Chapter 7 - Rebuilding the Foundation
The following weeks in Madrid passed with a steady, healing rhythm. Without the toxic cloud of Beatriz’s presence, our home felt breathable again. We established new routines: Saturday morning pancake breakfasts, afternoon trips to Parque del Retiro to feed the ducks, and quiet reading hours before bed.
Marcus called on a crisp Tuesday morning to brief me on the impending divorce settlement negotiations.
"Beatriz's legal team is attempting to negotiate a lump-sum alimony payout," Marcus said over the speakerphone while I reviewed architectural drafts for a new sustainable resort in Portugal. "They realize they have no ground to stand on regarding custody, so they’re trying to salvage their financial pride."
"What are they asking for?" I asked, not looking up from my blueprints.
"Five million euros and ownership of the Marbella villa."
I let out a short, cold laugh. "Give them the Marbella villa. Let her sit in that empty tomb by herself. But cut the cash settlement down to one million, and attach a strict confidentiality clause. If she breathes a single word to the press about our family disputes, the payout drops to zero."
"Done," Marcus agreed. "She won't like it, but her father has stopped funding her legal fees after realizing how badly compromised their zoning records are. She’s essentially fighting alone now."
"Good."
I hung up and walked out to the balcony where Isabella was painting watercolors with her new art tutor, a kind young woman named Lucia whom Dr. Santos had recommended.
Isabella was focused intently on a painting of a yellow sunflower. When she noticed me standing by the glass door, she held up the paper proudly.
"Look, Dad! I painted this for your office."
I stepped closer, admiring the bright, vibrant strokes. "It’s beautiful, Izzy. It looks just like the ones we saw in the park."
"Can we hang it right behind your desk so you can see it when you’re working?"
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"It’s going right in the center," I said, kissing the top of her head.
I realized then that while my business empire spanned hundreds of millions of euros across Europe, the only true asset that ever mattered was standing right in front of me, smiling without fear.
