5. The Proposal

Sara was about to straighten up and punch her former sister-in-law when Emiliano’s firm voice echoed through the entire waiting room. Both women lifted their heads and met the fierce gaze of the CEO as he advanced toward them with steady steps.

"Let her go!" he shouted at his sister, but Luna did not release Sara.

"This woman has the nerve to show up at Casa Monter," the triplet scoffed. "I’ll drag her out myself by the hair."

Emiliano’s hand moved quickly and clamped around his sister’s wrist, squeezing hard—so hard that the woman shifted in pain and finally let go of Sara’s blonde hair. Sara rubbed her head.

"Well, Sara is my guest, so I ask you… no, I order you! Leave her alone."

Luna gave Sara a cold look.

"I can’t believe she has the nerve to come back, and you have the nerve to invite her after everything that happened."

"Everything that happened?" Emiliano scoffed. "You mean all the humiliations you put her through? Don’t be cynical, Luna. Now get into the boardroom—now!"

When he shouted, everyone in the room jumped.

"What will your wife say when she sees you defending your ex so fiercely?" Luna spat before disappearing.

When the woman was gone, the CEO turned toward Sara.

"It’s your first day and you’re already causing trouble. Looks like you haven’t changed."

Sara held back the urge to slap him.

"I’m here because I was forced. You—"

"It doesn’t matter," he interrupted. "They’re already waiting for you in the boardroom. And don’t pay attention to my sisters—you know they’re witches."

"Witches? They’re shareholders and executives in this company. Luna controls the finances, Laura the production department, and Leticia the advertising and—"

"And the design department is completely independent. You know that. They won’t interfere with your work, and you won’t interfere with theirs."

Sara pressed her notebook against her chest.

"You talk as if I actually have a chance of staying. Look at all the competition."

Emiliano released her and pointed toward the boardroom door.

"Do you really think you’ll get rid of me that easily?"

Sara swallowed and walked after him.

Several of the candidates complained about the favoritism toward the newcomer—many had been waiting for hours—but Emiliano silenced them with a cold stare. His character had not changed over the years; he was still loud and bad-tempered.

When the boardroom door opened, the first thing Sara saw was the twins. The three of them were like three drops of water—so alike it was chilling.

Luna, Laura, and Leticia. Or as Sara used to call them: the witch, the fool, and the crybaby. Luna was very intelligent, cold, and calculating. Laura was clumsy, somewhat dim—Sara was surprised she could handle her position as production manager. And Leticia was whiny, emotional, and impulsive.

Inside were five more investors, Emiliano’s grandmother, his father, and three minor investors.

"Good morning," Sara greeted, and everyone looked at her.

Emiliano’s grandmother was an elderly woman. Since her husband’s death, she had taken on the role of the family matriarch, and Sara respected her greatly.

"So it’s true," the woman said. "I thought it was a joke when my grandson told me you had appeared. And now you intend to work here?"

Sara knew how one had to behave with Mrs. Amelia. The old woman hated weak people.

"I know better than anyone the needs and the style of Casa Monter. I’m not asking you to hand me the position. That’s why I’m here like everyone else—going through an interview."

Emiliano politely pulled a chair closer for her to sit down.

"Good," said old Amelia. "If you don’t want to win the position through influence, then tell us, Sara—what do you have to offer us?"

Sara took a deep breath. The designs she was about to show were part of her most intimate creativity. She had created them in the comfort of privacy, letting her imagination run free. She had never imagined she would someday share them with anyone.

"I’ve come to offer Casa Monter the next step in its evolution. More than many people, I know the style of this company. As everyone knows, I was once part of this board of directors—"

"Until you disappeared without a trace," Luna cut in.

But Sara ignored her. She stood up and placed the notebook in front of Mrs. Amelia.

In theory, the main person she should have convinced was Emiliano—the man held two votes on the board. But deep down she already knew he would support her. If she convinced Mrs. Amelia, the others would follow.

"The style of Casa Monter has always been very classic. I believe the company is beginning to fall behind compared to its competitors. I propose creating not only more modern styles, but also complementing the models that already exist and that are classics for the brand. Besides… this is something I would first like to consult with Mr. Emiliano, since it’s more about finances than creativity."

Mrs. Amelia took the notebook and began flipping through the designs.

"I want you to tell us."

Sara looked at Emiliano and cleared her throat. He nodded.

"Well, Casa Monter has exclusive designs that are very expensive. Very few people can access them—mostly people from the upper class. I propose creating a more affordable line, but still of high quality, so that people from the middle and lower classes can acquire exclusive designs and allow us to reach a much wider market."

"That is complete nonsense!" Luna shouted, slamming her fist on the table. "If anyone can access a Casa Monter design, what happens to our exclusivity?"

She glared at Sara with rage.

"That’s exactly why we would create a new line. The expensive, first-class designs would remain the same—only people from the highest social classes could access them. Creating a more affordable line could boost our sales and improve revenue," Emiliano commented, approving Sara’s idea.

Sara smiled. It made her feel motivated and supported.

Mrs. Amelia slammed the notebook shut and looked at Sara.

"Well, I vote yes," she said.

And Sara’s heart skipped a beat.