The humble cleaning lady’s sudden resignation caused a stir throughout the mansion, but what shocked the millionaire was her reason, prompting him to immediately try to keep her, as her departure concealed a secret that could shatter the long-standing peace.

The employee asked for resignation, but when the millionaire discovered the reason, he stopped her on the spot. Carmen Ruiz trembled as he held the paper folded between hands. his eyes They were red from crying so much and He was breathing hard, as if every word I was about to say It was a stab in his own heart.

After 8 years working in that mansion, he never imagined that the day when I would have to take that impossible decision. Javier Mendoza he observed his most trusted employee with an expression of complete perplexity. Carmen had always been the most dedicated employee ever kept at home, taking care not only of the cleaning, but also organizing your personal agenda.

 and even preparing his favorite foods without him having to ask him. See that young woman of 28 years, who always showed so much loyalty and affection for the family, asking for resignation so abruptly, it was something that he just couldn’t get understand. Carmen took a deep breath and He finally extended the paper towards him.

boss. His hands were shaking so much that he document swung in the air like a leaf in the wind. Mr. Mendoza, I need I need to get out of here. This is my resignation letter,” she said with broken voice and eyes fixed on him polished marble floor. Javier took the paper, but did not open it immediately. Instead he studied Carmen’s face.

noticing details than before [music] had gone unnoticed, the deep dark circles that contoured her brown eyes, weight loss which made his red and white uniform more looser than normal, and mainly the way she avoided his gaze direct. Carmen, what is happening? You look sick. Is everything okay in house? he asked genuinely worried.

 The young woman shook her head vigorously, as if to push away some painful thought. I can’t explain, sir, I just need to go. By Please accept my resignation, she insisted. taking a step back. Javier He unfolded the letter and read it quickly. It was a formal resignation, without any personal explanation, just mentioning that he would leave the job in three weeks.

for particular reasons. He raised the eyes of the paper and saw Carmen wiping discreetly a tear that rolled down his cheek. Three weeks. Carmen, You have worked here for 8 years. you are practically from the family. If you are going through some difficulty, we can speak Maybe I can help,” Javier offered, keeping the letter in the suit pocket.

 “The Lord cannot help me Nobody can. It’s better that I go before,” He stopped halfway the phrase, biting his lower lip. “Before what?” he insisted. Carmen He shook his head again and began to walk away towards the kitchen. “With permission, sir. I need to finish my tasks.” Javier stood still in the mansion entrance hall, observing the figure of Carmen disappear into the hallway.

 In 8 years of coexistence, I had never seen it so affected. She was always a person reserved, but had never shown such obvious signs of suffering. That night he couldn’t sleep. If he was walking around the house trying understand what could have happened to affect your employee so much. Carmen no She was just an ordinary employee.

 I knew all his habits, he remembered dates important and even prepared tea chamomile when she perceived that he was stressed with business. up to date Next, Javier decided to observe Carmen more carefully. During the breakfast, he noticed that she barely touched the food he had prepared for himself same.

 His hands continued to shake and he was startled whenever the phone sounded. When his personal cell phone vibrated, Carmen dropped a cup on the floor, scattering shards of porcelain the kitchen. “Excuse me, sir, I’ll clean it up right now,” she said, kneeling quickly to collect the fragments. “Carmen, let me help you. Can you cut you?” Javier said, crouching down next to him.

side. When their hands touched accidentally himself fragment, he felt that she was freezing despite the heat of Madrid in that month of December. “Do you have fever?” he asked, touching her forehead with the back of the hand. Carmen walked away as if he had received a shock electrical.

 “I’m fine, sir, just a a little nervous,” she murmured. Nervous. Because? It’s because of the resignation. Look, yes You’ve changed your mind, we can talk. [music] Maybe a raise help or even a few days off, Javier suggested. Carmen’s eyes They filled with tears again. It is not money issue, Mr. Mendoza. The Lord has always been very generous with me.

 It’s just that I need [music] leave. It’s better for everyone. Better for who? Carmen, are you speaking in enigmas? Carmen stood up abruptly, ignoring the remaining fragments in the ground. Excuse me, sir. I need finish arranging your office. That afternoon, while working on the computer, Javier heard a sound that made him immediately get up from the chair. It was Carmen crying.

 The sound came from the library where she used to do the cleaning. On Thursdays he walked silently to the door ajar [music] and saw Carmen sitting in one of the leather chairs with his face buried in his hands, dreaming softly. At his side, on the ground, there was a framed photo that normally It was on his desk.

