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Chapter 26 - María’s SecretLater that afternoon, back at the estate, the celebration continued with a quiet family dinner in the grand dining room.

María was serving dessert—freshly baked chocolate mousse, specially prepared for Sofía—when Roberto stopped her by the wrist, gently pulling out a small velvet box from his pocket.

María blinked in surprise, looking down at the box. "Mr. Silva? What is this?"

"Open it," Roberto insisted warmly.

María hesitantly lifted the lid. Inside rested a vintage gold pocket watch, inscribed with the Sterling family crest and a custom engraving on the back: To María — For keeping our family whole when we were falling apart.

María’s breath caught. Tears welled up in her tired, kind eyes, spilling over her cheeks as she pressed her hand to her mouth. "Mr. Silva... I was just doing my job. I didn't need—"

"You weren't staff, María," Arthur interrupted softly, raising his glass with a warm smile. "You were the anchor of this home when there was no anchor left. You are family."

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Sofía immediately jumped up from her chair, running over to throw her arms around María’s waist. "Yes, María! You're family!"

María pulled them both close, her shoulders shaking with happy tears.

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