Ximena ran to her instantly.
Carolina’s eyes widened in shock. “Ximena?! What are you doing here—”
Then she saw Victor.
And Esteban.
And everything changed.
“I’m sorry,” she said quickly, trying to stand. “She’s not supposed to be here, I told her to stay—”
“You don’t need to apologize,” Victor said.
His voice was calm again.
But controlled.
Measured.
“Are you sick?”
She hesitated. “It’s just a fever. I can still work.”
Victor stepped closer.
“No,” he said quietly. “You can’t.”
She looked confused.
Afraid.
Used to saying yes.
Used to surviving.
Esteban cleared his throat. “Sir, this is a staff matter—”
Victor turned.
And for the first time—
There was anger.
Real anger.
“Do you see her?” Victor said. “Or is she just another number to you?”
Esteban said nothing.
Victor reached into his pocket, pulled out his phone, and made one call.
Short.