 It was a photo of he with his wife taken during a trip to Segovia the previous year. Carmen, the he called softly. She raised her head quickly, wiping his face with the back of the hands. [music] Mr. Mendoza, I didn’t know that Sir was at home. Excuse me, I’m just The dust on the shelf made me I sneeze and my eyes water.

 lied she clearly embarrassed. Javier He walked into the library and sat down. chair next to him. Carmen, let’s stop with this performance. It is clear that something is seriously happening to you. In 8 years You have never lied to me. why are you starting now? She looked at him with a expression of despair that made him perceive that whatever the problem was much more serious than I had imagined. The Lord does not understand.

If I tell the truth, everything will get worse for me, for the Lord, for his family. It’s better to just disappear from your lives. disappear. Carmen, you’re talking like you’re one criminal fleeing from justice, said Javier trying to make a joke for relieve tension. The effect was contrary to what was expected. Carmen turned pale.

even more and started to shake violently. I need to go home earlier today. I don’t feel well, she said, getting up unsteadily. Wait, right? Are you going to drive in that state? I take you to house, Javier offered. No! she shouted more higher than I intended. I mean, It’s not necessary, sir. I’ll go by bus. Excuse me for yelling.

 Javier He watched as he walked out of the library with footsteps rushed. Something was very wrong and he I was determined to find out what it was. Carmen was not just his employee. At Over the 8 years he had become in someone I trusted completely. I knew his habits better than his own wife, who spent the most of the time traveling I work as an international consultant.

That night, Javier called his wife Isabel, who was at a conference in New York. “Isabel, have you noticed any change in Carmen lately?” he asked him after the usual greetings. Carmen, the employee. No, why [music] has something happened? responded Isabel from the other side of the line. He asked for his resignation today.

 It is visibly affected, but refuses to explain the reason. It seems that it has afraid of something Fear, Javier, [music] are you sure you are not exaggerating? These people sometimes believe unnecessary dramas. Maybe there is found another job that pays better. Isabel’s cold response bothered him. [music] Carmen had never been that people for him.

 It was Carmen, the young woman who He had arrived home 8 years ago, just left Extremadura, looking an opportunity to study for nights while working during the day. It’s not that, Isabel. I know Carmen, she is really suffering and you know who has never been interested in money. Do you remember when I offered him a increase last year and said he didn’t needed? Javier, you are getting too involved with problems of the employees.

 Let her solve her life alone If she wants to leave, let her go. Hire someone else. After hang up, Javier was upset with the coldness of his wife. Isabel always was more pragmatic in relation to the house employees, but their attitude about Carmen it seemed especially distant The next day, Friday, Javier decided to work from home to to be able to observe Carmen more closely.

She arrived punctually at 8 a.m. tomorrow as he always did, but his behavior was even more strange. [music] I avoided any conversation, limiting itself to formal greetings, and seemed constantly alert, as if expected something bad to happen any time. About 11 a.m. tomorrow, the house’s landline rang.

 Javier was in the office when he heard Carmen answer. “Say, Mendoza residence,” she said with her usual professional voice. There was a pause and then he heard her tone change completely. “No, I already said I can’t do that.” “Please don’t “Call more here,” she whispered clearly. agitated Javier heard the sound of phone being hung up forcefully and then quick steps in the direction of the kitchen.

 A few minutes later he heard a muffled sound that he recognized as crying He left the office and walked discreetly to the kitchen. Carmen I was sitting on the stool where I used to peel vegetables with my head low and shoulders trembling. “Carmen, he called her softly. She raised her head quickly, wiping his face. Mr. Mendoza, I didn’t hear you arrive.

Is it time to eat, she asked? feigning normality. No, it’s still 11 and peak. You answered the phone a while ago moment. Who was it? The question seemed hit her like a punch [music] on the stomach. He turned pale and began to babble It was [music] it was just a error. Someone looking for a certain Maria. Carmen, you said clearly I can’t do that and don’t call here anymore.

 That’s not “It sounds like a mistake,” Javier said. sitting on another stool to stay at the same level as her. Carmen closed eyes tightly, as if in pain physical. “Mr. Mendoza, please let me know.” I beg, accept my resignation and do not do more questions. It’s better for everyone world. Better for whom?” Carmen, You keep saying that, but you don’t explain.

If someone is threatening you, we can seek help. I know people who They can guide us on what to do. No she exclaimed, standing up abruptly. The Lord cannot get involved in this. If you do anything, it’s going to get worse. the situation a lot for me and for him Lord too. That last sentence made Javier perceived that the problem was not only Carmen’s staff.

 Of some way, he was also involved in the situation, even without knowing how. “Carmen, sit here again, please.” Please,” he asked in a calm voice. I need to understand what is happening. Yes This involves me in some way, I have right to know. Carmen hesitated a few seconds, looking alternately to Javier and to the door of the kitchen, as if considering the possibility of fleeing. I can’t, sir.

