. If you loved me from now on
and marry me I'd be the happiest man in the world. If you want your
space, that's perfect, too. If you want anything else, that's great,
too because all I want is for you to be happy knowing I'll always
think of you.”
“I think
of you, too. When we're apart I do nothing else but think of you. I
love you.”
“I love
you more.”
“Please,
when I'm in New York I'm asking you to keep an eye on Erick and
Daniela because I don't want them to do anything crazy,” Arturo
told Nina.
“Now
you're telling me my children aren't important to me,” she said.
“But it doesn't matter to you that Erick is on the edge because
Consuelo won't forgive him! And neither does it matter to you that
Daniela resigned. What' wrong with you now that you're divorcing
me?”
Arturo was
getting impatient with her passive-aggressive tactics, but tried not
to lose his temper.
“I've
made the decision and understand that soon I won't be your husband
anymore. I'd rather do this without a fight.”
“I will
not permit that.”
“Nina,
it's a shame that things are like this. I just want this to go well,
without hurting them. But the truth is that each time I can stand
you less and less.”
“Neither
can I.”
“Therefore,
please don't do anything to impede the divorce. And worse, if you
don't want what I am offering you in the divorce now, you won't get
any more.”
He walked
away leaving her to realize that all her sexual skills and
flirtatious ways would be wasted on him from that day forward.
Julia
arrived home to find her father in the living room waiting for her,
something she should have expected. It had been his purpose during
his entire time at her home to make her uncomfortable by watching her
like a hawk.
“Daughter,
you're home,” he said.
“What can
I do for you?” she asked, as she sat down on the couch. She was
suspicious and with long lists of good reasons.
“To talk
seriously with you.” His tone sounded reasonable, which was not
like him. “I saw Arturo at the foundation and he made me reflect
on things. A lot of things.”
“About
what?”
“He
reminded me about the past and I want you to answer me with total
sincerity,” he said. Julia stared carefully at him.
“What
about?”
Humberto
moved closer.
“Do you
love Arturo?”
“I don't
know why you're asking, Father.”
“Daughter,
if you're not happy with Eladio, tell me that. I could help you to
leave him and to marry your first love.”
Julia was
incredulous. This was completely the opposite of anything Humberto
had ever said to her in the past.
“You know
how I asked your help at another time,” she said. “But now
things are going well with my husband and I'm not thinking of leaving
him.”
“Everything
you do is against me, isn't it?” he asked.
“That
isn't true. And now I want to understand why you think Eladio is a
small thing to me.”
“Because
at last I understood that he's not the generous man I believed him to
be.”
“Ah, and
now you want me to separate from Eladio because he doesn't please
you?”
“You
always made my life impossible but now I consistently supported you.
But now Eladio has passed his limit.”
“Father,
you aren't listening to me,” she said. “Eladio is remaking
himself into the most understanding and loving man I knew.”
“That
sounds good but now he prefers his godson over his son. If he is his
son.”
“I
demonstrated to Eladio that David is his son. I'll show you the
proof. I handed him the proof and he knows. He knows it.”
“For more
important reasons you don't have to do the same with me. But Franco?
Look at him. The worst is why did you permit this? He's not
worthy, Julia.”
“Look,
Father, the one who's saying bad things here is you. I don't
understand why when I wanted to divorce him you wouldn't allow it.
What is this about?”
“Because
I want to correct my mistakes.” He turned away from her gaze. “I
should not have forced you to marry Eladio.”
“Whatever,
it's my decision.”
“But now,
now daughter,” he took her hand. “I want to help you now.
Understand that. I don't know... that Arturo has decided to get a
divorce --”
“No. No,
no, no. Don't do anything, Father. I don't know what your interest
is, but Eladio is my husband. I accept him with all his mistakes.
And he accepts all of mine. I don't want to hear more about Arturo
and don't mention him again. Thanks, Father.”
She rose,
took her purse, and went upstairs. Humberto adjusted the nose tube
and took as deep a breath as he could. He could not have understood
what had happened.
Nina went
back into Arturo's office when he was not there. She opened his desk
and took out his passport and visa. Just as she took out the
scissors Daniela came in.
“What are
you doing, Mama?”
“Shut up
and close the door,” she said. Daniela obeyed and returned.
“What's
going on?”
