Chapter 14 - The New Normal
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The transition from ruthless CEO to dedicated philanthropist required a significant adjustment in Roberto's daily routine.
He no longer woke at four in the morning to review international market trends. Instead, he woke at six, made coffee, and spent an hour reading in the quiet study before the house woke up.
On a bright Tuesday morning, Roberto sat at the kitchen island, helping Sofía practice her Braille reading assignment.
"Your fingers are moving too fast, Captain," Roberto gently corrected, guiding her small hand back to the beginning of the line. "Feel the shape of the word, don't just guess."
Sofía sighed dramatically, a theatrical display of frustration.
"It's hard, Daddy. The dots all feel the same today."
"I know it's hard," Roberto agreed patiently. "But remember what we talked about? The hardest things are usually the ones most worth doing."
Sofía traced the line again, her concentration evident in the slight furrow of her brow.
"O...cean," she sounded out slowly, a victorious smile spreading across her face. "Ocean!"
"Exactly!" Roberto cheered, kissing the top of her head.
His phone buzzed on the counter. It was a text from his new Chief Operating Officer, a brilliant young woman he had hired to manage the day-to-day logistics of his remaining legitimate businesses.
The acquisition papers for the new tech firm are ready for your signature. Can you come in this afternoon?
Roberto looked at the text, then at his daughter, who was eagerly starting the next sentence in her book.
He typed his reply:
May you like
Send them via courier. I am working from home today.
He set the phone down and turned his full attention back to Sofía. The empire could wait; the ocean was calling.
