Chapter 13 - The Shield and the Sword
As the girls grew older, Leo realized that protecting them wasn't just about keeping the bad guys away; it was about teaching them how to stand their ground. He converted a spare room in the penthouse into a small gym, laying down padded mats.
On a Saturday afternoon, Mariana watched from the doorway as Leo taught Sofia and Maya the basics of self-defense.
"It's not about being the strongest," Leo explained to a very serious-looking seven-year-old Sofia. "It's about being smart, maintaining your balance, and knowing you have a right to your own space. Nobody gets to intimidate you. Understand?"
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"Yes, Leo," Sofia said, throwing a surprisingly fierce jab into the padded mitt he held up.
Mariana smiled, leaning against the doorframe. Beatriz Alcazar had tried to raise these girls to be quiet, compliant ornaments for a toxic dynasty. Leo was raising them to be warriors. He was giving them the tools they needed to navigate the world without fear. He was the shield that had guarded them, and now, he was helping them forge their own swords.
