Then my phone vibrated.

I answered without breaking eye contact.
“Laura Martínez,” I said evenly.

The voice on the other end was crisp and professional.
“Good morning. This is the board of directors at Ibernova Consultores. We’re confirming that today’s meeting is still scheduled. The board is very interested in your international expansion proposal.”

I watched Álvaro frown at the name. Ibernova—the same firm his company had been desperately trying to partner with for months.

“Perfect,” I replied. “I’ll see you at four.”

I ended the call and finally set my suitcase down.

“Do you work with Ibernova?” Álvaro asked, trying to sound indifferent.

“No,” I said softly. “I work for myself. Ibernova is just one of my clients.”

Claudia’s eyes widened. I remembered how Álvaro once told me my ideas were “too ambitious” and that my role was to support his career. Those same ideas were now worth millions.

“Laura, can we talk?” he tried, stepping closer.

“No,” I said gently. “We already said everything the day we signed the divorce papers.”

At that moment, Javier Morales—Ibérnova’s finance director—approached with a warm smile.
“Finally in Madrid. The board is eager to meet you.”

Álvaro froze. Javier was one of the most influential executives in the industry—someone Álvaro’s company had been chasing for years.

“Nice to meet you,” Javier said politely, turning to Álvaro. “Have we met before?”

“I’m Álvaro Ruiz,” he replied quietly. “CEO of Grupo Ríos.”

Javier nodded with distant courtesy.
“Yes, we’ve reviewed several of your proposals.”