Taming SSR And UR RANK Superwomen-Chapter 24 — An Unexpected Proposal

Thomas had arrived at Lucía’s house—Elvira’s niece—and was now sitting beside his sister at the dining table. The pink-haired woman approached with a cup of coffee and took a seat across from them.

Intrigued by the idea of domesticating her, Thomas tried to start a conversation.

"Is there no one else home?" he asked.

"Not today."

"Did the relatives who live here mind my sister staying over?" 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

’A subtle question. She should answer with how many people live here.’

"No."

Thomas exhaled. Lucía closed her eyes briefly, taking her time as she sipped her coffee.

When she opened her green eyes and looked at Thomas, she said,

"I know it’s not really my place, but I won’t deny that what happened with Iris intrigued me. If I’m not overstepping regarding how you take care of her, may I ask how old you are?"

"Nineteen," Thomas replied.

Lucía narrowed her gaze slightly, curiosity flickering beneath her calm expression.

"And your parents? Where are they?"

"It’s just the two of us. They left years ago, so I take care of her. But why does that matter?"

"Because I have enough empathy to want to help a little girl who may not be receiving proper care. Call me crazy if you want, but it’s not normal to leave a child under ten alone in a home with debt collectors—especially on the night your belongings are thrown out into the street."

Thomas scoffed. The comment irritated him. He didn’t like having his authority questioned.

"I understand your concern, but it was a mistake I don’t plan on repeating. I’ve been taking care of my sister for four years. I know what I’m doing."

Lucía leaned slightly against the table, interlacing her fingers beneath her chin.

"I apologize if I offended you." Despite her words, her gaze remained steady and sharp.

’Strange... I can’t tell if she’s just brutally honest or pretending.’

"In any case, why are you addressing me so formally? Aren’t you younger than me?"

"I prefer to show respect to everyone; it’s nothing personal. What guarantees me that if I let her go, she’ll be safe and properly cared for? What if I could have helped and instead become complicit in child neglect?"

"I live in the same building as your aunt Elvira, don’t I? She can tell you anytime if I do something wrong."

"Actually, she does. She’s told me many things about you."

Thomas grew serious. He knew how poor his relationship with Elvira was and how she belittled him whenever she had the chance. Before either of them could continue, Iris spoke up.

"My brother isn’t a bad brother."

Both Lucía and Thomas turned their attention to Iris. She continued,

"He takes care of me every single day. He feeds me whenever I’m hungry, even if he has to go hungry himself. He washes my clothes every day so I can go to school clean. When I have trouble studying, he helps me, and he always takes me to and from school. Even when he’s working."

She paused, her expression softening into sadness as she spoke in a low voice.

"Even if yesterday was the first time he didn’t show up... I believe him when he says it wasn’t his fault."

Thomas smiled faintly, guilt tightening in his chest. It didn’t matter what the world said; Iris’s approval alone made everything worth it.

He gently stroked her hair and said,

"I won’t ever leave you alone during something important again. I promise."

Iris smiled at him, her large pink eyes bright and innocent.

"I know. You’ve always been a very responsible brother."

Lucía studied Iris’s expression—a clear, bright gaze without fear. She knew children were easy to read when they were being coerced or threatened into saying specific things, but she detected no hesitation in Iris’s body language.

’My aunt has a terrible temper. Maybe she exaggerated everything she said about him. It’s just an assumption, but I want to make the right decision.’

She inhaled deeply and exhaled, closing her eyes briefly. Thomas watched her and, wanting to steer away from the topic, said,

"Lucía, you’re very different from your aunt."

"Don’t call me ’Ms.,’ please. I’m twenty-two."

"Oh... wow, you’re really young. I thought you were older."

"Do I look that old?" she asked, disappointed, lightly tugging at a strand of her pink hair as if she could see herself in a mirror.

"No, not at all. You’re young. It’s just that the way you speak, your composure, and your height make you seem older."

Lucía looked away again, making a small guttural sound. Clearly, she once again felt like he had called her old. Thomas noticed and quickly added,

"S-sorry, that’s not what I meant. There’s nothing wrong with you."

Seeing her fall briefly into her thoughts, Thomas considered taking advantage of the moment—but stopped himself.

’I’m interested in getting her gift, and I could use her interest in letting Iris visit from time to time. She doesn’t seem harmed by staying here, and that would let me get closer to Lucía and domesticate her later. But I won’t do it that way. I’ll never use my sister as leverage or put her at risk. Besides, I can use Elvira to order her to call Lucía and arrange a "coincidental" meeting. I know what might draw her closer to me, but I can also come up with other plans to work my way into her social circle.’

"Would you be interested in working for me?" Lucía asked suddenly.

"Huh?"

"You said you need money, and I’m looking for an employee. Would you like to take the job?"