She rides the elevator up a sleek glass tower, clutching her résumé and replaying her mother’s advice. It’s her first day as a secretary at Salgado & Partners, the most prestigious law firm in the city.
At reception, she introduces herself, trying to sound confident despite the knot in her stomach. The receptionist tells her she’s right on time and warns her that “the licenciado” hates lateness.
Laura is passed to Marta, an older secretary with a kind face and sharp eyes. As Marta leads her through marble corridors full of expensive suits and murmured million-dollar cases, Laura feels how far this world is from the one where every month is a struggle to pay for treatments.
Marta lays out the rules: Ricardo Salgado, the head of the firm, is demanding—perfect punctuality, flawless organization, absolute discretion. And never interrupt him during an important call.
Laura nods, determined not to fail. When she asks when she’ll meet him, Marta says, “He’s waiting for you now. And don’t panic if he seems cold—he’s like that with everyone.”