The following days passed in a strange limbo.
The news that Sofia might be Fernando’s daughter spread through the law firm like wildfire.
Curious glances and whispers followed Sofia through the hallways, but she kept her head held high, concentrating solely on her work.
Fernando had scheduled the DNA tests at a trusted lab. The results would take a week—seven endless days of waiting and tension.
Meanwhile, a fragile truce was established. Veronica didn’t reappear in the office, but her presence felt like a menacing shadow.
Joaquín kept a prudent distance, observing from afar, without clearly showing which side he was on. Carmen returned the next day, greeted by Sofía with a grateful hug.
“You came to my house to pick me up, didn’t you?” Carmen whispered.
Veronica showed up asking for old documents. I had to invent an emergency to escape. Your documents can save us, Carmen.
Thank you. The veteran secretary smiled mischievously. 30 years working here, my dear. I’ve seen everything that woman has done. It was about time it came to light.
The relationship between Sofia and Fernando became complicated. Formally, they were still boss and employee.
But there were moments, brief instants, when something deeper became transparent, a look, a hesitant smile, a gesture aborted halfway through.
“It’s strange, isn’t it?” Fernando remarked one afternoon while they were reviewing some contracts.
“Having you so close after so long. 26 years,” Sofia replied without looking up from the documents.
Fernando sighed. I can’t get that time back, I know, but I’d like to get to know you, to know who you are.
Sofia finally looked at him. She had longed for a father all her life, but now that he was in front of her, she didn’t know how to act, what to feel.
« I don’t know if I’m ready for that, » she confessed honestly. « Part of me wants to hate him for not being there when we needed him. »
Another party understands that you didn’t know. I’m confused. That’s understandable, Fernando agreed.
We’ll take all the time you need. That same afternoon, Sofia visited Isabel in the hospital. Her mother had improved slightly with the new treatment, but she was still weak.
« How did she take it? » Isabel asked after Sofia told her about the confrontation.
« She says she never knew I existed, » Sofia replied, « that Veronica intercepted all your letters. » Isabel closed her eyes, processing the information. « I always wondered, I always had that doubt. »
Do you believe her? Sofia needed her mother’s opinion, the person who knew Fernando best.
Isabel paused to reflect before answering. The Fernando I knew wasn’t a bad man, just weak and ambitious. Yes, but not cruel.
She paused. When we separated, he was building his career. I was everything to him, enough to abandon his daughter. I don’t know, my little girl.
The human heart is complicated. Isabel took her daughter’s hand. But there’s something I need you to understand.
I’m partly to blame too. Are you? Why? Because I never told him I was pregnant, Isabel confessed.
I was afraid, afraid he would reject me, that he would accuse me of trying to trap him. His eyes filled with tears. I should have told him to his face, given him the chance to choose.
But you wrote to her later, months later, when it was too late, when positions had been taken and paths diverged. Isabel squeezed her hand.
Don’t make my mistake, Sofia. Don’t let pride and fear stop you from meeting your father.
Her mother’s words echoed in Sofia for days. Perhaps she was right.
Perhaps she should give Fernando a chance, but every time she decided to approach him, something stopped her.
Twenty-six years of absence couldn’t be erased with good intentions. On the third day of waiting, Joaquín intercepted her in the building’s cafeteria.
“How are you handling all this?” he asked with apparent concern. Sofia looked at him suspiciously.
Do you really care, or are you just looking for information for Veronica? Joaquin seemed genuinely hurt.
I’m not the villain in this story, Sofia. It’s true that Veronica has done me favors, but I’ve never been her spy. And why should I believe you?
« Because I’m telling you the truth, » he replied simply. « Besides, I have something that might interest you. » Joaquín discreetly took an envelope from his briefcase.
Veronica has been preparing a counterattack. She plans to present documents proving that your mother tried to extort Fernando years ago.
They’re forgeries, of course, but convincing ones. Sofia took the envelope in surprise. « Why are you giving me this? »
Because it’s not fair. Joaquín lowered his voice. I’ve worked with Verónica long enough to know what she’s capable of. And this, this goes too far.
