Chapter 17 - A New Beginning
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Two months later, the sun shone brightly over a beautiful, single-story hacienda situated on the peaceful outskirts of the city.
The house was surrounded by blooming jasmine flowers, green lawns, and wide, flat corridors built specifically without stairs.
In the sunlit courtyard, Doña Rosa sat in a comfortable, cushioned wheelchair, watching a little nine-year-old girl run across the grass, laughing joyfully as she chased a golden retriever puppy.
It was Sofia, her granddaughter.
Thanks to Fernando’s personal intervention, Sofia had been transferred to the top pediatric medical facility in the country. Her treatments had been a total success; her lungs were clear, and she was healthy, vibrant, and full of life.
"Grandma, look! He caught the ball!" Sofia cheered, running over to hug Rosa around the neck.
Rosa smiled, stroking her granddaughter's soft hair. "I see, my sweet angel. Be careful not to run too fast."
Don Fernando walked out onto the patio carrying a tray with fresh lemonade. He wore casual clothes, looking younger and more relaxed than he had in years.
He set the tray down and pulled up a chair beside Rosa.
"The final court hearing was concluded this morning, Rosa," Fernando said softly.
Rosa looked at him, her eyes questioning. "And Valeria?"
"She was sentenced to twenty-five years without the possibility of parole at the Santa Marta maximum-security women's prison," Fernando revealed. "Her luxury accounts are gone. Her high-society friends abandoned her overnight. She will spend the rest of her life behind bars."
Rosa remained silent for a moment, holding no malice in her heart, only a quiet sadness for a soul consumed by greed.
"And what about this house, Don Fernando?" Rosa asked softly.
May you like
"This is your house, Rosa," Fernando said firmly, handing her a legal deed bound in leather. "I bought it for you and Sofia. The trust fund I established covers all of Sofia's education through university and your full care for the rest of your life. You will never clean another floor or bow to another person as long as you live."
Tears of profound gratitude filled Rosa’s eyes as she held her granddaughter close.
