Chapter 8 - The Shield of TruthBy nightfall, the corporate coup had been completely dismantled. Rodrigo and his accomplices were held without bail, the fake embezzlement charges were cleared, and Farmacéutica Azteca’s stock skyrocketed to an all-time high following Valentina’s heroic defense of the company's mission.
In her top-floor executive suite, Valentina sat behind her massive mahogany desk, looking out at the city skyline. The room was grand, luxurious, and completely empty.
A quiet knock sounded at the door. Diego stepped inside, holding his suit jacket over his arm.
"The building is fully secured, Ms. Herrera," Diego said professionally. "Your permanent executive security team has arrived downstairs. My temporary contract is complete."
Valentina stood up from her desk and walked over to him, her heart beating with an unfamiliar nervousness. "Diego... please drop the 'Ms. Herrera.' You saved my life in that alley."
Diego offered a warm, humble smile. "I just did what anyone should have done."
"No one else did," she said softly, stepping closer. "In my world, people only help when they want something. You gave me your jacket, your home, your protection, and your daughter's sweetness when I had nothing."
She reached out, gently touching the lapel of his shirt. "I want to offer you a permanent position, Diego. I am founding a global security and ethics division for Azteca to protect our researchers and low-cost initiatives. I need someone with unshakeable integrity to lead it."
May you like
Diego looked into her eyes. "Valentina... that sounds like a big job. What about Sofia?"
"The contract includes complete flexibility," Valentina assured him, her voice filled with tenderness. "You will never miss a single day of picking her up from school. I promise you."
