The video cut to him visiting his grandmother, a frail woman lying in bed.
"Lola's been weak lately. Arthritis, no appetite. If these fruits can help even a little, maybe it's worth it."
He peeled a guava, feeding her a slice.
At first, nothing happened.
Then, slowly, the grandmother's eyes brightened. She sat up straighter.
"Anak… this fruit… it feels like warmth in my chest."
The camera caught Enzo's stunned expression. "Wait. She hasn't sat up on her own in weeks."
He filmed as his grandmother ate more, color returning to her cheeks. She even chuckled, patting his hand.
"Masarap. Parang bumabalik ang lakas ko."
The video ended with Enzo staring into the camera, shaken.
"Okay. Maybe this isn't a scam."
---
The vlog spread like wildfire.
Comments poured in:
"Where can I buy??"
"Is this for real? Miracle fruits?"
"I need this for my mom!"
"Link please!!"
By the next morning, Lara's phone buzzed nonstop with notifications. Orders skyrocketed, messages flooded in from all over the country.
Bianca stared at the screen in disbelief. "This… this is insane."
Lara squealed, dancing around the room. "We did it, Bianca! We're viral! Do you understand what this means?"
Bianca pressed a hand to her chest, overwhelmed. The hacienda pulsed with life outside, as if celebrating too—the orchard vibrant, the fountain sparkling.
And in the shadows of the bamboo grove, the mysterious man watched again, lips curving faintly. He had seen enough of Marco's greed. Now, Bianca's light was beginning to shine.
That evening, they gathered under the veranda again. Ramon sat polishing tools, Lydia brewed tea, Paolo played with Pochi. Lara scrolled through the flood of messages, laughing.
"Bianca, listen to this—someone offered ₱20,000 for a premium basket. They don't even care what's inside, they just want it."
Bianca shook her head, uneasy. "That feels… wrong. It shouldn't be only for the rich."
Lara softened. "Then we create balance. Some fruits for higher price, but plenty kept affordable. We'll honor the land, Bianca. I promise."
Bianca nodded slowly. "Yes. The hacienda must serve everyone, not just the wealthy."
Kaloy yawned from the railing. "Wise choice. Greed makes the fruit bitter."
---
But even as laughter and hope filled the night, Bianca couldn't shake a flicker of fear.
Because for every person healed, for every miracle shared… more eyes would turn toward the hacienda.
And not all of them would be kind.
---
End of Chapter 26