A few nearby employees slowed down, sensing entertainment. Some smiled. Others chuckled quietly.
Mauricio leaned in slightly and raised his voice, making sure everyone could hear.
“Listen, grandpa,” he said. “We deal with professionals here. People who know how to dress for the occasion. I don’t know what you’re doing in this building, but I suggest you find somewhere more appropriate. Maybe a street market. Or a mechanic’s shop.”
Laughter broke out.
Isabel didn’t stop it. In fact, she looked amused.
Amid the mockery, one person reacted differently.
A few steps away, a young woman in a simple navy-blue dress was organizing documents at a side table. Her hair was tied back in a low ponytail, her expression uneasy.
Her name was Lucía Beltrán, an administrative assistant.
She hesitated, then spoke.
“Excuse me, Mr. Ledesma… Ms. Monteverde,” she said, her voice calm but firm. “I think we should treat the gentleman with respect. We don’t know who he is or why he’s here.”
Mauricio looked at her as if she were an inconvenience.
“Lucía,” he scoffed, “don’t get involved. Go back to your desk.”
She pressed her lips together, then turned to Luis.
“Sir, would you like a glass of water while you wait?” she asked gently.
For the first time since entering the building, Luis’s expression softened.
“Thank you, miss,” he said. “That’s very kind of you.”
Lucía nodded and walked toward the coffee area, hearing Mauricio’s mocking laugh behind her.
Another executive joined in—Esteban Corbalán, known for his cruelty disguised as humor.
“Should we call a nursing home?” Esteban joked loudly. “Maybe he wandered off.”
More laughter.
Luis checked his watch.
9:40 a.m.
Twenty minutes until the meeting no one knew about.
The lobby doors opened again.
Two men in immaculate suits entered. One was older, with metal-framed glasses and a black briefcase. The other, younger, held a tablet.
They approached the desk.
“Good morning,” the older man said. “We’re from Salazar & Associates. We have a meeting scheduled for ten o’clock.”
Valeria immediately straightened.
“Yes—of course,” she said. “I’ll notify Ms. Monteverde.”
Moments later, the elevator doors closed with Isabel, Mauricio, and Esteban inside.
As the lawyers turned to follow, the older one paused.
He spotted Luis.
A warm smile crossed his face.
“Don Luis,” he said, approaching respectfully. “It’s a pleasure to see you. Sorry for the delay—traffic was terrible.”
The lobby went silent.
Luis stood calmly and shook his hand.
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