 Yes story, everything is going to fall apart. Your life, my life, everything. It’s better than just disappear. Carmen, are you exaggerating Whatever it is, we can solve it together. In 8 years you have proven to be a person of integrity and reliable. There is nothing you can have fact that it is so serious. Carmen laughed.

bitterly, a joyless sound that made Javier’s heart would shrink. The Lord knows nothing, sir Mendoza. He doesn’t know how people They can be cruel. You don’t know how easy it is is destroying someone’s life with a lie. Well told. What a lie. Someone is spreading lies about you.

 Carmen shook her head, cleaning a new tear that rolled down her face. Not about me, about the Lord. The revelation hit Javier like a bolt of lightning. Someone was spreading lies on him and somehow he was using to Carmen in that scheme. What kind of lie, Carmen? I have the right to know If someone is trying to harm me reputation. Mr.

 Mendoza, please, no insist. I just need to go and everything It will be fine. The person is going to stop call, will forget about me and the Lord will be at peace. E, what person? who is he calling you? Carmen got up again, this time with more movements firm. I need to continue with my cleaning. The library is not yet list.

 she said trying to finish the conversation. The library can wait. Carmen, sit here again now. Javier’s firmer tone made that Carmen stopped in the middle of the way. He turned slowly and saw a determination in his look that made him perceive that he would not give up easily. If someone is using me to blackmail you or vice versa, this It has to stop now. Javier said.

 No you can figure this out alone and I’m not going to Let you continue to suffer from this. Carmen returned to the stool, but remained tense, ready to leave running if necessary. The Lord He doesn’t understand the seriousness of the situation. If that person finds out that I have told something to the Lord, he will fulfill the threats and then there will be no turning back.

 what Threats, Carmen? Javier asked. feeling a cold in my stomach. Carmen He took a deep breath, as if he were preparing to jump off a cliff. He said that he is going to tell his wife that that the Lord and I that we have a relationship and he is going to prove it with photos false and invented messages. The The silence that followed was deafening.

Javier felt as if the ground were would have opened under his feet. looked at Carmen seeing the desperation and shame stamped on his face and finally understood the magnitude of the problem. Do you think I would allow would that happen? He asked with his voice softer than Carmen expected. No I know what to believe, Mr. Mendoza.

 The person has details about the life of the Lord, only someone very close could know. knows about his travels, his schedules, even about that problem that the man had with his partner 2 years ago years. Javier felt a chill rise through the column. The information that Carmen described they were really intimate, known only to people of their nearest circle.

 Who is that person, Carmen? Is it a man or a woman? It is a woman He has never said the name, but from the voice it seems to be someone older, maybe the lady’s age Elizabeth. And what exactly do you want? Carmen lowered her eyes again. first He wanted me to take documents from his office.

 When I refused, it happened to pressure me to plant things in your table that committed to the Lord. I also refused. Then it started with the threats overinvent that relationship between us. Javier felt the rage growing in his chest. someone was manipulating Carmen, using her vulnerability and concern for well-being of the Mendoza family against herself.

 How long does this take happening? It started 5co months ago. At At first I thought it was just a joke heavy or some misunderstanding, but the calls became more frequent and the most specific threats. and why Didn’t you tell me from the beginning? Carmen raised her eyes and Javier saw in them a mixture of fear and determination.

 Because I’m afraid that be true, Mr. Mendoza, that someone really close to the Lord is behind this. And if it is his wife, if it is someone in your family could not live with the guilt of destroying his marriage because of a lie about me. The possibility had not passed through Javier’s head until that moment. Isabel knew all the details that Carmen had mentioned, she had access to his documents, he knew his routine and lately had shown a unusual coldness in relation to the employee.

 “Carmen, are you sure that Was the voice unfamiliar?” “I’m not sure of nothing, Mr. Mendoza. The person speaks softly, as if he were hiding his voice, but he has an accent well marked Madrid. Javier stayed in silence for a few minutes, processing all the information. Yes It really was Isabel behind the threats, the consequences would be devastating for all involved.

 Carmen, I want you to write down everything. Call times, what was said exactly, any detail that could be important and the next time I call you are going to record the conversation. Mr. Mendoza, this is very dangerous. If he finds out, he won’t discover and even if I do, we are not going to let ourselves be intimidated more. [music] You haven’t done anything wrong and neither have I.

 No we will allow someone to destroy our lives with lies. Carmen He shook his head vigorously. The Lord does not understand. He said he has photos. Photos of the two of us talking, of you touching my hand when he helped me with the fragments of the cup, of moments completely innocent that can be interpreted maliciously.

 With the technology of today you can easily create evidence fake that look real. Javier He felt the weight of the situation. I knew that in cases of alleged harassment or inappropriate relationships between boss and employed, society tended to believe in accusations, even without evidence concrete.

