Bernard silently observed the man who had entered his office, examining him from head to toe.
An ordinary man, he thought.
Yes… he could use him in his propaganda, a tool to advance his goals. Bernard's lips curved in a secret smile at the thought.
He no longer worried about his business; his subordinates were handling it. Still, they had yet to catch the one sabotaging his illegal operations in the black market.
The man stood quietly, occasionally glancing at Bernard, seemingly shy.
"G–Good morning, sir," the man greeted.
"Sit down…" Bernard said simply.
The man nodded and sat in front of him. Bernard glanced over his background again—applying for the position of gardener in his mansion. There was nothing that could tarnish his dignity, and Bernard knew he had no rivals; he could deal with anyone who opposed him.
"So, what's your name again?" Bernard asked, fixing him with an intense gaze.
"Rolando Gracias, sir," the man replied politely.
"Alright, I have no more questions for you. You've passed our background check. You can stay in my mansion—I'm not too strict with the people here." Bernard gave a warm smile.
"In fact, I help my people live with dignity. Don't worry about days off, sick leave, or benefits, as long as you don't violate any of my rules," he added, staring directly at him.
Rolando, like a nervous goat unable to hold his gaze, just nodded repeatedly.
Bernard reached out and tapped him on the shoulder.
"We've hired you," he said, still smiling.
Joy and relief flooded the man's face.
"Thank you very much, sir. I will finally be able to help my family." He bowed deeply, thanking Bernard over and over.
In Bernard's mansion, he was god—his word was absolute. It was only right for those before him to worship.
"You may rest now, so you'll have strength for tomorrow," Bernard said. He needed to beautify and perfume his name—to appear an angel in the eyes of his people so they would love him more.
"Alright. Thank you very much, Don Bernard," Rolando said.
Feigning humility, Bernard chuckled. "Oh no, just call me Sir Bernard, not Don."
Rolando nodded. "Thank you very much. I'll take my leave now." He bowed once more before turning the doorknob and carefully closing the door.
Bernard sighed, took out a bottle of hand sanitizer from his desk, and returned to his work. Campaign season had begun, and he was waiting for his partner. He was running for governor—a high position, where one could do as they pleased.
He had served as mayor for three years in this province, but his record was tarnished when his first wife, Bella, died, followed by his second wife—one of Roman blood. He nearly went to jail after her death; both women had high standards, and the Blanco family—veteran journalists and friends of his second wife—had found a way to accuse him.
From the shadows, Bernard had fought back. He had killed the two journalist couples. He had eliminated the judges handling his case, rendering them powerless.
He thought both enemies had gone quiet, but they were only waiting for the right moment to strike.
You will not defeat me. Stay silent, or more innocent families will be dragged into our war, he vowed silently. I will show you again what it means to be a Fuego.
Rising from his chair, Bernard stepped out into the halls of his large mansion, surrounded by beautiful flowers and breathtaking views. Everyone who saw him immediately showed respect for the small palace he had built.
He noticed Giovane had already gone home.
"Dad," he greeted.
"Yeah? Take a rest first—you'll need to be in top shape later," he said, patting his shoulder.
He nodded and passed by. Alexander was gone, sent on an errand. The maids were busy cleaning every corner of the mansion.
Perfect, Bernard thought.
My life is peaceful now. No one dares oppose me—and if they do, I will personally destroy them, even if they are my own children.
He was waiting to bring his two teenage daughters back. They knew his secrets, and he needed to silence them before they could be used against him.
No pity. No hesitation. Just as with Ellese and Felisa before, he would act without mercy.
A smile crept across his face. No one could destroy the foundation, wealth, and luxury he had built.
Even if your blood spills on my hands… I will not back down. I will do it.