Chapter 343

• Rafael gently took a handkerchief from his pocket and brushed the tears from the corners of my eyes. His touch was soft, considerate.
• “I’m not foolish,” he said quietly. “What use is clinging to corporate power? It can’t compare to having you in my life. With the market stable, holding onto control would only draw envy and create unnecessary complications. Even if the board hadn’t forced my hand, I would have stepped back for you.”
• There was a hint of pride in his smile, subtle but undeniable. “If they hadn’t pressured me with that deadline, I’d probably still be agonizing over how to propose. That ultimatum made me certain you’d choose me over the alternative. In a strange way, they helped me.”