 Your professional reputation and personnel would be destroyed regardless of the truth. So is that it? Are you going to leave and let that person win? he asked. I don’t see any other way out, Mr. Mendoza. If I stay, will continue to press until get what you want. If I go, maybe maybe lose interest and leave the Lord in peace.

 And he will leave you alone too. Carmen did not respond. immediately. When he finally spoke, His voice was full of sadness. Probably not, but at least the Lord will be protected. Javier got up and walked to the kitchen window, observing the garden that Carmen cared for with so much love. The flowers that were planted in spring were blooming beautifully, creating a colorful that brightened the whole house.

Carmen, have you thought about the possibility that that person wants exactly That’s why you leave? How? Maybe he goal has never been to achieve documents or compromise my reputation. Maybe the goal has always been stay away from this house. The idea made Carmen will remain thoughtful. There was never considered that possibility.

 But why Would anyone want to take me away from here? That’s an excellent question and it’s exactly what we are going to do discover. At that moment, the phone rang again. Carmen and Javier They looked and she did as well as attend. “No,” Javier said, holding his hand. Let it ring.

 If it’s [music] her, it’s going to call again and when you’re going to call me attend, but you’re going to put it on speaker softly so that I can hear too. Lord Mendoza, this is risky. Carmen, trust me. We will not run away from this situation. The phone stopped ring and then it started again a few seconds later. This time Javier motioned to Carmen to attended, positioning himself very close to get to hear.

 Say, residence Mendoza, Carmen answered, her voice shaking slightly. Dear Carmen, you’re still there wasting your time, he said a female voice from the other side of the line. Javier felt the heart accelerate. I couldn’t identify with certainty if it was Isabel, but there was something familiar in tone of voice.

 I have already said I’m leaving I’m serving my notice three weeks, Carmen responded. three weeks. No, no, dear, that’s it too long. You need to get out today. Now. Why the rush? because you little boss is starting to do questions and that is not good for anyone of us You cannot discover our little secrets, right? Javier had You have to control yourself so as not to start the phone from Carmen’s hand.

 The woman spoke as if they really existed secrets between him and the employee. “No We have secrets,” Carmen said. bravely. “Oh, Carmen, do you really Do you want me to list that night when you stayed until later helping him with company documents? you two alone in the house, his wife traveling. security cameras They recorded everything, you know? Carmen looked at Javier panicked.

 He remembered perfectly from that night. There was been 5co months ago when I was preparing an important proposal and Carmen offered to help with the organization of papers. had been completely professional, but he I understood how the situation could be distorted. “That was work,” said Carmen, trying to keep your voice steady.

 Seriously, and that one hug at the end, when he thanked you please, the cameras caught that too. And you know how easy it is to edit those images to make them look more intimate than they really were. Javier felt rage explode in him. chest. Someone had access to the security cameras in your own home and I was using those images to create a false narrative.

 What do you want? Carmen asked directly. I have already said what I want. you out of the house today. And in return, those images never go to reach the hands of his wife or press. And if I don’t I’m going to Ah, dear, no you want to find out. I have contacts in several places. I can make your life turns into a very hell quickly and the life of your beloved boss too.

 The call was cut off abruptly. Carmen and Javier stayed looking at each other silence, the weight of the situation falling on them like an avalanche. Mr. Mendoza, have you heard it? You have access to the cameras in our house. That means that means that it is someone very close or who has help from someone close.

 Javier completed, his mind working quickly. Carmen, I need to verify something. can you Stay here while I go to the office? What is the gentleman going to do? I’m going to check camera logs security, see who had access to recordings in recent months. Javier left the kitchen with footsteps determined, leaving Carmen alone with your thoughts.

 She sat down again on the stool trying process everything that had happened. By On the one hand, I was relieved to finally having shared the burden with someone. [music] On the other hand, I feared that this made the situation even more dangerous. 18 minutes later, Javier returned to the cooks with a grim expression. Carmen, I found something you need to see.

She followed him to the office, where The computer screen showed the house security system. look This, said Javier, pointing to the access logs. Someone agreed to camera recordings remotely several times in the last 5 months, always in the period of the tomorrow, when I’m in the office and you are cleaning the house.

 That’s it possible. With the correct password, yes. The system allows remote access for so that I can check the house when I’m traveling. And who has that password? Javier hesitated before respond. Just me, and Isabel. The silence that followed was charged with tension. Carmen slowly sat down the chair next to the table, processing the implication of the words of Javier. Mr.

 Mendoza, do you think that your wife? I don’t want to believe it, Carmen, but The facts are all there. has access to the cameras, know all the details of my life and lately it has shown a strange coldness in relation with you. But why? What have I done Why hate me so much? Javier shook head equally confused. I don’t [music] I know, Carmen.