Why do you care? A sad smile appeared on Joaquín’s lips. « Let’s just say I have my own family secrets, too. »
She paused. “My mother worked as a domestic servant all her life.
« If someone had done to her what Veronica did to your mother, » she left the sentence unfinished, but Sofia understood.
Perhaps I had misjudged Joaquín. Thank you,” he finally said, “I’ll keep that in mind.”
When Sofia showed Fernando the documents that afternoon, his face darkened. “Typical Veronica,” he muttered. Always ready for a fight. “Do you believe her?” Sofia asked.
Referring to the false accusations against his mother, Fernando looked directly at her. “I knew your mother, Sofia. She was the most honest person I have ever known.”
She would never have tried to extort me. He paused. The money I gave her when she left, she didn’t ask for it.
I insisted. I wanted her to have a fresh start. A fresh start that included raising a daughter on her own. Fernando lowered his gaze.
Embarrassed. If I had known, he began, but stopped himself. No, I can’t say for sure what I would have done.
He was young, ambitious, and cowardly.
I can’t promise I would have been the father you deserved. Fernando’s brutal honesty surprised Sofia. He wasn’t trying to justify himself or portray himself as some hypothetical hero.
« At least he’s honest, » she acknowledged. « It’s the least I owe you, » he replied.
Absolute honesty from now on. On the fifth day, while Sofia was organizing some files, Fernando approached her desk.
“I’ve been thinking,” she said, unusually hesitant. “I’d like to visit Isabel if she agrees.” Of course. The request took Sofia by surprise.
“Why now?” Because I owe her an apology for 26 years of absence, even though I wasn’t aware of all the circumstances, he explained.
And because she wanted to see her one more time. There was something in her voice, a note of repressed emotion that moved Sofia.
“I’ll talk to her,” he promised. Isabel received the news with surprising calm. “I knew this day would come,” she said, nervously smoothing the hospital sheets.
“How do I look? I’m so thin. You look beautiful, Mom,” Sofia replied, touched by her mother’s sudden vanity.
« Are you sure you want to see it? » Isabel nodded.
Twenty-six years have passed, but there are still conversations to be had, questions left unanswered. It’s time to close that chapter. The meeting was scheduled for the following day.
Fernando arrived on time with a bouquet of sunflowers that made Isabel smile nostalgically.
« You remembered, » she murmured.
“I never forgot,” he replied. Sofia decided to give them privacy by waiting in the hallway while the past and present reconciled in that hospital room.
I could see through the window how they were talking.
First with tension, then with growing comfort. At one point, Isabel wept and Fernando took her hand.
Something then loosened in Sofia’s chest, as if a knot she didn’t know she had began to unravel. When Fernando left, his eyes were also moist.
“Your mother is an extraordinary woman,” he said hoarsely. “She always was. I know.”
She told me everything you’ve been through together, everything you’ve sacrificed for her.” Fernando looked at her with a mixture of pride and sadness. “You’re incredible, Sofia.”
I regret not being there to see it. Something in his words, in the raw sincerity of his regret, struck a deep chord with Sofia. There’s still time.
He found himself saying, « To get to know me, so that I can get to know you. » Fernando smiled.
A genuine smile that transformed his stern face. I would like that more than anything in the world.
On the sixth day, the lab called. The results were ready. A day earlier than planned, Fernando and Sofía agreed to pick them up together the next morning.
That night, as Sofia was getting ready for bed, she received a call from an unknown number. Miss Mendez.
The voice on the other end was professional, anonymous. It was Dr. Ramirez from the medical lab. I understand you’ll be picking up your DNA test results tomorrow.
That’s right, confirmed Sofia, confused by the call at that hour.
“I thought you might want to know the results in advance,” the man continued, “especially considering who else has requested a copy. What do you mean? Mrs. Arteaga came by this afternoon.”
She demanded to see the results immediately. She paused. I didn’t show them to her, of course, but she seemed quite determined. Sofia felt a chill.
“Do you think she’ll try something? I don’t know, but I thought I should be prepared,” the doctor replied. “By the way, the result is positive.”
99.9% compatibility. Congratulations, I guess.” When the call ended, Sofia remained motionless in the darkness of her room.
