The millionaire set out to fire her employee for repeated absences… but the moment she opened that door, she uncovered a truth her life of luxury had never prepared her for.

When Laura looked at Carlos again, something in her expression had changed.

I was no longer seeing an employee.

I was looking at an exhausted man.

“My wife’s name is Elena,” Carlos said quietly. “She was diagnosed with kidney failure two years ago.”

Laura remained silent.

—He needs dialysis… three times a week.

Carlos settled the baby on his shoulder.

—But the public hospital is overwhelmed. Sometimes weeks go by without her being seen.

Laura looked at the woman in bed.

Elena could barely keep her eyes open.

—And the children? —Laura asked.

Carlos took a deep breath.

—They’re ours.

Then he paused.

—And two more… are my sister’s.

Laura looked up.

—Your sister?

—He died last year—Carlos said—. A bus accident.

Silence filled the room.

—I couldn’t leave my nephews alone… so I stayed with them.

Laura felt something uncomfortable in her chest.

“So…” he murmured. “You support six people.”

Carlos nodded.

—I work nights cleaning offices.

—During the day I take care of the children.

—And I take Elena to the hospital when we can.

Laura lowered her gaze.

His Swiss watch gleamed in the light from the window.

That watch was worth more than that entire house.

For the first time in years, she felt ashamed.

“Why didn’t you ever say anything?” he asked.

Carlos smiled weakly.

—Because I didn’t want to lose my job.

Laura felt something inside her break.