 Isabel always was a practical person and sometimes a little cold, but I never imagined I was capable of something like that. And now what are we going to do, Javier? looked at the computer screen, where the records clearly showed unauthorized access. Now let’s go to get evidence. The next time call you are going to keep the conversation going maximum possible while I drag the call.

 Is that possible? With the help correct. Yes, I have a friend who works with technology. Can you help us find out where those are coming from calls? Carmen felt a mixture of hope and fear. On the one hand, there was finally a chance resolve the situation. On the other hand, discover that Javier’s wife was behind everything could bring devastating consequences for everyone.

That afternoon, [music] after Carmen left, Javier called his friend Diego, technology specialist information, explaining the situation without give many details. Javier, what you are describing is crime, blackmail, invasion of privacy, non-access authorized to systems. The person can take a heavy penalty,” said Diego from the other side of the line.

 “That’s why I need solid evidence before take any attitude. can you help me?” Can I, yes. I’m going to install a team at your house tonight. If the person call tomorrow, let’s get track where the call is coming from. That night, after Carmen was, Javier was left alone in the mansion, reflecting on the events of the day.

 8 years ago, when he hired Carmen, never imagined that she would become on someone so important in your life. No romantically like the blackmailer I was trying to suggest, but as a constant and reliable presence that He made his house a true home. Isabel would arrive from New York eventually of the week and Javier knew he would have than confront her about her suspicions, but first I needed to be sure that she was really involved.

 A the next morning, Saturday, Carmen He arrived earlier than usual. He seemed to have slept badly, with dark circles under his eyes even more accentuated. “How was the night?” Javier asked when she He entered the kitchen. Difficult. I stayed thinking about everything we talked about yesterday. Mr. Mendoza, I wanted to apologize.

for having kept this for me for so long. I should have told him from the beginning. Carmen, you don’t have nothing to apologize for. you were trying to protect me, even putting yourself at risk. Diego arrived on 10 in the morning, introducing himself as a technician who came to do maintenance on the telephone system.

In 23 minutes he discreetly installed the tracking team. “Ready,” he said to Javier. If the person calls, we will know exactly where you are speaking. My team is going to triangulate the signal and it will give me the location real time. Around 11:15, the phone rang. Carmen looked at Javier who he nodded confirming.

 She attended discreetly activating the speaker. Say, Mendoza residence. Carmen, what Good that you’re still there. I thought you already you would have gone Javier observed Diego who was monitoring the tracking on his portable. I’m still fulfilling my advance notice said Carmen. [music] You advance notice, dear, you have not understood.

 No There is no advance notice that is worth it. you need to get out today, right now. Why such a hurry? Because I discovered something very interesting about you, Carmen Ruiz. I found out that not You are as innocent as you seem. Carmen He paled. Javier saw the panic take account of his face.

 what are you about talking? I’m talking about your past Extremadura, that little problem that you had in your hometown. Did you think that no one was going to find out? Javier saw Carmen tremble. Clearly the blackmailer had found some information from her past could be used as a weapon. That doesn’t have nothing to do with my job here,” he said.

Carmen, trying to keep her voice firm. It has everything to do with it, dear. Imagine if your boss found out that hired someone with a track record criminal. “I have no criminal record,” [music] Carmen exclaimed, losing her composure. Javier saw Diego make a positive sign. The tracking had worked. No. So, explain that to me.

theft accusation you had at 20 years. Carmen collapsed in the chair. Javier approached her placing the hand on his shoulder in a gesture of support. I was exonerated, Carmen said with her voice broken. The accusations were false. Really or were you lucky that the process prescribed? of any way, imagine the scandal.

 businessman Rico employs former theft defendant. You reputation in the business world It would be very interesting, wouldn’t it? Diego wrote something down on the paper and showed Javier calling from New York, Plaza Hotel, room 847. Javier felt his heart race. Isabel was staying exactly in that hotel during his conference.

 Carmen continued the voice, you have 2 hours to leave that house. Two hours. Or tomorrow the newspapers are going to have a story very interesting to tell. The call was cut. Carmen was crying openly now, the full weight of the last 5 months finally collapsing about her. Carmen, tell me about that one. history in Extremadura,” said Javier sitting next to him.

 “It was when I turned 20 years,” she began between soybeans. I worked in a clothing store in city center. One day, a client rich woman falsely accused me of stealing an expensive bracelet. He said he saw me put it in your pocket. And what happened? The boss fired me on the spot and the woman filed a complaint.