“I'm
making sure to delay the divorce.”
“How?”
“Without
his visa, your father can't get into the US. He will have to miss
the appointment with the judge.” She cut the card in half, then in
more pieces.
“That's
not the definitive solution. He'll see that it's gone and get
another.”
“And that
will eat up time and that's what I need. Time. If your father is
going to treat me like this, he'll feel the weight of what I'm
capable of.”
She looked
at Daniela with her martyr face. There was no reaction.
Caridad
went to Eladio's office at GLA to talk to him about working there.
That caught him a little by surprise. Caridad explained that while
she wants to continue working at the foundation because she loved
working with the children she also wanted to work at GLA to be near
Franco. Eladio did an about-face on his previous stance against her
working near Julia. He then asked her how she would manage it. She
didn't know but begged him to help her with this. She should have
known better and realized that begging Eladio for anything was not
how to gain his respect for her wishes. He looked back at her with
the same stony expression he always wore at the beginning of his
outbursts.
“It's
ready,” Nina said as she put the box back into Arturo's desk.
“Your father won't find his visa and you know nothing about this,
understand?”
“Yes, of
course,” Daniela said as she checked her cell phone. “And now I
have bad news for you. Look.” She handed it to Nina. “Regina
and David are humiliating me again, including sending the photo to
me.”
“Back
together? What good news!”
“Mama,
how can you say that? How is this good news? I love David!”
Nina looked
right into her eyes.
“My love,
understand. This is good news. If they're back together that's an
impediment against your father getting together with Julia. It has
to be. Please, don't bother your sister.”
“How?
Why?
“You told
me one day that if one of his daughters is with David, he can't be
with Julia.”
“But,
Mama, I told you that so you could help me, not Regina.”
“Ay, my
love, understand me. If you want to help me keep your father don't
ask me to separate them.”
“What a
bad break that neither you nor dad ever helps me with anything!”
She turned
away like a child having a tantrum. Many last-borns did this, but
Daniela elevated it to performance art.
Eladio was
upstairs when Julia got there. He was pacing around like a tiger in
a cage that was too small for him.
“Julia,
why can't you tell me what you're doing? I was almost going out to
look for you.”
“Hello,
my love. How are you?” she said, kissing his cheek. “You knew
it was my first day at the realty office.”
“I know
but I worry that something might happen. You're out in the street,
you're alone. I don't know --”
“Nothing
is going to happen to me,” she said. “The difference is I am
learning to take care of myself, but thanks. You worry too much
about me.” She kissed him. “You don't know how much I missed
you. I can't concentrate.”
“This
isn't true; you're saying that to calm me down.”
“I swear
I'm not. I swear to you.” She opened his shirt. “You want me
to show how much I miss you?” She began pulling his shirt out of
his waistband, exposing the tattooed area of his chest. She kissed
it and looked at him. His face was full of doubt. “I couldn't
concentrate thinking about you.”
They began
kissing and slowly took to the bed.
Erick slept
fitfully that same night, seeing images of Monserrat on the day of
her death in the death makeup and of Consuelo, alive and beautiful.
He woke with a start and shook his head. Something about this
frightened him.
“I'm
happy because every day I feel more special,” Julia said later, in
bed. “I feel more loved. I feel understood.”
“It's
when we're together your feelings, your thoughts are here, with me.”
He put her hand over his heart and held it there.
“Free me
from the past so I can see you a different way,” she said. “I
want to love everything about who you are. Let's start with your
tattoo. You don't know how I tried.”
“Remember
I always thought you didn't like it?”
“Yes, and
it was because I was annoyed with you.”
“Yes, and
after all these years I want you to know I did it for you.”
“Seriously?”
she asked. She looked surprised. “What does it signify?”
“It
signifies both material and spiritual things. The material is what
you can touch, as my body. And the spiritual it signifies is the
eternal love I have for you. Thanks to it we'll have love even after
this life. Here is my promise that I will love you eternally.”
“Do women
also get tattoos?” she asked, indicating the same shoulder on
herself.
“Yes. If
you did it would be easy to find each other in eternity.”
“To think
that after all the hate I could love you forever.”
“Only
that we could love each other in this life or the other. Have
patience. It will just be an instant in eternity. You're with me
and that instant is now.”
“I know.
And now I understand that you always loved me.”
