THE SUBSTITUTE HUSBAND BECAME HIS WIFE'S BOSS

CHAPTER 8

Her voice stopped him, fragile yet filled with urgency. She sat upright, cheeks aflame, eyes shimmering with a strange mixture of shyness and dependence. "Please… don't tell anyone what happened during the ritual. I beg you."

He paused, his silhouette framed by the dim lamp. "I won't," he said simply, and left without looking back.

Santiago was waiting outside, pacing with anxious eyes. When Diego stepped into the hall, his words rushed out.

"How is she? Tell me the truth!"

Diego's tone was calm, unwavering. "She's safe."

Santiago's shoulders sagged in relief, his eyes moist. He bowed deeply, again and again. "Mr.Hayes, I… I can never repay this debt. Without your great help, I would have lost her…"

Diego lifted a hand lightly. "There's no need."

Just then, the side door banged open and Santiago strode in, hair mussed, shirt crooked, a smear of lipstick dragging across his collar. Heat flashed in his eyes—cocky, feral, unashamed.

“It works,” he announced, chest lifting as if he owned the air. “Not just back—better.” He flexed his fingers, then laughed low. “I could take three at once tonight.”

He moved as if to clap Diego on the shoulder in crude camaraderie. Diego caught his wrist midair, grip iron.

“Stand,” Diego said, voice flat. “And listen. If you dive back into the same excess that ruined you, I will not cleanse you again. Next time the damage is permanent.”

The warning cut. Pride warred with panic across Santiago’s face. His jaw worked. He swallowed, then forced a swaggering grin that didn’t reach his eyes.

"I aplogize for my mistake. I swear it, no more recklessness.” he muttered, still vibrating with lust-drunk triumph. “But I intend to… celebrate.”

Ricardo stepped forward, his eyes still glistening with tears. "Mr. Herrera, you've healed both my children in one day using methods that shouldn't exist in this modern age. My son's condition, my daughter's life-threatening illness... How can the Vega family possibly express our gratitude?"

"Anything," Ricardo echoed fervently. "Cars, houses, a permanent position in my company with unlimited resources. You could live like a king for the rest of your life."

Diego shook his head slowly. "I don't want your money."

"Then what?" Ricardo pressed. "There must be something. No one performs miracles without expecting some form of compensation."

"I gave my word to help your daughter. That's sufficient."

The chamber door opened with authority. Esperanza emerged dressed in a crisp business suit, her dark hair styled in a professional updo. Though her color had returned to normal, she moved with the controlled grace of someone accustomed to commanding boardrooms.

"Papa," she said, her voice steady and clear. "I'm recovered."

"Esperanza!" Ricardo rushed forward, but she held up a hand, stopping him mid-step.

"I'm fine, Papa. Really." She turned to Diego, meeting his gaze directly. "Your techniques worked. The ancient healing methods—I've never experienced anything like them."

Santiago joined them, still emotional. "Sister, when I thought we might lose you..."

"But you didn't." Her tone was matter-of-fact, though her eyes softened slightly. "I'm here."

Ricardo looked between his children with profound reverence. "Mr. Herrera, I insist on holding a banquet in your honor."

"That's not necessary—" Diego began.

"It is," Ricardo interrupted. "A celebration dinner. Nothing public—just family and trusted associates."

"I prefer to keep the ancient techniques private," Diego replied.

"Then a private dinner," Ricardo pressed. "Please, Mr. Herrera. You've saved my family."

Esperanza stepped forward, her CEO instincts taking over. "Mr. Herrera, I'd like to discuss proper compensation for your services. The ritual you performed—"

Diego studied her transformed demeanor, noting how she'd shifted from vulnerable patient to commanding executive in mere minutes. The memory of their shared moment during the healing hung between them, but her professional mask was firmly in place.

"Dinner will suffice," he said finally.

"Wonderful!" Ricardo beamed. "I'll have the chef prepare our finest meal!"