They Called Me the Ugly High School Graduate, and My Family Disowned Me. Ten Years Later…

“Fear,” she replied simply. “Fear of your father, fear of being alone, fear of losing the security he provided.”

She paused, drying her tears. “But what I didn’t understand until last night is that I had already lost something much more valuable: my integrity as a mother, my relationship with you.”

Her words opened a door I had kept closed for years, allowing a ray of understanding, if not total forgiveness, to enter my heart. “I can’t change the past, Lucy,” she continued. “But if you give me the opportunity, I’d like to try to be part of your future. Get to know you again as the extraordinary woman you are now.”

Before I could respond, my phone vibrated with a message from Gabriel: “Urgent news about Fuentes. Call me when you can.”

“I need to make a call,” I told my mother. “We’ll talk later.”

I stepped away to call Gabriel privately. “What’s happening?” I asked as soon as he answered.

“Frank Fuentes just called an emergency meeting with his main executives,” Gabriel informed. “It seems that, despite Sarah’s confession, he’s still going ahead with the plan to take legal action against your father.”

“Are you sure?” I asked, feeling new tension arise within me.

“Completely. My source inside the corporation is reliable. Frank sees this as a unique opportunity to permanently weaken Martinez Investments.”

The justice I had sought for so long now presented itself in the form of total destruction of my biological family. Was that what I really wanted?

“Thanks for the information, Gabriel,” I replied. “I need to think about what to do with this.”

I returned to my mother and Sarah, who looked at me expectantly. “I have to go,” I announced. “There are urgent matters I must attend to.”

“Will you come back?” my mother asked with barely disguised hope.

I hesitated a moment before responding. “Yes, I’ll come back,” I promised, surprising myself with my decision.

Three hours later, I found myself in Frank Fuentes’s office. The real estate magnate received me with evident surprise.

“Lucy, I wasn’t expecting to see you today,” he commented, indicating I should take a seat. “How is your father?”

“Stable,” I replied. “And lucid enough to make important decisions.”

Frank observed me with curiosity. “To what do I owe this unexpected visit?”

“I come to propose a deal,” I replied directly. “One that will benefit Fuentes Corporation without the need for legal actions against Martinez Investments.”

“I’m listening,” Frank said, joining his hands on his desk.

“I propose a strategic merger between Altus Consultants and Martinez Investments’ real estate development division,” I explained. “With my company as intermediary, we could create a beneficial alliance for both corporations.”

Fuentes would gain access to Martinez’s most promising projects without the legal risk of a hostile acquisition, and my father would maintain some control over his business legacy. Frank studied me carefully.

“An interesting proposal. But why should I consider it when I have the opportunity to eliminate a competitor?”

“Because business revenge can be gratifying in the short term, but strategic alliances generate sustainable benefits,” I replied. “Besides, my knowledge of both companies guarantees a transition without the usual conflicts of a hostile acquisition.”

“And your father has agreed to this?” Frank asked skeptically.

“I haven’t formally presented the proposal to him yet, but I know he’ll consider it seriously given the circumstances.”

Frank reflected for a few moments, drumming his fingers on the table. “I’ve always admired innovation over destruction,” he finally admitted. “Prepare a detailed draft of this merger and we’ll review it. But, Lucy,” he added seriously, “if this is just a tactic to buy time…”

“It’s not,” I assured him. “It’s a win-win solution, including for Michael.”

At the mention of his son, Frank nodded slowly. “My son is devastated by Sarah’s betrayal,” he commented. “But also confused. Despite everything, it seems he still feels something for her.”

“Love is complicated,” I replied. “And people make mistakes. Sometimes they even deserve second chances.”

The New Foundation

Upon leaving Fuentes Corporation, my next stop was the hospital. My father was awake, with better appearance than hours before.

“Lucy,” he smiled weakly upon seeing me. “You’ve returned.”

“I told you I would,” I replied, sitting next to his bed. “And I come with a business proposal.”

I explained my merger plan in detail. As I spoke, I saw something change in his gaze—professional respect mixed with personal regret.

“It’s brilliant,” he admitted when I finished. “An elegant solution that saves the company without compromising the future.”

He paused, looking at me with new admiration. “You were always the smartest in the family, Lucy. I regret having been too blind to see it.”

“It’s not just about intelligence, Dad,” I replied. “It’s about integrity. About doing business with principles, not with manipulation.”

My father nodded slowly. “A lesson I’ve learned late in life.” He took my hand with surprising strength. “I accept your proposal, not just as salvation for the company, but as the first step to rebuild something much more important: our family.”

The following days were a whirlwind of meetings, legal documents, and negotiations. Gabriel proved to be an invaluable ally, contributing his experience and contacts to structure the merger.

Against all odds, the plan began to take shape, with both corporations seeing the potential of the strategic alliance. A week later, while I was finalizing details in my office, I received an unexpected visit.

“Sorry for coming without notice,” Sarah said timidly, standing at the threshold. “Your assistant let me pass.”