They went
for another round, this time with no words.
David and
Regina walked around New York stopping in popular locations, taking
selfie shots of the two of them while in Mexico Petra brought
Arturo's breakfast to his home office.
“I'm not
hungry; I have a breakfast meeting with Eladio, but thanks.”
“You'll
have a stomach ache if you eat nothing,” she said. “But well,
you've always been stubborn.”
“You're
right. I need to avoid the nausea.” He looked into the small
wooden box where he kept his passport. He did not see his visa.
“Petra, please find Nina.” Petra left his office as he looked
into another box and the desk drawer. Nina entered almost
immediately.
“You
called for me?”
“Yes.
What did you do with my visa?”
She turned
around and started to smile.
“Don't
tell me you didn't. I know you. You took it so I couldn't take the
trip.”
“It's
incredible how unfair you are. First you tell me I'm crazy and now
you're calling me a thief.”
“No, just
that you're capable of this because things aren't going your way.”
“It's
unworthy that you think the worst of me.”
“It does
you no good to prevent me from taking this trip.My documents, my
visa. And you're doing this to try to stop the divorce.”
“You are
offending me.”
“No,
Nina. You're looking for time to start another fight. That will not
serve you. I know you.”
He walked
out of the office, passing Daniela on the way.
“Mama?”
“Every
time your father gets worse.”
“Well,
Mama, you also hit back.”
“Well,
what do you want? For him to be free? For Julia to enjoy what is
mine? Well, no, Daniela. Never.”
The
following morning Eladio told Julia he would have his lawyer do all
the necessary paperwork for Julia to begin her career in real estate.
He also told her, with reluctance, that Caridad accepted a job at
GLA. Julia was confused about this because Caridad seemed to enjoy
working with the children. Eladio said that it would be good for her
because she would better be able to pay her bills, which sounded
plausible. Julia was concerned about Caridad's work hours, but
Eladio told her they could work that out. However, he said that she
would be part of the company because her father had worked there
before.
Arturo
spoke with Augustin on his cell, explaining why he couldn't come to
New York. He asked him to keep the appointment with Ashmore and let
him know what happens. At the same time Erick was late getting up
and Daniela teased him about it.
“I
dreamed about Monse and Consuelo last night.”
“How
ugly,” said Daniela. “Hey, do you know any more about the
investigation into her death?”
“Nobody
knows anything. But they can't prove anything by me because I'm
innocent.”
“Good,
but calm down. It was only a question.”
“Well,
yes, but Monserrat's death was punishment enough.”
“Punishment?
Punishment for what?”
“Because
when I fell in love with her I was married. Thanks to her I lost the
peace of my marriage. It's making me nuts and everything about the
investigation is a pain.”
“Yes, it
was terrible.”
“But now
I'm trying to recover what I had with Consuelo. What we had when we
met.”
“Forget
it, Erick. Nothing can ever be the same.”
Consuelo
was leaving her apartment for work when one of the homicide
detectives paid her a visit. One who had tried to see her at the
mansion when the doctor said she needed rest. He had stopped there
first. She explained that she and her husband were separated. The
detective then assumed that she knew Erick was cheating. She told
him that if he was looking for a reason to talk about Monserrat's
death the subject had been closed between her and Erick. He told her
that no guilty party had surfaced yet so the case was still open.
Daniela
stopped by Arturo's office at GM on her way to the modeling agency.
“Why did
you come to see me? To tell me that looking for work as a model is
not easy?” he said.
“If you
wish. I'm coming to beg you to give me the job.”
“No. But
tell me, do you have anything?”
“No, but
I passed all the tests at the agency and they said they were happy
with me.”
“My love,
don't get too many hopes up. It's good they've accepted you. You'll
be going to castings, and if clients are happy with you, you'll work
on campaigns with them.”
“Then
what do you want? That I show you the contract so you'll believe
me?”
“You
don't have to talk like that.”
“I want
you to see me model in a campaign so you'll stop thinking I'm good
for nothing.”
“Don't
try to put words in my mouth.”
“Papa, if
I say that it's because it's always the same with you. That the only
one of us you're proud of is Regina.”
Arturo
paused. This was almost true and he had heard it many times, but
Daniela couldn't face that she had never done anything to take pride
in.
