Chapter 4 - The DiscoveryOn December 26th, Teresa returned to Oakridge in a rental car.
Before heading to the garage, she did some quiet digging. A quick phone call to her financial advisors revealed everything about Ramón’s situation: his late wife had passed away three years ago after a long illness, leaving him with mounting medical debts. He had sacrificed his savings to keep the repair shop open, taking on every job himself while raising Bella alone.
And now, the bank was preparing to seize his property in thirty days.
When Teresa walked into the garage that afternoon, Ramón was under the hood of her SUV, his arms covered in dark grease.
“She’s fixed,” Ramón said, wiping his forehead with his sleeve as he stepped down. “Just needed a new fuel pump and a recalibrated sensor.”
“How much?” Teresa asked.
Ramón pulled out a hand-written receipt. “Parts were $180. Labor is $50. Total is $230.”
Teresa took the receipt, looking at the neat, careful handwriting. “Ramón, why didn't you tell me you were struggling?”
Ramón stiffened slightly, his jaw tightening. “Excuse me?”
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“I know about the foreclosure,” she said gently, stepping closer. “I know about the hospital bills from your wife. I know you spent Christmas Eve rescuing me when you were worried about keeping the lights on in this building.”
Ramón looked away, his pride visibly wounded. “My personal life isn't part of the bill, Miss Vance. You asked for a repair, and I did the work.”
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