Page 108 of Savage Bosses

Selene’s return to Palenque with Emir at her side was a different experience. She could now appreciate the beauty of the culture surrounding her. As she walked through the market square, locals stopped their conversations to greet her while vendors hawked their wares from colorful stalls. She was no longer an outsider.

Eventually, they arrived at the community center, where she was brought before a council of Quadro leaders who had gathered to discuss her KJR proposal.

With Emir and Antonio at her side, Selene explained how valuable the library could be for their town, offering access to media, educational resources, and other materials that would help promote knowledge and development in Palenque. The council listened intently before finally agreeing to her proposal, but not without asking for something in return.

Selene was undeterred and quickly negotiated a contract where KJR would provide them with valuable research and studies on topics such as agriculture, medicine, engineering, and economics. They wanted to position themselves to be a player on a global stage, and that took money. Money, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund had no interest in investing.

Emir pledged that KJR would be a financial resource for the community beyond the library's building. It would invest in its infrastructure.

The council was impressed and less wary. They permitted them to design and build in Palenque, and Selene was over the moon.

As they left the meeting, walking hand in hand, Selene turned to Emir.

“I think your financial pledge was the turning point. Thank You. I could not have done that without you.”

Emir reached down and placed a kiss on her forehead. “You’re a fierce woman, Selene. I do not doubt that you would have found a way. Just know that I’d do anything for you.”

“I also realized that I was fussing and fighting for the World Bank to invest more in the community when KJR could do the same. We will still lobby for them to make serious investments in these towns, but in the meantime, we will support our own.”

Selene looked up at her man with pride. She was returning to Aspen with a new outlook on life, and she couldn’t wait to start her new chapter with Emir.

“I love you, Emir. I need you to know that.”

Emir kissed her hand. “I know, baby, and no matter what happens, I promise never to forget.”

The End.

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