He looked uncomfortable but continued.
“The cancellation notice cited concerns about judgment and professional culture.”
“That has nothing to do with the venue!”
Elena’s voice came from the doorway.
“It has everything to do with the venue.”
Every person in the room turned.
Elena Mendoza stood at the entrance beside two Altavista executives and the company’s legal counsel.
She wore a dark coat, her expression composed.
No shouting.
No theatrical entrance.
She simply walked into the room.
Teresa became pale.
“Ms. Mendoza.”
Elena ignored her initially.
She crossed the room and stopped in front of Sofia.
“Are you alright?”
Sofia nodded.
“Yes.”
“Were you medically checked?”
“I’m fine.”
Only then did Elena turn toward the rest of them.
Teresa approached cautiously.
“Ms. Mendoza, please. There has been a terrible misunderstanding.”
Elena’s expression did not change.
“I watched the video.”
Teresa stopped.
“We were joking.”
“I heard the words.”
“Our family has unusual traditions.”
“Abandoning a guest beside a highway in severe weather is not a tradition Altavista wishes to associate with.”
Teresa’s smile disappeared completely.
“This was personal.”
Elena nodded.
“Correct.”
Relief flickered across Teresa’s face.
Then Elena added, “And personal conduct often reveals professional judgment.”
Teresa’s relief vanished.
Elena glanced toward the estate manager.
“If someone believed vulnerable guests needed to ‘learn obedience,’ I would question whether my clients would be treated with respect when no executive was watching.”
The manager nodded grimly.
Elena continued.
“Altavista sells trust. We place executives, wedding parties, families, and international guests at partner properties.”
Her eyes moved around the room.
“I will not recommend a property controlled by people who believe humiliation is entertainment.”
Nobody spoke.
Teresa tried another approach.
“I apologize.”
Elena looked at her.
“To me?”
Teresa hesitated.
“No. To Sofia.”
“Then look at her.”
Teresa turned toward Sofia.
For the first time that afternoon, there was no smile on her face.
“I apologize.”
Sofia waited.
Teresa struggled.
“For leaving you at the terminal.”
“And?”
Teresa’s jaw tightened.
“For the things I said.”
“And?”
Mariana whispered, “Mom.”
Teresa closed her eyes briefly.
“For treating you as though you needed to prove you were good enough for us.”
Sofia nodded once.
That was closer.
Teresa looked desperately toward Elena.
“So can we repair the partnership?”
