Two days later, the knock came.
It was mid-afternoon, the sun warm and high. Bianca was helping Ramon reinforce the poultry shed when Lydia called from the front yard.
"Señorita! You have visitors!"
Bianca wiped her hands on her skirt, puzzled. Few people came to the hacienda without warning. When she reached the gate, her heart sank.
Leaning casually against the wrought iron bars was a man she hadn't seen in years.
"Cousin," he greeted, smiling with too much polish.
Bianca's stomach clenched. "Marco."
---
Marco Rodriguez was the son of her father's elder brother. They had played together as children, but even then Bianca remembered his arrogance, the way he always had to win games, always had to be first. As an adult, he had drifted to Manila, dabbling in businesses that never lasted.
Now, here he was, in a pressed polo shirt and slacks, sunglasses perched on his head—too polished, too city-smooth.
"It's been so long," he said as she unlatched the gate. "I was heartbroken about Lolo Berto. I wanted to come sooner, but, you know—business."
Bianca forced a polite smile. "It's fine. Come inside."
---
They sat on the veranda, Lydia serving juice while Paolo peeked from behind the doorway, curious about the visitor. Marco accepted the glass, sipping it as though the hacienda already belonged to him.
"So," he began smoothly, glancing toward the orchards, "I hear you've decided to live here. Very brave. Most of us… well, you know the old stories."
Bianca's voice was even. "Yes. I know."
"But you're making it work." Marco leaned forward, his smile sharp. "Word has already spread in the village. Guavas blooming again, the land looking alive. Cousin Rosa couldn't stop raving. Very impressive. Almost… too impressive."
Lara shot Bianca a wary glance.
Marco continued, "Look, cousin. We're family. You don't need to handle this alone. The hacienda is massive, too massive for one person. What if I came in to… help? We could form a partnership. Share the land, share the profits."
There it was.
Bianca inhaled slowly. "Thank you, Marco. But no. I can manage."
His smile faltered briefly before returning. "Are you sure? This land has a… reputation. You don't want to end up like the others."
"The others gave up too easily," Bianca said quietly. "I won't."
His eyes hardened for a split second. Then, with a chuckle, he drained his glass and stood.
"Well, I only wanted to offer. But think about it, cousin. Land like this—it shouldn't go to waste."
He left with a courteous wave, but his words lingered like thorns.
---
End of Chapter 17