What seems like just another ordinary day at Montenegro Corporation quickly turns into the start of the biggest headache—and maybe even heartache—for the detached president, Maximiliano Montenegro.
The hurried steps of his right-hand man make it abundantly clear as Erick practically sprints toward the door of the president’s office, ready to report what he believes could be a total disaster.
Erick knocks quickly, receiving permission to enter from Maximiliano, who, as usual, is completely engrossed in his work.
“What’s going on, Erick? I told you not to bother me all morning. I’ve got to finish this design,” Maximiliano reminds him without even looking up from his computer. “I remember, sir, but the information I have might be really important,” Erick says nervously, fully aware that it’s more than just important. “Well, spit it out then. I’m busy,” Maximiliano replies dismissively, his mind solely focused on the major new project he’s about to land.Erick can tell he doesn’t have even a sliver of his boss’s attention, so he just drops the bombshell.
“The lady left the mansion today,” he announces slowly, finally catching Maximiliano’s attention. Still, Maximiliano doesn’t quite grasp what Erick means, so he immediately counters, “What do you mean she left the mansion? That’s normal. She has to go to work. Erick, are you seriously interrupting me for this nonsense? Did Sofia ask you to tell me this for some specific reason?” he asks, incredulous that he’s being bothered over something so trivial. “No, sir, I don’t think I made myself clear. The lady moved out today. She left instructions about managing the house and her belongings, then took off with a suitcase and a few things. She said the rest could be dealt with however we saw fit,” Erick explains more clearly this time, ensuring his boss understands the situation. “What?” Maximiliano exclaims, finally pushing his computer aside to look at Erick, who feels like his boss’s piercing gaze could cut right through him. “That’s right, sir. I didn’t tell you right away because you were busy, and I didn’t have all the details. But Mrs. Martha, her housekeeper, just confirmed the situation to me,” Erick says slowly. “Where is she now?” is the first thing Maximiliano asks, trying to process his assistant’s words. Suddenly, a wave of tension washes over him, though he doesn’t yet understand what it means. In the coming days, he’ll come to learn what this feeling—and others he never knew existed—truly signify. “I… sir, honestly, I don’t know yet,” Erick replies shakily, having only just sent people to look for her. “How do you not know? Ask her security team,” Maximiliano orders as if it’s the obvious solution, but that’s exactly the problem, and Erick has to remind him of the reality. “Sir, her security has nothing to do with us. I’m not sure if you remember, but you said she’d hire her own security since you’ve never cared about her safety or whereabouts,” Erick says, recalling his boss’s words from nearly two years ago. “What the hell?” Maximiliano mutters, remembering that he did indeed say something like that, though it stemmed from a conversation he’d had with his wife the night before. Snapping back to the present, he quickly issues an order. “Go find out where she is right now. I want that information yesterday, so you’d better hurry.” “Yes, sir, right away,” Erick responds promptly before rushing off to carry out his boss’s orders.