Julia and
Gabriela talked before leaving for work. Julia was meeting a more
experienced colleague to learn her new profession. She dressed as
she would for any afternoon occasion in society, in a simple, dark,
fitted dress with cap sleeves and a modest hemline. She asked about
how things were going at the foundation but Gabriela didn't have time
to answer. Humberto came into the room at the maximum speed he could
achieve in his motorized wheelchair.
“What are
you talking about?” he demanded. “Did you ask Eladio if you
could sell a property?”
“No. No,
Father. What has happened is that I'm starting work in a real estate
agency.”
“What?
Well, if you need money the foundation has it, daughter.”
“Father,
I want to do this. And my husband is convinced that it's a positive
thing for me. And I will not resign because of how it looks to you.”
Humberto
was silenced for once in his life.
“We can't
deny that Regina is an excellent architect,” said Arturo.
“Yes, but
as a person she leaves much to be desired,” said Daniela. “I
went out first with David Gómez-Luna. She wanted him and made off
with him.”
“I don't
feel we have to talk about this. Besides, they ended the
relationship.”
“You
think so? That's not true. Regina and David reconciled in New
York.”
“Please,
don't invent things about your sister.”
“You want
proof? Here, you've got it.” She pulled out her baby-pink cell
phone, punched a few keys, and showed him the screen. “Your adored
Regina went to New York and reconciled with David and here he is with
her.”
Arturo
looked at it in mild disbelief.
“Papa, I
know Regina is your favorite but you have to do something about it.
I had him first!”
“What?
Neither you nor your sister will date this wretch. He has only
deceived you both.”
“No. He
never deceived me.”
“I'm
asking you, daughter, to forget this imbecile.”
“I can't.
He is the love of my life. So talk to Regina and tell her to leave
him alone.”
She left
before he could answer. After she was out the door he picked up his
cell and left voice mail to Regina to call him as soon as she heard
it. As he ended the call Angeles entered.
“When
does Regina return from New York?”
“Tonight,
sir.” She handed him a folder. “Here it is.”
He handed
her another one. She excused herself and left. He sat at the desk,
looking as though he were about to have a migraine. He knew that
nothing would ever be right between his daughters.
Eladio was
reviewing some documents when Franco came in with a tablet computer.
“The
agency wants to send over some models for consideration who might
replace Monserrat.”
“Good.
You did tell them that I wanted someone whom the public won't
associate with another product or business?”
“Yes.
They did send one that could be ideal but I don't think you'll want
to sign her.”
“Why?
Who is she?”
Franco
showed him a bathing suit photo of Daniela and watched for his
reaction.
“Daniela
Montenegro.”
Eladio took
the tablet slowly with a thoughtful expression.
“She
looks very good. I don't know why it never occurred to her to work
for him.” He paged through the photos.”
“What's
your honest opinion?”
“I think
we have others here but I don't think we'll look at them. I think
Daniela Montenegro will suit us very well.”
Franco was
pleased. He had no idea of the trouble he had started.
Augustin
went up to Ashmore's office on an upper floor of 320 Park Avenue to
meet with him and his lawyer. He explained that Arturo was unable to
make the trip because his visa had been stolen. He provided no
details. Ashmore was not pleased. In fact, he looked offended.
Franco met
Daniela for coffee and told her he had done all he could for her with
Eladio.
“The rest
will be up to you.”
“You'll
see. I will convince him. Did you tell your godfather that Regina
and David got back together?”
Franco
almost choked on his coffee.
“No, no
way. On the contrary. I had to tell him that would never happen.
Also, my godfather knows that it was you who set up David to end up
fighting with Regina. It's for that that he's considering not
putting you under contract.”
Humberto
met Arturo in the park to continue their previous conversation.
“My
daughter told me she is interested in recovering her marriage to
Eladio.”
“Yes, but
she is only deceiving herself.”
“This
isn't over. Just give me time to convince her she is deceived about
him.”
“Listen,
Humberto, I hope Julia is free before I'm divorced.”
“Ah. In
the meantime there is a way for you to see her.”
“How?
She doesn't want to see me.”
“I have a
very good idea. Listen well.”
Julia
visited Gabriela at the foundation and told her that her first work
experience had gone very well. Caridad came in to tell her about her
job offer at GLA. Julia already knew and said it would work out.