Officially, she was Fernando Arteaga’s daughter, and Verónica knew it, or would soon. The war was about to begin.
The morning dawned with a fine drizzle over Mexico City, as if the sky itself sensed the storm that was about to break.
Sofia arrived early at the laboratory, but Fernando was already there waiting for her under the entrance awning.
« Good morning, » he greeted, visibly nervous. « You barely slept well, » Sofia confessed.
I received a call from the lab last night. Fernando frowned. What did they want to warn me about? Sofia lowered her voice. Veronica was here yesterday.
She wanted the results in advance. She got them. No, but she won’t be long in trying something else. Sofia paused. Fernando, I already know the result.
He looked at her expectantly, holding his breath. It’s positive. 99.9% compatibility. The impact of those words transformed Fernando’s face.
His eyes welled up with tears and for a moment it seemed as if he was going to hug Sofia, but he held back, respecting the barriers she still maintained.
“My daughter,” he murmured, his voice filled with emotion. “My daughter!” They entered the laboratory together.
Dr. Ramirez received them personally, handing them a sealed envelope. He solemnly announced the official results, though I imagine they already know.
Fernando opened the envelope with trembling hands. His eyes scanned the document, pausing at the final line. Probability of paternity, 99.9%.
« It’s real, » he whispered, as if until that moment a part of him had doubted. « You really are my daughter. » For the first time since they met.
Sofia saw Fernando Arteaga, the legendary lawyer, completely vulnerable, a man facing the magnitude of what he had lost and perhaps the possibility of what he could recover.
« What do we do now? » Sofia asked, feeling strangely protective of him.
Fernando gradually regained his composure. Now we confront Veronica with the truth. They left the laboratory with renewed determination.
The bond between them, fragile and new, seemed to strengthen with every minute they spent together. “There’s something you should know,” Fernando said as he drove toward the office.
“Last night, after visiting your mother, I updated my will.” Sofia looked at him in surprise.
« Why? » « Because you’re my daughter, » he replied simply. « My only daughter deserved to be legally recognized regardless of the test result. »
« I don’t want your money, » Sofia protested. « It was never about that. » « I know. » Fernando smiled sadly. « You’re just like Isabel in that respect. »
But it’s not just about money, Sofia. It’s about recognition, about justice, about making amends as much as possible. Twenty-six years of absence.
When they arrived at the law firm, they immediately sensed that something was wrong. Several employees were gathered in small groups, talking in hushed tones.
The conversations stopped abruptly when they saw Fernando and Sofia enter. Carmen hurriedly approached.
“Thank God they arrived,” she whispered. “Doña Verónica has been here since early this morning.”
He called an emergency meeting with all the partners.
« What’s she talking about? » Fernando asked, visibly tensing up. « She says she has proof of a plot against her. » Carmen looked at Sofia with concern.
He’s saying terrible things. Sir. About Isabel and about Sofia. Fernando’s face hardened. Where are they meeting? In the main boardroom.
Without another word, Fernando walked purposefully in that direction. Sofia followed, feeling as if she were walking toward a public execution.
Upon entering, they found Verónica standing before the firm’s five main partners. Joaquín was among them, looking uncomfortable.
“Oh, how convenient!” Veronica exclaimed with feigned cordiality. “I was just explaining to our partners how this young woman and her mother have been conspiring to extort you.”
Fernando stepped to the center of the room. « That’s a lie, and you know it perfectly well. » Veronica smiled coldly.
A lie. I have documents, Fernando. She pointed to a folder on the table. Letters in which Isabel Méndez demands money in exchange for her silence.
Testimonies of how he threatened to destroy your career if you didn’t comply with his demands. Forged documents, Sofia interjected. Unable to contain herself.
Just like the ones she tried to plant days ago. Veronica looked at her with disdain. The only fake here is you, darling.
A con artist who pretends to be something she’s not.
Fernando raised a hand, silencing Sofia’s reply. « Enough, Veronica, » he said in a controlled voice. « For 26 years you’ve built a castle of lies. It ends today. »
He took the envelope from the lab from his jacket pocket and placed it on the table. The DNA test results. Sofia is my daughter, my biological daughter. Without a doubt.
