Alex released her. "Excuse me a minute."
He worked his way across the crowded room and knelt beside Alondra, putting a comforting arm around her shoulders. He kissed her forehead and spoke to her. It was impossible to hear what he was saying with so many people speaking. Carmen stepped back into the corner, out of the way as people began leaving the room. Finally the only ones left in the room were Alex, Alondra, Senor Medena and Carmen. Unsure whether she was welcome in their conversation, she remained in the corner. Alex glanced up and motioned for her to join them. He was talking to his father as she joined them.
"Of course he can't will Alfonso like he did his property, but he does have the right to express his wishes. Ernesto has a nice little ranch."
His attention shifted to Alfonso. "I think it would be best if you would go stay with your uncle - at least for a while. Your father had a reason for his wish. I think you should honor it."
Alfonso hung his head. "Yes sir."
Alex stood and helped Alondra to her feet. She put an arm around Alfonso and led him to the door. Alex turned to his father.
"Don't take it personally. He felt that Alfonso would learn to be more responsible if he lived a simpler life. That was why he wanted me to raise Alfonso."
Senor contemplated the idea. "Do you think this is true?"
Alex shrugged. "Possibly."
Senor sighed heavily. "Then it will be so."
They left Senor Medena in his den and headed back to their room. Carmen slipped her hand in his and looked up at his somber features.
"Did Morino have a lot of money?"
Alex looked down at her. "I suppose so."
"Is he as wealthy as you?"
Alex stopped and frowned down at her. "When are you going to stop doing that?"
She searched his face but found no clue as to what she had done wrong.
"Stop doing what?"
"You don't even know, do you?"
She slowly shook her head.
He rubbed the back of his neck. "It isn't just my money any more."
She eyed him doubtfully. "Legally, maybe, but you're the one who earned it. I wouldn't take it from you - if that's what you're worried about."
He studied her face. "The only thing I'm worried about is losing you."
That was a strange thing for a man to say after leaving like he had. He was the one who wanted a divorce. Why would he be worried about losing her? But then, he had changed his mind about divorce, hadn't he?