Alejandro approached the breakfast table, standing very close to Mr Castillo. He greeted Mr. Castillo with a curt nod and mumbled a polite "good morning" to Antonio. His voice was clipped, professional. He didn't acknowledge the fact that Diana was also on the table, as he tried to keep his distance.
Diana couldn't stand it. She wanted to rush to him, to explain everything, but Antonio's hand on her arm grounded her, a silent reminder of their deal.
Antonio, meanwhile, was relishing every second of the tension. He reached for Diana's hand, holding it as if they were a perfect couple. "Diana's been telling me all about the plantation's future plans," he said, loud enough for Alejandro to hear. "I think we'll make a great team when we're married."
"That's a great move." Mr Castillo said smiling at his daughter.
Alejandro's jaw tightened. His hand gripped the edge of the table so hard his knuckles turned white. But he didn't look at her.
