The next weeks, I lived a double life.
In the mornings, I was the poor widow everyone knew—buying vegetables at the sari-sari store, chatting with neighbors, keeping up appearances. But in the afternoons, I became a businesswoman. I studied Ramon’s documents, worked with Tito Jun, planned my next move.
I discovered that Ramon had been smarter than I ever realized. Every investment was strategic. The condo where Angelica lived wasn’t just profitable; the whole area was rapidly increasing in value. I also found out that Eduardo had debts—many debts. He had taken loans using the condo as collateral, not knowing he wasn’t the real owner.
When the bank discovered this, things would get ugly.
On Friday, Tito Jun finally called.
“Ma’am Rosa, everything is done. You now have full control of all your properties. And… we also retrieved Ramon’s car.”
“Excellent, Tito Jun. I need one more thing. Send my daughter a letter.”
“What kind of letter?”
“Eviction.”
Silence.
“Ma’am… are you sure?”
“Absolutely.”
That afternoon, Aling Marites from the barangay ran to my house with the latest gossip.
“Rosa! Did you hear? Eduardo is in trouble with the bank. My brother works there—he said the loans he took are under investigation.”
