"Przepraszam," powiedział łagodnie Carding, ocierając pot z twarzy.
"Przyszedłem prosto z żniw. Nie chciałem tracić czasu na przebieranie."

Sheila przewróciła oczami.
"Dobrze, że się uczyliśmy," powiedziała chłodno. "Dzięki stypendiom nie skończyliśmy jak... to."

“Exactly,” Ben added. “Look at us—degrees, cars, success. You still smell like soil. What a shame.”

Carding said nothing. He simply went to the kitchen and helped their mother, swallowing the insults in silence.

The arrival that silenced everyone

Midway through the meal, a police siren sounded outside.

A convoy of black SUVs pulled up. The mayor stepped out, flanked by bodyguards and councilors.

“It’s the mayor!” Ricky whispered nervously.
“Behave—this could be good for my business.”

Sheila hurried forward.
“Good morning, Mr. Mayor. I’m Dr. Sheila Reyes—”

But the mayor walked past her without a glance.

He went straight into the kitchen—where Carding was washing dishes.

In front of everyone, the mayor bowed… and kissed Carding’s hand.

“Ninong Carding,” he said respectfully. “Forgive my delay.”

The room froze.

“Y-you know our brother?” Ricky stammered.
“The… farmer?”

The mayor smiled slowly.
“Farmer? Don Carding is the largest landowner in the province. He owns the land where the mall, the housing complex, and the university stand. He’s our biggest taxpayer.”