She taught Valentina about colors and ingredients. She turned the mansion into a place of constant learning.
« How many carrots are here? » Carmen asked softly. Valentina counted to five and clapped her small hands.
Carlos felt a mix of gratitude and jealousy. He didn’t know how to create that natural, loving connection.
Doña Dolores, the old housekeeper, watched them. She had worked there for twenty years with strict rules.
She clearly disapproved of Carmen’s modern methods. She told Carmen that raising the girl wasn’t her job.
« I am just trying to help, » Carmen replied. She insisted that Valentina was a very special, sensitive child.
The tension between the two women was growing. Carlos felt a silent war was starting in his home.
The daycare director called with wonderful news. Valentina was finally playing and talking with the other children.
She told stories about helping Aunt Carmelita. The teacher asked if Carlos started a new medical treatment.
« No, not exactly, » Carlos stammered over the phone. He rushed home and found Dolores screaming at Carmen.
Dolores was angry because they went outside. Valentina was sobbing and clinging to Carmen’s tired legs.
« I don’t want Carmelita to leave! » she cried. Carmen comforted her, stroking her hair with deep affection.
Dolores accused Carmen of manipulating the child. Carlos stepped in and asked for a moment alone.
He knelt down and spoke to his daughter. Valentina told him roses mean love, just like her mom.
Carlos was moved to tears by her words. It was the first mention of her mother since then.
Carmen explained she lost her mother young too. She taught Valentina that love just changes its location.
That night, Carlos called both women for a talk. He thanked Dolores for twenty years of loyal service.
« But Carmen brought my daughter back, » he said. Dolores claimed Carmen was lying about her secret past.
She discovered Carmen had a degree in pedagogy. She wondered why a teacher would work as a maid.
Carmen explained her father had lost his job. She needed money immediately to support her three siblings.
She hid her education to avoid suspicious employers. She just wanted to work and help her family survive.
Dolores insisted Carmen had « frustrated maternal instincts. » She warned that Carmen would eventually leave and hurt Valentina.
Carlos felt torn between loyalty and progress. The atmosphere in the mansion became very cold and tense.
He took Valentina to his office that Saturday. He wanted to bond, but she kept asking for Carmen.
He realized his daughter saw Carmen as a friend. This bond was much deeper than a simple employee.
Dolores later showed him a list of schools. She claimed Carmen was planning to steal his money.
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