Caridad was happy, saying she needed to work with Eladio... Mr
Gómez-Luna. She also had past pending business to take care of.
She would explain later. For the moment she went out to tend to the
children's mealtime.
“I wonder
what business she has to resolve,” Gabriela said.
“I don't
know, but Eladio and I want to help her. She gets a few less hours
here and a flexible schedule so she can have the other job.”
“Wow. My
uncle is learning a lot after all. Helping Caridad's mother and now
her.”
“Yes. I
never thought I'd ever see him be so generous with other people.”
“Franco
always told me he didn't like giving help to others.”
“Well,
who would ever think that behind this man who's a terror in business
there hides one with such an enormous heart.”
Consuelo
was in Arturo's office putting some documents on his desk when he
returned. She had everything he needed for the advertising campaign
meeting. When he asked about Erick she told him that she had firmly
decided on a divorce.
“I hope
you can at least come to an agreement.”
“Well,
there are still things Erick and I have to clarify. Above all, about
our baby.”
“That
must hurt very much.”
“I know.
Erick will always be his father and Erick will always know his son.
At least I hope he will try.”
Augustin
came out of Ashmore's meeting and took out his cell phone to call
Arturo as he walked to the nearest bar.
“Augustin,
how did it go with Ashmore?”
“He was
furious when I said you wouldn't be coming.” He put his briefcase
down on a barstool. “But when I showed him the contract with
everything you discussed he calmed down.”
“Good.
At least that. Did we have to make more concessions?”
“Only two
clauses we knew we had to take out, but everything is done.”
“Good.
When you get back we'll celebrate. Did you contact Regina or run
into her?”
“No, but
you told me that when she got back to Mexico she had a surprise for
us.”
“I
already know what it is. That she is back together with David
Gómez-Luna.”
Consuelo
started to smile at the news.
Franco was
working late that night. He was on the phone when he saw Caridad
through his clear office wall.
“How did
you get here without me hiring you?”
“Eladio
hired me directly.”
“I hope
then that you won't be near me.”
“I've
been put in an area that deals directly with you. Although you may
not want this, we're going to get to know and respect each other.”
“You're
wasting your time because you don't understand that I don't want you
near me.”
“It
doesn't matter that you reject me, Franco. I hope that my love for
you helps change what you feel about me.”
“Do I
have to remind you about what kind of woman you are?” he asked as
he backed her against the glass wall. “You consorted with a
married man and now I have to fight for my proper place.”
“But
thanks to me you are alive,” she said as she touched his face.
“Only because of me.” She began crying as he backed away and
turned his back to her. “I defended you before you were born
because if it had been up to Eladio you would never have been born.”
“Well, I
might have preferred that. Better to never have been born than to be
born a nobody. Hidden away. Being raised with David, do you know
what that was like? Watching him kissing his parents?”
The
realtor, Ferice, went to see Arturo in his office. He was pleased at
being contacted by him. Arturo asked him a special favor, which was
to help Julia Vallardo by having her handle all the sales of these
properties. Arturo told him he wanted to help her as she was an old
friend from youth. Ferice was surprised because Julia was new in the
business and lacked experience. However, he conceded. Arturo told
him to let him know when he was ready. Ferice smiled at him,
probably suspecting that there was more to this than met the eye.
Daniela sat
in front of Eladio as he paged through the photos once again. He
looked at her sternly, then folded up the tablet.
“I've
looked at some of your photos and reviewed your portfolio. Yes,
you're pretty. Natural. But I don't like seeing your face in the
media.”
“Well, I
know I'll be famous very fast.”
“Yes,
yes. You have everything we're looking for for the campaign but the
only inconvenient thing is --”
“That I'm
a Montenegro.”
“Obviously.”
“Mr
Gómez-Luna, it would be fabulous if my first job could be for a
business like yours.”
He shook
his head.
“No. I
don't want any more problems with your father.”
“And what
I want is to be independent of him. I've had enough. I want to work
but first he makes me be a maid in the house and then serve coffee in
his office.”
“What did
you do to make him do that?”
“Nothing.”
“Nothing?”
“What
happened is that Regina is my father's favorite and it's all easy for
her. And because of that I want to show my father that I can succeed
on my own. If you trust me I swear I won't fail you.”
