Chapter 6: A Quiet Confrontation
Mateo waited near the hotel staff exit at the end of Lucia's afternoon shift. When she stepped out into the crisp autumn air, she paused, surprised to see him standing near his car.
"I'm not here to push you, Lucia," Mateo said, holding up a small envelope. "These are the papers for the old joint account. I liquidated my remaining shares in the startup and cleared all our old joint debt. It's completely settled."
Lucia looked at the documents in his hand, then up at his face. "You didn't have to do that alone."
"Yes, I did," Mateo said firmly. "I dragged us into that financial mess with my arrogance. Cleaning it up was my responsibility."
Lucia took the envelope slowly. "Thank you, Mateo. That... takes a heavy weight off my mind."
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"Can I walk with you to the bus stop?" he asked softly.
Lucia hesitated for a moment, then gave a small nod. "Just to the stop."
