Never, ever interrupt him when he’s on an important call. Sofia nodded, memorizing every instruction. “When should I meet him?” “He’s waiting for you to give him your first instructions.” Carmen lowered her voice. “Don’t worry if he seems cold. Everyone is like that.” Attorney Fernando Arteaga’s office was exactly what Sofia had expected. Elegant, understated, and intimidating. Large windows offered panoramic views of the city. Dark wooden shelves lined two walls, and an imposing desk dominated the desk.
The 53-year-old man didn’t even look up, signing the documents without looking at her. His thin, perfectly combed hair and tailored suit exuded power and wealth. When he finally looked up, Sofia was overcome with an inexplicable coldness. His eyes were gray, piercing, and strangely sad. “Ms. Mendez,” he said in a deep voice, “please take a seat.” Sofia complied, noticing that the lawyer barely glanced at her. His resume was terse, but his academic record was excellent. I hope he shows the same commitment here.
“I won’t disappoint you,” Mr. Fernando began to explain his duties, but Sofia could barely concentrate. Her gaze fell on something on the table that took her breath away. A faded photograph sat in an elegant silver frame. A little girl, about four years old, in a white dress, holding a sunflower. It was her. The world stopped. The same white lace dress her mother had kept in a box. The same sunflower she had picked in the park that day.
The same photo her mother had cherished, the same. Right down to the little dot in the corner. Are you listening, Miss Méndez? The lawyer’s voice brought her back to reality. Sofía gasped for air. Her legs trembled under the table. “Excuse me,” she stammered, unable to take her eyes off the picture. Fernando followed her gaze, and when he realized what he was looking at, his face hardened. Pain flashed in his eyes. “Are you okay? Are you pale?” Sofía pointed at the picture with trembling fingers.
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