Eladio
looked at her closely. She had no idea she may as well have signed a
her name in blood on a contract with the Devil.
Notes on
Chapter #71: A Deal with the Devil
Caridad
tried to explain to Franco how they came to this confrontation. She
didn't want Gisela to bring him to Eladio but she had no choice and
no way to stop her. She didn't want Eladio to raise him to be
greedy, to get money by any means necessary. Franco accused her of
being no better in getting involved with him. She told him that when
she met Eladio things were bad. He told her he was married to a
woman who didn't love him and that she was expecting another man's
child. Franco seized on this, asking whether David was the son of
Arturo. Caridad took his hand but didn't answer him.
Eladio gave
Daniela the lecture about needing someone beautiful and sensual, but
disciplined and committed to work. She said she would do whatever he
said, but Eladio was too intelligent to accept that. He knew from
David that Daniela had major problems with Regina. She tried the
same line on him that didn't work with Arturo. Finally she told him
he shouldn't reject her on the basis of something personal. He then
relented and awarded her the contract.
David
escorted Regina home. Fortunately Petra was the first to see them
and she was happy to see them back together. Regina asked David to
wait while she spoke to Arturo.
Daniela was
still in Eladio's office. She was eager to sign the contract.
Eladio asked her whether her father ever talked about keeping one's
distance at work. She didn't answer, but told him that she wasn't
close to her father like her sister was. She was angry with both her
parents because she said they never paid any attention to her. For
all that she thought she had class she didn't realize that the first
rule was to never share any information that could be used against
one. Eladio laid down the rules
“Number
One: Never show you're dying for work. Second, and listen well:
Read your contracts well. I will be pleased if you comply with what
I ask.”
“Thanks.
I will listen and I'm sure that with you I'll learn much more than
from my father.”
She put out
her hand as she delivered another flirtatious grin.
“My third
advice and pay attention: Don't promise what you can't deliver. Is
that clear? With me it's no nonsense, no childish games. None of
this.”
“Yes,
sir.” She moved in to kiss him but he put up his hand to stop her.
“Thanks,”
she said before she left. He then picked up his phone to call the
legal department to add more clauses to her contract.
Erick
visited Consuelo because she didn't want to have this conversation at
the office. She told him she had decided to divorce him and had just
told his father. He went into his beggar mode again, saying he
wanted another chance. He wanted her to think of when they were
happy in the beginning and now they would have a penthouse. She
looked either like she would weaken or that she was pitying him.
Nina talked
to her divorce lawyer, gloating over Arturo's inability to go to New
York. She also asked him to talk to her son because his wife was
pregnant. She was satisfied with the way things were going for
herself. Just as she ended the call Regina knocked and came in. She
had dome some shopping for Nina and told her she had good news. To
Regina's surprise, Nina was happy at the news of the reunion with
David. She already knew from Daniela and was pleased. She pulled
her down on the couch as though she wanted all the details.
Erick
started apologizing for cheating with Monserrat, saying he was sorry.
He even cried. Consuelo cried and looked as though she was going to
weaken, but wasn't ready to forgive the nasty arguments and the
insults she endured from him. She had loved him, but was not going
to continue with him. It was over. She had even spoken to Augustin.
She opened the door and told him to leave. Which he only did when
she threatened to call the porter.
Regina was
too happy at this point, even showing Nina the engagement ring. Nina
took a double selfie with Regina showing off the ring. Regina
couldn't believe she had Nina's support. Nina told her “Although
you doubt it, I've always wanted your happiness.” She could not
have told a bigger lie in her life, but followed it with a truth.
“Daniela will not be happy with this.” which segued into
insisting on a wedding date. She didn't like the idea of Regina and
David living together WBC. She had done so with Arturo and look
where it got her? He was accusing her of hiding his visa so he
couldn't go to New York.
Daniela
interrupted this by telling Regina off for sending her the photo.
Regina told her that she would just have to enjoy seeing the ring.
She showed it off. The look in Daniela's eyes resembled that of a
rabid wolf.
Marintia
came down to Franco's office to let him know she wasn't pleased that
he was ignoring her. She warned him that he would be sorry if he
reneged on his earlier promises. He was fortunate that Eladio didn't
hear this when he came over to show him Daniela's contract. Franco,
however, was more interested in asking him questions about what
Caridad had told him, including whether David was someone else's son.