 I spent 4 months going to statements, lawyer, a humiliation after another. In the end they discovered that the bracelet was in her own car woman. [music] It had been forgotten there and She accused me without being sure. and they withdrew the accusations. Yes, but the damage already It was done. Nobody else wanted hire me in the city.

 everyone I knew the story. That’s why I came to Madrid to start a new life away from comments and prejudice. Javier He felt deep indignation. someone I had investigated Carmen’s past specifically to find something that could be used against her, even being a situation where she had been a victim of injustice.

 Carmen, that one history [music] It changes absolutely nothing about who you are or about the trust I have in you,” he said firmly. “But if this It appears in the newspapers, it is not going to appear, because now we know where they are from those calls are coming and we’re going to take an attitude.

” Javier got up and walked up to the window trying to organize the thoughts. Isabel was in New York calling from there to blackmail to Carmen. That meant there was premeditated the whole situation investigating the employee’s past and planning to use that information against her. Diego, are you absolutely certain that the call came from the hotel in New York? Total certainty.

 More than that, I can even give you the room number. Room 847. Javier picked up the phone and called the hotel. After a few minutes Speaking to the front desk, he confirmed that Isabel Mendoza was really staying in room 847. Carmen, I need to ask you a question and I want you to be completely honest with me. Of course, Mr. Mendoza.

 In some moment Isabel showed antipathy towards you, some specific situation that can you explain why you are doing this. Carmen thought for a few minutes before responding. There was a situation about 8 months ago. The lady Isabel arrived on her trip a day earlier than expected. waited and found me organizing his dressing room I was just doing the routine cleaning, but it became very angry He said he didn’t have authorization.

to touch your personal things. and after that, after that, it began to observe me more, always with a distrustful expression. sometimes I felt that he was testing me, leaving money scattered around the house to see if fucking or asking about conversations that he had had with the gentleman. Javier he shook his head, beginning to understand the complete picture.

 Carmen, I think Isabel developed some kind of paranoia in relation to you. Maybe because of jealousy of the trust I place in you or for think you knew too much about our personal life. But, sir Mendoza, I never did anything to wake up distrust. I was always respectful with her and with your marriage. I know, Carmen. The problem is not in you, it is in your head.

 Diego, who had remained in silence during the conversation, He brought the two closer. Javier, sorry I interfered, but you need to decide What are you going to do now? This woman It’s clearly not going to stop here. If not you take an attitude, it will continue escalating threats. Javier knew that Diego was right. Isabel had shown to be willing to go very away to get rid of Carmen and not there was a guarantee that it would stop there.

“Carmen, do you still want to leave?” he asked. him. Carmen looked at him with surprise. Lord Mendoza, this is no longer what I’m about I want, it’s about what’s best for everyone. If I stay, your wife goes to continue creating problems. If I I’m going, maybe I’ll stop. And if it doesn’t stop, what if decides to continue pursuing you even after you leave? Or if you decide make up other lies about me? Carmen I had not considered that possibility, idea that Isabel could continue the chase. Even with her away it was

terrifying. What does the Lord suggest? I suggest we face this once and for all. for all. Let’s expose what is making and ending this story. But how? Javier looked at Diego who he nodded understanding. Diego, can you record your calls? I can with the team which I installed, in addition to tracking, also I automatically record all conversations.

 So that’s what let’s do The next time you call we’re going to record everything and then we’re going to confront it with the evidence. Carmen he shook his head nervously. Lord Mendoza, this is very risky. [music] If you find out that we are recording, Carmen, stop being afraid of her. We haven’t done anything bad She is the one who is committing crimes.

 It’s time to reverse the situation. Three hours later, the phone rang again. Carmen looked at Javier and Diego took a deep breath and answered. Say, Mendoza residence, Carmen. I hope that you are packing your bags because Your two hours have already passed. I am preparing my departure. [music] lied Carmen. Perfect. But before you Come on, I need you to do one last one.

little thing for me. That? I want you to fuck Javier’s personal agenda, that one brown leather diary that is in the drawer of your table. Javier and Carmen They looked. The aforementioned agenda contained confidential information about clients and business partners. I can’t do that,” said Carmen.

 “yes you can, darling, and you are going to do it, because if not you do it, tomorrow morning the press is going to receive a complete dossier about your criminal past and about your relationship inappropriate with your boss. [music] And you I guarantee that I will give very detailed details creative about that relationship.

 why Do you want the agenda?” Carmen asked. trying to prolong the conversation for recording. That’s not yours incumbency. You just need to pick it up and leave it on the garden bench, in the back of the house. someone is going to look for it during the early morning and if I do this, you’re going to stop bothering me.

 Oh, darling, if you do this right, I’m not just going to stop bothering you, but I’m going to give a bonus. €7,000 so that start your new life far from here. Javier signaled to Carmen to will continue. They needed more information. How are you going to give me that money? I’m going to deposit it into your account.

