THE SUBSTITUTE HUSBAND BECAME HIS WIFE'S BOSS

CHAPTER 9

In the elegant dining hall of the Vega estate, the celebration dinner was winding down. Ricardo raised his wine glass one final time, his voice thick with emotion.

"Mr. Herrera, words cannot express what you've done for my family. Please, allow me to offer some small token of gratitude."

Diego shook his head firmly. "Your hospitality tonight was sufficient."

"But surely there's something—a business partnership, investment opportunities, property..." Ricardo pressed, his desperation to repay the debt evident.

"I have no need for such things," Diego replied, setting down his glass.

Esperanza leaned forward from across the table, her CEO instincts taking over. "Mr. Herrera, at least accept this." She slid a sleek black card across the mahogany surface. "It's our family's supreme VIP card. Access to any of our businesses—hotels, restaurants, medical facilities—completely complimentary."

"I don't require—" Diego began.

"Please," Esperanza interrupted, her tone shifting from businesslike to something more personal. "I'm not offering this as payment. I'm hoping we can be friends. Give me this chance to show my appreciation properly."

Diego studied her face, noting the sincerity behind her professional mask. After a long moment, he picked up the card. "Very well."

Ricardo beamed with relief. "Wonderful! And remember, Mr. Herrera, the Vega family considers you part of our inner circle now. Anything you need, anytime."

Meanwhile, across the city, Alejandro Morales strode into Isabella's house with the swagger of a man convinced of his own importance. His expensive suit was perfectly pressed, his confidence radiating from every step.

"Isabella, mi amor!" he called out, finding her pacing anxiously in the living room. "I have incredible news!"

Isabella spun around, hope blazing in her eyes. "You spoke to Ricardo Vega? He's reconsidering the role?"

"Even better," Alejandro declared, pulling out a small ornate box. "I've discovered why Vega suddenly canceled your contract."

"Why?" Isabella clutched his arm desperately.

"His daughter has been gravely ill—some rare condition that's had the family in crisis. That's why he couldn't focus on business dealings."

Carmen Rodriguez emerged from the kitchen, her face lighting up. "Oh, Alejandro! You've solved the mystery!"

"Indeed," Alejandro continued smugly. "But here's the brilliant part—I've acquired something that will guarantee Vega's cooperation."

He opened the ornate box with theatrical flair, revealing what appeared to be a gnarled, aged root wrapped in silk.

"Behold—genuine thousand-year ginseng root. Extremely rare, worth more than most people's houses. When Vega sees we've brought this for his daughter, he'll be so moved by our sincerity that he'll beg Isabella to take the role back."

Isabella gasped, touching the root reverently. "Alejandro, this must have cost a fortune! How did you manage to find such a treasure?"

"I have connections you can't imagine, mi amor. My family's influence reaches into the most exclusive circles of collectors and dealers."

Carmen clasped her hands together in delight. "This is perfect! What father wouldn't be grateful for such a precious gift for his sick child?"

"Exactly my thinking," Alejandro puffed up with pride. "We'll present this personally, show Vega that we truly care about his family's wellbeing. He'll see that Isabella isn't just some actress seeking roles—she's a compassionate woman who genuinely wants to help."

"When do we go?" Isabella asked eagerly.

"Immediately. Strike while the iron is hot, as they say."

The three of them rushed to the Vega estate, their confidence sky-high. But when they arrived at the imposing gates, the security guard shook his head firmly.

"I'm sorry, but Mr. Vega isn't receiving visitors today," the guard informed them through the intercom.

"But we have something extremely important for his daughter!" Alejandro protested. "A rare medicinal herb that could help her condition!"

"I'll pass along your message, sir, but Mr. Vega gave strict instructions—"

"Please," Isabella leaned toward the intercom. "Just tell him Isabella Rodriguez and Alejandro Morales are here with a thousand-year ginseng root for Miss Esperanza. He'll want to see this."

After a brief pause, the guard returned. "Mr. Vega appreciates the gesture but requests that you leave any items with security. He's unavailable for meetings."

Alejandro's face reddened with embarrassment, but he maintained his composure. "Of course, of course. A man in his position must be incredibly busy caring for his daughter."

He handed the ornate box to the guard. "Please ensure Mr. Vega understands this is genuine thousand-year ginseng—extremely rare and valuable. Once he examines it, he'll recognize our sincere intentions and contact us directly."

"I'll make sure he receives it, sir."

As they drove away, Isabella squeezed Alejandro's hand. "That was perfect. You handled the situation with such dignity."

"When Vega sees what we've brought, he'll realize we're people of substance and compassion," Alejandro replied confidently. "The role will be yours within days, I guarantee it."

Later that evening, Isabella's phone rang. Carmen answered with breathless excitement.

"Isabella! You'll never believe what I just heard!" Carmen's voice was practically singing. "Maria Castellanos just called—Ricardo Vega's daughter has made a miraculous recovery! They're throwing a massive celebration banquet tonight!"

Isabella shot up from the couch. "She's recovered? Already?"

"Yes! And get this—they're inviting all the elite from business, politics, and entertainment! Maria says it's going to be the social event of the year!"

Alejandro's chest swelled with pride. "You see? The ginseng root worked faster than we could have hoped! Vega must be overwhelmed with gratitude."

"This is it," Isabella breathed, tears of relief streaming down her face. "This is exactly what we needed. When Vega sees how our gift helped save his daughter, he'll not only give me back the role—he'll probably offer me an exclusive contract!"

"Of course he will," Alejandro declared arrogantly. "Genuine thousand-year ginseng isn't something ordinary people can acquire. Vega will recognize that only someone with my level of connections and resources could have obtained such a treasure."

Isabella rushed to her closet to find the perfect dress, her heart soaring with anticipation. Finally, everything was falling into place. Diego's sabotage had been overcome, and Alejandro's brilliance had saved the day.

"We need to get ready immediately! This banquet will be our triumph!"

"I'll wear the red Valentino," she called to Alejandro. "The one that photographs so beautifully."

"Absolutely," Isabella agreed, her eyes shining with renewed hope. "Tonight, everyone will see that Isabella Rodriguez is back!"

As the trio began frantically preparing for the celebration, none of them realized that Esperanza had been cured hours before their "precious" ginseng root ever reached the Vega estate.

The fake root—which Alejandro had purchased from a street vendor for fifty dollars—sat unopened in Ricardo's study, already forgotten amid the genuine joy of his daughter's recovery.