Daniela –
as expected – accused Regina of stealing her boyfriend. She seemed
to have conveniently forgotten that she had ditched David first.
Regina told her to stop the nonsense and showed her the ring once
more. Daniela had been only a good time for David while Regina was
the woman he wanted for the rest of his life. Nina said she didn't
want them to fight,but Daniela claimed “I'm only fighting for what
is mine.” She had no idea how much like her new boss she was.
“I'm going to get David back. I won't let you be happy with him.
Ever.” Just after Regina invited her to do whatever she wanted
because she wouldn't succeed, Arturo came in. When he saw the ring
he told her “No way will you marry that imbecile.” He was also
sure that Eladio would tell David the same.
Franco
wanted the truth and Eladio actually admitted to him that “Caridad
didn't follow my rules” so his conception wasn't planned. He also
declared that David was his son.
Regina
defended her engagement but Arturo was determined to believe that
David had trifled with both of his daughters. Nina tried to
intercede for Regina, but it was only to satisfy her own agenda.
When Daniela said that Regina can't be with David Arturo shut her up
with “You can't, either. Neither of you will get involved with a
guy who is only having fun at both your expense.” He went on about
how Eladio would have gotten him to do this. Neither of them
believed this, but Arturo would not change his mind. Regina did not
and would not comply.
Eladio was
just short of losing his temper. He told Franco off, telling him
that while he will never have his name he had everything he would
need. He was to leave the past where it was or heh would never be
happy. But Franco knew that Eladio himself could not follow that
advice.
Arturo
would not let this go despite that this was in the middle of the
night. He was adamant. Nina then asked the girls to leave her alone
with their father, saying that he was only making this demand so he
could get back together with Julia after the divorce. She was
determined to get her daughters on her side. Arturo denied that this
was about Julia but Nina – whose jealousy was at least as sick as
Eladio's – would never believe this. She had seen him talking to
her at the foundation. Arturo did not want to argue about this
anymore. He told Regina to end the engagement and return the ring
immediately. “No way. If you insist on separating me from David,
I will leave the house,” was her answer. She then left the room.
David
returned home and was excited for Julia and her future in real
estate. He talked about having her sell the apartments he and Eladio
were building in Santa Fe. She was excited but that was quickly
deflated when David told her he had reconciled with Regina. She had
changed her mind and didn't want anything to do with the Montenegro
family. She was tired of the fights and she also could no longer
tolerate Nina. She told David that Nina was convinced that there was
something going on between herself and Arturo.
Erick –
predictably – got drunk at an upscale bar, telling the bartender he
wanted to forget everything. Except, perhaps the price of a bottle
of tequila.
David
believed Julia. He knew that her relationship with Arturo had been
long ago. Julia understood him and that he loved Regina, but things
in their households were very complicated at the moment. He was
determined to continue fighting for himself and Regina and he pointed
out that since things were better between his parents, Nina needed to
see that. Julia hoped so, but knew that Nina would never believe
anything she didn't want to.
Erick went
back to Consuelo's apartment. He was so drunk this would certainly
be a night he would never remember. Although she did not want him
there he would not leave and through all the alcohol he had consumed
he cried like a child whose toy had been taken away. He clung to her
and she finally pushed him away and told him to leave. She accused
him of wanting the shares in the family business that Arturo was
going to give her. He denied it, but she wasn't falling for more of
his lies and deceptions. He grabbed her and she hauled off and
slapped him. He fell against the sofa but not on the floor. She
grabbed the phone and threatened to call the police. He tried to
straighten up and threatened to come back.
Regina went
to Francisco's apartment and told David what had happened at home.
She had left the family home to be with him. He didn't understand
Arturo's reaction, but they didn't talk much about it. Regina was
still trying to understand it.
Caridad sat
with Clara and Justino, telling them about Franco's ill treatment of
her. She was sure she could influence him to change. Clara was not
so optimistic.
Gabriela
showed Franco photos from the wedding planner. He seemed to like
everything until she asked him how many children he wanted. His good
mood evaporated like mist over a hot spring. He hesitated, saying he
didn't know and that this would not be easy for him. When she
embraced him, thinking she knew why he was upset, he smiled behind
her back. He had stalled once again on this issue.
