Chapter 63

Cesar.

I observed the building and realized it hadn't been a bad purchase. Although it was difficult to acquire, no deal could resist me, especially not one involving the mafia. They had settled in this neighborhood for years, exploiting the hunger-driven desperation of the homeless with the false promise that it was cheaper to spend their money here. It was despicable to see how they had created a condominium of private soup kitchens to enrich themselves at their expense. After investigating the owners, I found they were usurious politicians and, like good usurers, they had overwhelming debts. With a good deal and a decent amount of money, I evicted all those rats. Now, people would have access to a free dining hall.

"Mr. Cesar, would you like us to open tonight?"

"Yes, and it would be best to put on a big show to get the whole neighborhood's attention. I want everyone to know," I said, thinking of Belle. I was going to teach her a lesson she'd never forget.

"As you wish."

۩

The group of homeless people and I headed to the private dining halls the former mayor had set up. When we arrived, we were greeted by a dazzling array of warm lights, clean tables, and a delicious aroma of freshly made food. Everyone stood there, stunned, staring at the place.

"Come in, please, everyone in an orderly line. We’ll be serving meals to everyone, so don't worry, you’ll all get your dinner," said a kind woman in a clean uniform.

"And how much will this cost us? We’re not fools..."

"Absolutely nothing, gentlemen. These dining halls will be at your service, with the agreement that all plastic, cardboard, and aluminum bottles are transferred to the scrap factory. We've made a deal to exchange those items for money to help you maintain this place. I won’t take a single penny from this, and you’ll be able to have free meals." They all looked at each other in surprise.

"So... welcome." After those words, everyone rushed to the large table of food, served by a huge group of assistants. I watched as Cesar removed his suit jacket, rolled up his pristine shirt sleeves, and helped the ladies serve plates to everyone arriving.

"Well, you weren't wrong; he really is the wealthy guy everyone was talking about. But clarify something for me, Belle – didn’t you say he came from a ruthless and malicious family?"

"It’s true."

"Well, this is the first time I've seen a privileged man get his hands dirty without any shame."

"Oh, please… he's obviously faking it."

"And what would be his objective in doing that?"

"I don’t know, to annoy me? That man is not what he seems. Don’t let him fool you, Sassa."

"To annoy you? And why would it bother you if he’s helping an entire neighborhood out of the crisis we've been enduring because of those thieving, lying politicians who deceived us back then?"

"He just wants to look good."

"For what purpose?"

"How should I know? He’s crazy."

"I think the crazy one here is you. Don’t you think maybe he came looking for you because you misjudged him? You should find out. I don’t know about you, but I'm going to get my plate of food."

"Don’t be dazzled, Sassa. It must be a trick." She smiled at me slyly and, grabbing my hand, pulled me inside with her. We picked up a plastic plate and made our way down the long table of pots, where a woman was ladling out servings of food. The line moved slowly until I reached Mr. Cesar, who looked at me with a self-satisfied smile. Ignoring him, I moved forward, but then I heard him say:

"Aren't you going to say anything, Miss Belle?"

"What do you want me to say now?" I inquired, stopping to look at him.

"You know exactly what I want." And without saying anything else, he looked away from me to smile at a woman as he filled her plate.

We sat at the tables, and each of us devoured the stew while laughter from friendly conversations filled the air. I looked around the room closely, and everyone seemed content—children, mothers, the elderly. It was the dream we had longed for in this poor neighborhood. A smile formed on my lips, and Sassa returned it.

"You look happy."

"Everything is really good."

"Well, finally something sensible out of you." I glanced down and, out of the corner of my eye, saw that man, perfectly groomed. He shook the hand of one of the young women who cared for her family alone. Each morning, she woke up earlier than us and roamed the cold mornings, gathering all the cardboard she could find. She seemed touched, wiping away a few tears, thanked him, and then sat at our table. Our eyes met again, and I quickly looked away, focusing on my plate when I heard:

"You..."

"What?"

"You like him, don’t you?" My face grew hot, and I quickly shook my head.

"N-no, that's not true... I... I love someone else."

"Yeah, sure, if you say so," she teased with a grin, returning to her plate. I looked at the girl who had exchanged a few words with Cesar, and she seemed happy.

"I know it’s him… that man has helped many people."

"What do you mean, Ali? Spill the gossip. Are you dating that rich guy?" Sassa asked, looking at me with a mischievous smile.

"I’d never think of that, but I was just telling everyone that I recognized that man. He’s an angel… he’s helped so many people."

"And how do you know that?"

"You know my mother has cancer, and paying for her treatment is nearly impossible. She’s in a foundation for cancer patients, and if it weren’t for Mr. Cesar’s donations, it wouldn’t still be running. I’m so grateful for his kindness. I never thought I'd get to thank him in person…" she said, covering her mouth, on the verge of tears. Sassa looked at me in surprise, prompting me to glance at Mr. Cesar as he approached our table.

"Well, speak of the devil; seems like we summoned him." I dropped my spoonful of rice, wanting to disappear at that moment.