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

“The best for his ego, you mean,” I corrected. “But you know what? I thank him for it. If they hadn’t rejected me so completely, I would never have discovered my own strength.”

At that moment, my father joined us. His usual confidence had disappeared, replaced by a mixture of calculation and concern.

“Lucy,” he began with what was intended to be a conciliatory tone. “It seems you’ve been quite successful on your own. I’m impressed.”

“No, Dad,” I corrected him. “You’re alarmed. You’re worried that my association with Frank Fuentes might affect your company. You’re worried that all those dirty secrets you’ve accumulated over the years will come to light.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he replied tensely.

“Don’t you? What about how you appropriated Gabriel Vega’s investment system, or how you manipulated the Monte Verde contracts to maximize your profits at the expense of small investors?”

My father paled. “How do I know?” I finished his question. “For ten years, I’ve followed every step of Martinez investments. Every project, every acquisition, every dubious maneuver. Do you think my participation in the operation that almost ruined your Monte Verde project was coincidence?”

My father looked at me with a mixture of anger and new respect. For the first time, he wasn’t seeing the disappointing daughter he had disinherited, but a formidable business opponent.

“What is it you want?” he finally asked, adopting the tone he used for difficult negotiations.

“Now, nothing,” I replied honestly. “Ten years ago, I just wanted a family that would value me for who I was, not for how I looked. Now, I just wanted you to see what I became despite you, not thanks to you.”

My mother, who had remained silent, tried to soften the tension. “Lucy darling, maybe we could meet soon, talk about all this calmly. Family is important.”

“Family,” I replied, looking at her directly, “is who accepts and loves you unconditionally. You were never that for me. You had very specific conditions for your love, conditions I didn’t meet.”

At that moment, Sarah approached, visibly disturbed. Her perfect makeup couldn’t hide that she had been crying.

“What did you tell Michael?” she demanded. “He’s been acting strange all night. Barely talks to me.”

“I told him the truth, Sarah. Something you never dared to do.”

“The truth?” she repeated with bitterness. “Your version of the truth, you mean. You always victimized yourself, always wanted everyone to feel sorry for you.”

Her words would have hurt me years ago, but now they only confirmed how far apart we were as a family. “Sarah,” I said calmly. “Your husband deserves to know what kind of family has received him. If your relationship is as perfect as you pretend, it will survive the truth.”

Michael approached our small group, his expression serious. He positioned himself next to me, not next to Sarah—a gesture that didn’t go unnoticed by anyone.

“Sarah,” he said with a controlled voice. “I think we need to talk seriously when we return from the honeymoon.”

“Michael, you can’t believe whatever she told you,” Sarah protested. “You barely know her.”

“She’s been absent ten years and you never told me why,” he replied. “You never mentioned having a sister until she appeared tonight. Do you know what that tells me about you? About us?”

The revenge was taking a path I hadn’t anticipated myself. I didn’t want to destroy Sarah’s marriage, just show everyone that they hadn’t managed to destroy me.

“Michael,” I intervened. “I didn’t come to ruin your marriage. Sarah is complicated like all the Martinez, but that doesn’t mean she can’t be a good wife.”

My unexpected defense surprised everyone, especially Sarah, who looked at me confused. “What my family did to me was cruel,” I continued. “But each person must take responsibility for their own actions. My father and mother made active decisions to exclude me. Sarah simply went with the flow as she’s done all her life.”

My father, always attentive to saving appearances, quickly intervened. “I think this is not the time or place for family discussions. The guests are watching.”

“Always worried about appearances,” I commented. “Some things never change.”

Frank Fuentes, who had been observing the scene from a distance, approached. “Michael, Sarah,” he said with authority. “Your transportation is ready to take you to the hotel. Your flight to Paris leaves early tomorrow.”

Sarah, relieved by the interruption, took Michael’s arm. “Come on, honey. It’s been a long day.”

Michael hesitated a moment, then looked at me. “Lucy, I’d like to keep in touch. There are things I need to understand better.”

“Of course,” I replied, handing him my card. “I’m a phone call away.”

As the couple walked away, I could see the tension in their postures. My revelation had planted a seed of doubt that could fundamentally change their relationship for better or worse.

Frank stayed behind a moment. “Interesting family yours, Miss Martinez,” he commented.

“You have no idea,” I replied.

“On the contrary.” He smiled enigmatically. “I have a quite clear idea. That’s why I’m even more interested in our professional collaboration.”

He lowered his voice. “Edward Martinez has been a difficult competitor for years. Sometimes justice requires unexpected allies.”

His words confirmed my suspicions. Frank Fuentes wasn’t only impressed by my professional achievements, but also saw in me an ally against my father. Revenge had acquired a new dimension.

“Justice can take many forms,” I replied cautiously.

“Precisely,” he nodded. “My office will call you Monday to finalize the details of our collaboration.”