The partners exchanged surprised glances. Veronica visibly paled, but recovered quickly.
That proves nothing, except that you had an affair. I’ll strike back.
This woman and her mother continue to be opportunists who appeared out of nowhere to claim a fortune that does not belong to them.
« We didn’t come for the money, » Sofia stated. « I didn’t even know who Fernando was when I applied for the job. »
It was a coincidence. « Liar, » Veronica snapped. « Do you really expect me to believe such a story? » Fernando then pulled another envelope from his briefcase.
« These are the documents that Carmen found in your personal files, Veronica, » he said, spreading them out on the table.
Delivery receipts signed by you. Checks made out to a private investigator to keep an eye on Isabel, now a child.
Payments to a certain Guillermo Soto to intercept correspondence addressed to me. The associates leaned in to examine the documents. Veronica’s face contorted in a mask of fury.
« You have no right to review my personal files, and you had no right to hide the existence of my daughter from me, » Fernando replied firmly.
For 26 years you stole my opportunity to be a father, to see her grow up, to be there when she needed me.
“I did it to protect you,” Veronica shouted, finally losing her composure. “That woman would have destroyed everything we built.”
You didn’t build anything, Veronica. Fernando’s voice was filled with cold contempt.
Our marriage was always a business arrangement. The only thing I truly built was this law firm.
And yes, I sacrificed a lot for him, including my chance to be happy with Isabel. He turned to the partners who were watching the scene with expressions ranging from astonishment to disgust.
Gentlemen, I deeply regret this spectacle. As you can see, my personal life has been complicated, but I want to make something very clear.
Sofia Mendez is my legitimate daughter and from today she will be recognized as such.
If this presents a problem for any of you, I am prepared to resign from my position at the firm. A heavy silence followed his words.
Finally, Eduardo Montiel, the oldest partner, cleared his throat. « Fernando, I think I speak for everyone when I say that your personal life is your own business. »
He paused significantly. But these questionable methods of concealing information could compromise the firm’s integrity.
Veronica smiled triumphantly, believing they were referring to Fernando, but Montiel’s gaze was fixed on her.
Ms. Arteaga, intercepting mail is a federal crime. Hiring private security without consent is, at the very least, ethically reprehensible.
If these documents are authentic, their conduct is indefensible. The color drained from Veronica’s face. You can’t speak to me like that.
« My family financed the start of this law firm and we are grateful to them, » Montiel replied coldly.
But that was 30 years ago. Today, Arteaga’s reputation at Asociados depends on his integrity, not his history.
Veronica looked at her partners one by one, searching for an ally, but found only stern expressions. “This isn’t over,” she declared, gathering her things.
Fernando, when you get home we’ll have a serious talk. There won’t be any more conversations, Veronica, he replied calmly.
I’ve already contacted my personal lawyer. The divorce papers will be ready this week. The word « divorce » seemed to hit Veronica like a physical whiplash.
For a moment, she seemed genuinely hurt, almost vulnerable. Then her face hardened again. “You’ll regret this,” she threatened.
“You’ll both regret this.” With those words, she left the room, leaving behind a heavy silence. After an awkward moment, Montiel stood up.
I think we all need time to process this, she said diplomatically. Fernando, take the day off and congratulations on your daughter. One by one.
The partners left the room until only Fernando, Sofia, and Joaquin remained.
« That was intense, » Joaquín remarked, running a hand through his hair. « Are you okay, Sofía? » She nodded.
Still processing everything that had happened, Fernando seemed exhausted, as if he had aged years in minutes. “Thank you for your support, Joaquín,” Fernando said sincerely.
“I know it wasn’t easy to take a stand against Veronica.”
Joaquín shrugged. It was the right thing to do. He looked at Sofía. Besides, I’ve always had a soft spot for just causes.
When Joaquín left, Fernando collapsed into a chair, suddenly exhausted. « 26 years of marriage over in 5 minutes, » he muttered.
Although, to be fair, it was never a real marriage. Sofia sat next to him, feeling strangely protective. Are you sure about this? The divorce.
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