Arturo
stayed up late working at the desk in his bedroom when Nina came
after him about Regina's departure. He told her he was not chasing
after Regina. Nina accused him of not caring about her, his favored
child. She accused him of being a bad father, leaving her to do all
the parenting. She told him to apologize to Regina, which he refused
to do. He intended to deal with David himself. Nina accused him of
doing anything to get back with Julia. She walked off in a huff.
David and
Regina sat on the sofa for a while until they felt up to being a
little more active. I think you know what I mean.
Julia and
Eladio didn't like the reunion any more than Arturo did, but they
didn't argue about it. However, when Eladio told Julia that he had
hired Daniela to replace Monserrat she was very displeased. This was
contradictory and guaranteed to create major problems.
The
following morning Regina went to her family home to let them know
where she had been. Arturo asked whether she had returned the ring
and broken up with David and she told him she had not. She had only
come to get her clothes and other things. Arturo tried to get her to
change her mind but she would not. He tried convincing her that
Eladio would be angry over the Ashmore deal, but she refused to mix
that with personal matters. After a few more passes she was angry
enough to tell him that she would henceforth think of him as her boss
and not her father. Nina gave him her trademark look of contempt.
Eladio told
David over breakfast that he had hired Daniela to replace Monserrat.
David told him point blank why this was a bad idea. He knew what he
could expect from her if he had to see her at the office every day.
Eladio was sure he could make her behave. David questioned his
motives. “Is she really what you're looking for or is it to attack
Arturo Montenegro?” He replied that Julia had asked the same
questions, but he was sure it was manageable. Julia said that if
Regina could manage her reactions to Daniela they could work it out.
David wasn't so sure because Regina left her parents' home and they
would be living together. His parents' expressions said that
breakfast was not a good time to deliver difficult news.
Franco
supervised Daniela's first photo shoot for GLA. The photographers
were encouraging but he told Daniela she needed to be a little more
seductive. He touched the hair near her ears, a gesture she would
never misinterpret. However, she told him she was doing this for
David and she was not interested. He tried to tell her he earned
more and had more authority which would have impressed Nina, but then
Daniela hadn't studied at the same school as her mother.
Somehow
Erick had gotten home the night before and passed out face-down on
his bed. His tie was loose but he was otherwise fully dressed. Nina
came into his room to get him out of bed to go to the office. She
warned him that his father would be demonically angry if he saw him
in that condition. He told her he had gone to Consuelo's apartment
the night before and she had thrown him out. “I can imagine what
shape you were in!” Nina said. “I'm desperate, too, but I never
look into a bottle for a solution. You have to learn to keep a cool
head.” She told him that her lawyer had good advice for him. He
at least had a little time to get Consuelo back.
Regina
visited Consuelo and they talked about all of this. Consuelo
encouraged Regina to talk to her father. Sheh also asked if she
would stay with her because she didn't like being alone. She also
needed help if Erick came back again. Regina looked like she would
say yes to this.
At GLA
there was another photo shoot. Marintia came down to keep an eye on
Franco because she didn't like that he seemed to have his eye on yet
more competition. He told her not to worry because she was better
than either of them. He implied that he was thinking of giving her
the new car. They headed to a corner while seeming to have forgotten
the company rule against fraternization. Eladio came down with
Caridad before they did anything truly en flagrante delicto. He
called Marintia over and introduced her to Caridad, telling her she
was to teach her things so that she could become Franco's assistant.
Franco never expected this kind of a squeeze play.
Miguel
stopped by Consuelo's office and she told him what had happened
between Regina and Arturo. That worried him and he said he would do
what he could. Consuelo thanked him and Erick walked in with his
usual bad attitude fueled by the previous night's alcohol. He used
Miguel's presence as an excuse to tell Consuelo that there would be
no divorce until the baby was born.
The photo
shoot ended. Caridad gave Daniela information she would need the
next day but she said she would read it in the morning. Eladio told
Daniela yet again she needed to be more sensual and walked her away
to continue the conversation. Marintia asked Franco what was wrong.
“He's making my life impossible by hiring that woman. I can't
stand having her around.” He then admitted to Marintia that
Caridad was his mother.
Labels: poder
Permalink posted by Urban Anthropologist
@ 11:54 PM
© Caray, Caray! 2006-2022. Duplication of this material for use on any other site is strictly prohibited.