Chapter 5 – A Different Kind of Family
Months passed.
The mansion felt peaceful again.
Mariana was no longer introduced as "the maid."
She became Estate Manager, supervising every employee with the same kindness she had always shown.
Her salary doubled.
Lucía started preschool nearby.
Every afternoon, she raced through the gardens counting the koi fish.
"There are still seven!"
Santiago laughed every single time.
One evening, he found Mariana watching the sunset beside the reflecting pool.
"You've spent two years taking care of everyone else."
"It's time someone took care of you."
She smiled softly.
"You already did."
A year later, the mansion hosted another elegant dinner.
Forty guests once again filled the dining hall.
But this time, Mariana sat at the table instead of serving it.
Lucía, now four years old, proudly sat beside her.
During the toast, Santiago raised his glass.
"True wealth isn't measured by money."
"It's measured by the way we treat people who can do nothing for us."
The room erupted into applause.
Lucía tugged gently on her mother's sleeve.
"Mommy..."
"Does being rich make people better?"
Mariana kissed the top of her daughter's curly hair.
"No, sweetheart."
"Being kind does."
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And this time...
Every person in the room agreed.
