Carlos read it and saw that, indeed, there was a list of expensive schools.

“And that proves she’s up to something,” Dolores insisted. “Why would a housekeeper research such expensive schools, Mr. Carlos? Are you planning to take advantage of your generosity? Or perhaps you want to improve the education of the siblings you claim to support? Or maybe you’re thinking of suggesting that Valentina transfer to one of those schools? That way, you’d position yourself as the family’s educational advisor.”

Dolores’s paranoia began to unsettle Carlos, but he couldn’t deny that it was strange. He decided to confront Carmen directly.

On Monday, Carlos arrived home at lunchtime and found Carmen and Valentina preparing sandwiches in the kitchen.

“Dad!” Valentina shouted. “Aunt Carmelita is teaching me how to make a cheese sandwich like the ones Mom used to make.”

Carlos felt a lump in his throat. Daniela really did make special star-shaped sandwiches with melted cheese for Valentina.

—Carmen, can I talk to you?

—Of course, Mr. Carlos.

—Valentina, finish your food; your dad wants to talk to me —Carmen said gently.

In the office, Carlos showed her the paper that Dolores had found.

—Can you explain this to me?

Carmen blushed.

“Mr. Carlos… I can explain. My younger brother, Alejandro, is very intelligent. He’s in his junior year of high school and gets excellent grades. I was researching good schools to see if I could get him a scholarship.”

—And why didn’t you tell me?

—Because I didn’t want her to think I was asking her for a favor. My family is my responsibility.

—But you researched very expensive schools. Scholarships there are extremely rare.

“I know… but dreaming doesn’t cost anything, right?” she said with a sad smile. “My Alejandro is just as intelligent as Valentina. He deserves a chance.”

Carlos was surprised by the comparison. Does he really think my daughter is intelligent?

“Mr. Carlos, Valentina is extraordinary. She learns everything I teach her. She asks incredible questions. She has an impressive emotional sensitivity for a three-year-old. You should be very proud.”

—But he’s never shown it to me like that.

“Because you come home tired, worried about work. Valentina notices and doesn’t want to bother you. But when we’re alone, she talks about you all the time.”

—What are you talking about?

—That her dad works hard to take care of her, that her dad gets sad just like she does. She understands much more than we think, Mr. Carlos.

That conversation changed something in Carlos’s perspective. Perhaps the problem wasn’t that Carmen was manipulating Valentina, but that he himself didn’t know how to connect with his daughter.

That afternoon he decided to try something. He arrived early and asked Dolores to prepare a snack for him and Valentina in the garden, without Carmen being there.

—Honey, Dad wants to play with you today.

—What are we going to play?

—Whatever you want.

Valentina thought for a moment.

—Can I teach Dad what Aunt Carmelita taught me?