 I have all your data, remember? I know where you live, I know where you work, I know everything about you family there in Extremadura. By the way, Your little sister still lives there, doesn’t she? right, pretty girl? It would be a shame if something would happen to him. Carmen paled. The threatening his sister was the last straw broke the camel’s back.

 Are you threatening me family now? she asked angrily in the voice. I’m not threatening anyone, dear. I’m just commenting on how world can be dangerous for girls young people who live alone in cities small. You are a horrible person, Carmen said without being able to control herself. I am a practical person, Carmen, and you are going to do exactly what I’m asking or the consequences will be much worse than you imagine.

 The call was cut. Carmen was shaking anger and fear. He threatened my sister, she said with tears in her eyes. How can he be so cruel? Javier was equally outraged. What there was started as blackmail on a alleged relationship had escalated to threats against Carmen’s family. Diego, did you record everything? I recorded everything.

We have clear evidence of blackmail, extortion and threats. This is more than sufficient for criminal prosecution. and Now, Carmen asked. Javier looked at her. with determination. Now let’s finish with this. Carmen. You go to the agenda as she requested. Mr. Mendoza, exclaimed she surprised.

 Calm down, let me explain. You go to the agenda, but we are going to replace the content with false information. When the person come look for her during the early morning, we will be waiting with a camera hiding to film who it is. If it is really Isabel, then at least we will have absolute certainty and she will have You explain what it’s doing to me house during the early morning fucking stolen documents.

 Diego shook his head approving the plan. It’s a good one idea. I am going to install infrared cameras in the garden If someone shows up, let’s go to have clear images, even in the darkness. Carmen was still doubtful. and if it goes wrong, and if you discover that it is a trap, Carmen can’t turn out worse than which is already there.

 It is climbing the threats, now involving your family. If we don’t stop this now, no We know how far it can go. Reluctantly Carmen agreed to the plan. They spent the rest of the afternoon preparing the trap Diego installed cameras discreet in the garden, focused on the bank where the agenda should be left Javier prepared a false agenda, identical to the original, but with invented information.

 At night, [music] Carmen placed the fake agenda on the garden bench, as it had been educated. After [music] She, Javier and Diego positioned themselves in the office from where they had a clear view of the garden through the cameras. “And now we wait,” he said Javier looking at the monitors. If They remained vigil until 3:30 in the morning.

early morning. Carmen had stayed asleep in the armchair when Diego woke up whispering, “Someone is arriving.” On the monitors they saw a figure approaching the bench. The person He wore dark clothes and a cap, clearly trying to hide his identity. But when he bent down to the agenda, the infrared camera He clearly captured her face. It was Isabel.

Javier felt as if he had received a punch in the stomach. See your own wife there in the middle of the early morning taking documents that were blackmailed Carmen to steal, it was something surreal “My God,” he whispered. Carmen. “Is it really her?” Elizabeth He grabbed the agenda and quickly left the room.

garden, disappearing into the shadows. Diego automatically saved all the recordings. “Javier, I’m so sorry,” Diego said, placing his hand on the shoulder of his friend. Javier remained in silence for a few minutes processing what he had just seen. Your wife, 11 years old, had become in a blackmailer, threatening a innocent employee and stealing documents of his own company.

 “Why would I this?” he asked, more to himself than for the others. Mr. Mendoza, said Carmen gently. I can go now. You have the evidence you need. No I need to get more involved in this situation. Javier looked at her with a expression of determination. Carmen, no you’re going nowhere. Isabel did this with you specifically because I knew that You had no way to defend yourself.

 Now that we have the evidence, we will guarantee Let him pay for everything he did. But your marriage, Rin, my marriage ended instantly when he decided to blackmail you. People They do this with innocent employees They deserve neither respect nor consideration. The next morning, Sunday, Javier I was waiting when Isabel arrived from New York.

 She entered the house with her travel suitcase, greeting him as if nothing would have happened. “Hello, honey. “How was your week?” she asked. giving him a kiss on the cheek. “Interesting,” Javier responded, observing her carefully. “Carmen asked the mission,” said Isabel, trying seem surprised, but Javier noticed a slight smile at the corner of his mouth.

 “What a shame! It was a good employee. It was. That’s why I was surprised your order. You have no idea why did you want to leave? How would I have it? [music] You know I barely talk to her. maybe have gotten something better. Javier He observed carefully. Isabel seemed completely calm, as if I really didn’t know anything. “Elizabeth, Where were you last night at dawn?” question caught her by surprise.

 “How where?” I was in New York, in the hotel. Why do you ask that? alone curiosity. Did you sleep well? I slept perfectly. The hotel is very comfortable. Javier, why are you strange questions? Javier decided to go straight to the point. Isabel, I need teach you something He took her to the office where Diego was waiting with the computer on.

