Chapter 13 - THE WOMAN WHO REFUSED TO BE OWNED
Aleandro offered Sophia a new position.
Not as a maid.
As director of a charitable arts foundation.
Sophia stared at the proposal.
“Why me?”
He smiled.
“Because you understand what art can mean to people who have nothing else.”
She shook her head.
“I don't have the qualifications.”
“Then get them.”
Sophia laughed.
“You make it sound easy.”
Aleandro smiled.
“It won't be.”
He paused.
“But I think you can do it.”
Sophia considered.
Then said:
“I'll apply through an independent board.”
Aleandro raised an eyebrow.
“Why?”
“Because I don't want anyone saying I got the job because you like me.”
He smiled.
“Fair enough.”
Sophia returned to school part-time.
She studied nonprofit management.
Worked with community arts programs.
And slowly built a future she had never imagined.
Meanwhile, Aleandro ended his engagement to Valentina.
The decision was painful.
But necessary.
Valentina accepted it.
May you like
She had begun working with investigators to expose her father's actions.
For the first time, she was learning how to live without his approval.
