Esmeralda nodded, the words flowing as she continued, shaping the story to fit what she wanted Diego to believe. “Yes, and I didn’t mean to lie, Diego,” she said, her voice softening with contrition. “It’s just that… well, with the way you’d been acting all week, I thought maybe you’d... I was worried you’d push me aside on this project, that maybe you didn’t want me involved. I thought Santiago was my only option.”
Diego’s expression softened, a pang of regret crossing his face as he processed her words. He took a deep breath, then reached over to give her hand a gentle squeeze. “Esme, I’m sorry if I made you feel like that,” he said, his voice filled with warmth and sincerity. “The last thing I’d want is for you to think I’d sideline you. You’ve worked so hard, and I’ve always been so p
