Episode 19

Felipe made his way to Camila's desk upon noticing that the door to Don Mauricio's office was shut.

"Is the boss with someone or on his own?" asked Felipe as he approached Camila's desk.

"He's with Malu, you can go in if you want," Camila replied, eyes fixed on her computer, although he sensed something was off about her demeanor.

"I'd rather leave them alone. Are you okay, Camila?" Felipe inquired.

"No, Felipe," Camila responded, looking up at him.

"Can I help?" Felipe asked with concern.

"Do you have three hundred thousand dollars you could lend me?" Camila knew he had it.

"Camila, why do you need all that money?" he asked, his eyebrow raised.

"Do you have it or not?" she pressed.

"No, but I can get it to you in a week; I had to make some investments," he explained.

"I don't have a week; forget it, I shouldn't have asked," Camila said, planting her hands firmly on the desk, her gaze downward.

"Camila, is someone blackmailing you? I can handle it," he offered earnestly.

"No, Felipe, I need to lend money to a friend," she contemplated.

"To the housekeeper?" Felipe already knew the answer.

"How did you know?" she asked, eyeing him.

"Camila, I'm aware of everything that goes on here; you know that's my job. Don Mauricio is willing to help your friend; why doesn't she just accept?" he suggested firmly.

"Accept to marry Don Mauricio? Are you insane?" Camila's voice rose.

"Keep your voice down, Camila. Why not? He's obsessed with her and willing to cover all expenses. Talk to your friend, convince her to accept the offer; I've seen that the girl doesn't have much time," Felipe said, concern tinting his voice.

"Felipe, I can't do that. Sabrina has been through a lot; she can't get involved with someone like you," Camila stated flatly.

"Camila, she doesn't have many options. And another thing, I've never seen him so eager and willing to win a woman over, like with this housekeeper. I'm sure she'll be happier if she accepts his proposal soon. Men like us stand by our words," Felipe emphasized, stepping closer.

"I don't know, Felipe. I feel guilty for involving her in all this," Camila admitted, crestfallen.

"Don't be sad; we'll solve this together," he comforted her, touching her face tenderly.

"Thank you, Felipe, but you don't need to touch me," she said, drawing away from his hands. At that moment, Don Mauricio's office door opened and Malu emerged.

"Hi Felipe, long time no see," Malu greeted him with a smile.

"Hello, Malu. Excuse me," he said, quickly stepping into Don Mauricio's office.

"Camila, I need to talk to you," Malu said, heading towards where Camila stood.

"Go ahead, Maria Luiza," Camila said, meeting her gaze.

"Call me Malu. Tomorrow my husband Miguel will come to see you; he's returning to work here as the chief engineer. I want you to assign him the best office available and arrange for a male assistant for him. I don't want any female employees near him, understand?" Maria Luiza demanded with seriousness.

"Of course, Malu. I will arrange the office for him and find a male assistant," Camila agreed.

"Great. And could you wear more modest shirts to work? My brother is single, so he doesn't mind your revealing necklines, but with married men working here, could you button up a bit more?" Maria Luiza suggested.

"I'll wear what I choose as long as it's not an issue for my boss. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some calls to make," Camila replied, trying to remain as polite as possible.

"You're free to wear what you want, but I'd prefer it if you dressed more appropriately from now on, or I’ll have to find a new assistant for my brother. I believe you haven't saved enough to move to the United States yet, have you? How about being less vulgar and knowing your place, Camila," Maria Luiza retorted, agitated.

"Maria Luiza, if you want to find another assistant for your brother, feel free to do so. I doubt he would accept replacing me just because his sister is insecure. Don't worry about my neckline; I don't need to have this conversation with you," Camila stated to close the subject.

"I am not insecure, dear; I am a professional, and you should try to be one too. There are plenty of assistants out there. Better to know your place," Maria Luiza said before turning her back on Camila.