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"Yes, of course I do—thank you."

"Don't thank me. You earned it a long time ago, and having done other things along the way means you now know how this company runs better than anyone—which is exactly why you're getting the management role. Now, your turn, Claudia."

She turns toward her, but has to wait before she can speak because Claudia has leaned toward Laia to congratulate her, pulling her into a quick hug and pressing a kiss to her temple that makes Laia flush bright red the moment she feels her boss's eyes on them.

Elvira sets another document in front of her niece.

"An entry-level position—the most basic category, minimum wage, the same as any employee starting out. But you won't rotate. You'll stay with Remei and learn everything you need from her, and then we'll see where things go from there."

"I told you I'd come for free," Claudia murmurs, visibly moved.

"You can't work without being paid—it's illegal, and I can afford to have you here. That said, the arrangement I had with your parents no longer applies. I won't tolerate you showing up late or coming in with a hangover. You're here to do your job, and if you don't…"

"I'm fired—got it," Claudia finishes, delighted.

"Good. One more thing. Laia's promotion leaves me without an assistant, and she had me very well set up, so you'll spend two hours of your shift helping me. You'll handle everything related to orders, visits to the sample warehouse, and anything else I need."

"Trapped forever," Laia mutters under her breath before she can stop herself.

"I'm sorry?" Elvira says.

Laia's eyes go wide.

"Sorry—it's just that you said something similar to me once and didn't let me go for years."

"I'd say it was worth it, wouldn't you?"

"Yes, yes, of course it was—absolutely," Laia says quickly.

Claudia stifles a laugh.

"Maybe she kidnapped you because you're incredibly efficient," she says. "Maybe I shouldn't be."

"If you're not, I'll show you the door," Elvira warns. "So go get to work—your contract starts today, and losing money puts me on edge."

Her niece laughs and stands up, but instead of heading out she walks around the desk and bends down to hug her.

"Thank you so much. I promise you won't regret this—I'll make you proud of me."

"I already am, and you know it." Elvira kisses her on the forehead. "Now go."

Claudia leaves the office and Laia stays frozen in her chair, not quite sure what to do.

"Are you planning to cost me money?" Elvira says, and Laia jumps to her feet.

"No, of course not," she murmurs, and opens the door—but she turns back before stepping out.

"Thank you for the chance. Really."

Elvira nods, puts on her glasses, and gets back to work. Laia returns to her desk and, once she sits down, the first thing she does is read the agreement before signing it. Her heart pounds when she sees the raise that comes with her new title—now she can finally breathe.

"Your coffee." Claudia appears in the doorway and sets the cup on the desk.

"You're supposed to be at your station," Laia scolds her.

"I know, but I promised you." Claudia walks around the desk and gives her a quick kiss on the lips. "I'll behave from now on, I swear," she says, and takes off down the hallway, leaving Laia watching her go with nothing but love in her eyes.

Epilogue