Chapter 61

Here’s a refined version of your text with some adjustments for flow, clarity, and natural expression:

On a beautiful hill stood a stunning estate, elegant from corner to corner and adorned with vines across all its facades. This was the Coachely family's home. Belladona descended to the dining room and sat at the table where her dear father, Vitory Sambrano, sat reading the newspaper with a cup of coffee in hand. She spoke.

“I haven’t talked to Cesar Montenegro in a long time. Have you spoken to him?”

“Yes, we went on a business trip a few days ago.” Then, as if recalling something important, she continued, “By the way, Father, I wanted to ask you something about my mother.” He raised an eyebrow, looking at her over the newspaper with a serious expression.

“You've ruined my breakfast. What about that woman?”

“Do you know if she had more children?” Her question seemed to make him tense, and he responded evasively.

“What do you mean?”

“I wouldn’t like it if unknown daughters suddenly showed up, asking for part of the inheritance, money, or anything else.”

“That won’t happen…”

“How do you know? You should investigate her whereabouts.”

“Since when do you tell me what to do or how to proceed? I’ll decide if she’s a threat, but let me tell you now, she isn’t… and never will be. Focus on the Montenegros and secure that marriage. It’s already given me enough headaches.” He stood up from the table, clearly irritated, though his daughter’s words had taken root in his mind like a virus. What could that woman be doing now?

♡

I couldn’t shake this terrible feeling in my chest; everything that could have gone wrong had gone catastrophically wrong. For the first time, I could admit that I had misjudged her—her way of thinking, how harsh I had been, and how I had treated her in the mansion. How could anyone hope for a brighter future when the right to even dream had never been granted? Now I understood why someone might live and think in such a bleak way; she had never had a single opportunity. I had been following her for three days, and despite the harsh conditions she faced, she moved as if she belonged, was popular with everyone, and her kindness was evident in every gesture she made with whomever she encountered. These people treated each other like family, knew each other, helped each other… and despite everything, there was a genuine smile on their faces. How was that possible? I heard someone knock on my car window, and there was Belle with her usual serious expression.

“It’s late. If you stay here… don’t you think someone might strip your luxurious car?”

“I’ll take that risk. When do you plan to come back?” I asked quickly. She sighed, running her fingers over her face.

“Don’t say that so lightly. These neighborhoods are dangerous, to the point of putting a gun to your head. Don’t expose yourself like this.”

“You’re still not answering my question.”

“What do you want from me? I’m of no use to you, so what’s the point of looking for me?”

“You have a contract with me.”

“You know I can’t pay you; you’ve seen it well… I have nothing to offer. So why tie yourself to a miserable scavenger?” I wondered the same, and yet, I couldn’t let her go.

“I can play very dirty; don’t test me.” I saw her frown as she replied.

“It’s the only thing people like you know how to do—coerce and lie to get what you want. I may not have money, but no one will ever say I’m a heartless monster.”

“Then believe those things about me.” I looked away from her.

“That’s what everyone says about you. Why shouldn’t I believe it? After all, you’ve never shown me an ounce of mercy.”

“I suppose they’re right…”

“Leave. I don’t want to carry the weight of someone else’s life.”

“I’ll go, but I want you to know one real thing about me.” She turned to look at me, confused, and I stated firmly, “I always win. That’s how I was raised… and that’s how I’ve lived my whole life. Sooner or later, I’ll get what I want.”

“But… what is it that you want?!”

“You.” I said, putting on my sunglasses and rolling up the window, still seeing the bewildered expression on her face.

“Goodnight, Miss Belle.”

“G-goodnight, Mr. Montenegro.”