 Isabel, this It’s my friend Diego. It helped me solve a problem we had here at home this week. [music] What kind of problem? she asked, beginning to seem nervous. someone’s problem that he was blackmailing Carmen and threatening our family. The face of Isabel changed completely. The mask of innocence fell, being replaced by an expression of someone who was caught red-handed.

 what are you about talking? She tried still pretending ignorance. [music] I’m talking about this,” Javier said pointing to the monitor where Diego had prepared the recording of the calls. They played the first call where Isabel’s voice was clearly identifiable, threatening Carmen. As the audio played, Isabel He was getting paler and paler.

“Do you recognize the voice?” Javier asked. when the audio ended. “That that can be anyone imitating my voice.” she stammered. “Maybe and this,” he said Diego playing the video of the previous morning. on the screen They clearly saw Isabel taking the agenda in the garden. There was no way deny.

 Isabel collapsed in the chair, finally defeated. “Javier, can I explain? Please explain. Explain why did you spend 5 months torturing psychologically to an employee innocent Explain why you threatened his family. Explain why you stole documents from my company. Isabel began to cry, but they were tears of self-pity, not regret. Don’t you understand, Javier? she was taking my place in this house.

 you trusted more in her than in me. knew things about your life that I didn’t even know. It was as if I was the employee and she was the wife. So you decided to destroy his life. I just wanted him to go away. At At first I really thought that if offered another job would leave naturally. But when that doesn’t It worked, I lost control.

 And the threats to his family, blackmail a non-existent relationship between us. I was desperate, Javier. I felt that I was losing you for her. Isabel, no you were losing me for Carmen. I already you had lost to yourself long ago time, when you started traveling constantly, when you decided that your career was more important that our marriage, when did you stop caring about us life together.

 Carmen, there was remained silent until then, He finally spoke. Lady Isabel, never I intended to interfere with your marriage. I always respected limits and I always treated Mr. Mendoza alone like my boss [music] Isabel looked at Carmen with a mixture of rage and envy You don’t need to say anything. I know that You never did anything wrong.

 That does it everything even worse. As? Javier asked. If she had really done something questionable, would have a justification for what I did. But it was always perfect, always efficient, always loyal, always affectionate with our family and that drove me crazy with jealousy. The silence that followed was heavy. Javier looked at the woman he had been with.

shared 11 years of life and perceived that I didn’t really know her. Elizabeth, you need professional help. what you did is not normal. The people Normal people don’t blackmail employees for [music] jealousy. And now you are going to report me? Javier looked at Carmen, who he shook his head negatively.

 Carmen He doesn’t want me to report you, but I’m going to give you a choice. Or are you looking for help? psychological immediately and you walk away completely of our life. or deliver all this evidence to the authorities and our marriage. Our marriage It ended, Isabel, it ended at the moment that you decided to be cruel to a person innocent I am going to file a lawsuit Divorce on Monday.

 Isabel got up slowly, realizing that there was no turn back. “I’m going to get help,” he said. she with a broken voice, “and I’m going out of the house today. It is the minimum that you can do.” After Isabel He left to pack his bags, Javier and Carmen was left alone in the office. “Carmen, [music] I want to apologize for everything you went through because of them problems in my marriage.

” “Lord Mendoza, the Lord is not to blame for what What happened.” Yes, I have. I should have perceived the signals earlier. I should have protected you better. The Lord did protect me. When he found out about the situation, he did everything he could to help me Javier looked at Carmen, seeing in it the upright and brave person who had faced 5 months of blackmail, without ever considering betray their trust.

 Carmen, I I would like you to stay not only as employee, but as administrator of the house. I will give you a salary adequate to responsibility and I want you to You truly feel at home here. Mr. Mendoza I accept, but with a condition. Which one? I want to help you find someone who deserves your trust and love.

 The Lord is a good person and deserves to be happy. Javier he smiled. [music] The first genuine smile he had given in weeks. Carmen, you are a very person special and you can be sure that I will be more careful in the choice of the people I allow into me life. 4 months later, life in mansion had stabilized completely.

 Garmen had assumed no only the administration of the house, but who had also helped Javier to organize your new life as a man divorced Isabel kept her word and sought psychological treatment, staying distant from the family. The divorce was finalized without complications and Javier discovered a freedom I hadn’t felt in years.

 Carmen He brought his sister from Extremadura to live in Madrid and the two young women They transformed the mansion into a real home full of laughter and life. The story of Carmen and Javier showed that sometimes when we think that our life is ending, actually it’s just starting.

 He proved that kindness generates kindness, that courage is contagious and that the best families are those that we build with the heart. M.