That night, after the house fell silent, Emiliano sat down in front of his daughters.
Without a suit, phone, or staff around, he was just an embarrassed father.
“Forgive me,” he said. “I believed the adults before asking you.”
Martina cried.
Daniela kept her gaze hard.
—When we told you we didn’t want to keep her, you said we were jealous.
Emiliano lowered his head.
-I know.
—When Martina said she didn’t tear up Mom’s picture, you punished her.
-I know.
—Rosa asked to speak with you 3 times and Patricia wouldn’t let her in.
Emiliano looked at the employee.
Rosa didn’t complain. That made him feel worse.
“I don’t expect them to forgive me today,” he said. “I’m going to earn their trust again, even if it takes years.”
Daniela remained silent.
Then he placed the recorder on the table.
—Start by listening to us.
Emiliano nodded, his eyes filled with tears.
In the following months, she canceled unnecessary trips, changed her schedules, and began family therapy with her daughters.
Rosa continued working in the house, but Emiliano offered her a position as administrator and paid for the studies she had left to care for her sick mother.
She agreed, but on one condition.
—Don’t thank me for protecting them. Instead, promise you’ll never ignore them again.
Emiliano did his part.
