"Houses can be torn down," Rosa agreed, reaching across the table to cover his hand with her warm, calloused palm. "But as long as we are together, we carry the foundation with us. The question isn't about the money, Leo. The question is: are you running away from the hard work, or are you running toward a new dream?"
That morning, a developer from Los Angeles had handed Leo a contract. The number on the bottom line was staggering—more money than the ranch had generated in the last decade. It was enough to pay off the mounting debts, secure his parents' retirement, and allow Leo to finally start a life that didn’t involve waking up at four in the morning to fix broken irrigation lines.
"Five million," Elena whispered. "Leo, that changes everything."
"He’s late," Rosa murmured, casting a glance toward the heavy oak door.
"Houses can be torn down," Rosa agreed, reaching across the table to cover his hand with her warm, calloused palm. "But as long as we are together, we carry the foundation with us. The question isn't about the money, Leo. The question is: are you running away from the hard work, or are you running toward a new dream?"
That morning, a developer from Los Angeles had handed Leo a contract. The number on the bottom line was staggering—more money than the ranch had generated in the last decade. It was enough to pay off the mounting debts, secure his parents' retirement, and allow Leo to finally start a life that didn’t involve waking up at four in the morning to fix broken irrigation lines.
"Five million," Elena whispered. "Leo, that changes everything."
"He’s late," Rosa murmured, casting a glance toward the heavy oak door.