CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE – THE COMPANY CELEBRATES

When they broke apart, Karina turned to address the room, her voice thick with emotion. "I wasn't planning on making a speech, but after that, how can I not?" She took a deep breath, her eyes scanning the faces of their loved ones before settling back on Miguel. "When I first started working at Eladio Enterprises, I never could have imagined standing here today. Miguel, you've changed my life in ways I'm still discovering. Your love, your support, your unwavering belief in me – it's given me strength I didn't know I had." She placed a hand on her bump, a soft smile playing on her lips. "This house, our baby, the life we're building together – it's more than I ever dared to dream of. And I want you to know that I'm all in, one hundred percent. Whatever life throws our way, we'll face it together." Karina turned to their guests, raising her glass of sparkling cider. "To new beginnings, to family, and to love that can weather any storm." The room echoed her toast, glasses clinking as