The hallway was silent when Zoe returned. Her steps were steady, but an invisible weight rested on her shoulders. The cold hospital air felt heavier, denser, and every breath demanded more effort. As she approached the private room, she saw Arthur with a serious expression, Otto and Eloísa beside him, and, a little farther away, the lawyer Álvaro. Thor and Celina had arrived while she was still talking to Sabrina.As soon as Zoe crossed the doorway, Celina was the first to stand up. The worried look on her face couldn’t hide the relief of seeing her.“How are you?” she asked, already pulling her friend into a tight embrace.Zoe couldn’t answer right away. She stayed wrapped in Celina’s arms for a few seconds, absorbing the warmth of the gesture. When she pulled away, she didn’t look at Arthur—or at anyone else. Her eyes searched for only one person.“Mr. Álvaro… please, could you give me Sabrina’s purse?”Álvaro, who had been watching her with discreet attention, frowned slightly but

The silence in the house was so absolute that she could hear the faint hum of the refrigerator.She walked over to the armchair near the glass wall. With a slow movement, she pulled the curtain aside, and the city below appeared before her, illuminated by the headlights of the few cars still crossing the avenues. The early morning had that bluish, cold tone—yet somehow comforting.She lifted her eyes toward the sky, barely visible between the buildings, and whispered:“I know I said You didn’t exist when my life turned upside down…”She closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath.“Forgive me for that. Today I understand why my son came at a moment when I didn’t want him. Thank You for his life, for my marriage…”A crooked smile slipped out, her slightly crazy side surfacing even in that improvised prayer.“I know we’re living together, that I’ve sinned plenty already, my God—and what a good sin…”She sighed, almost smiling.“Sorry, God, but my husband is insanely hot. Jesus… w

A few hours earlier, that afternoon, the video call had begun. On the screen, Thor appeared in one of the frames, his gaze steady and alert. Arthur and Otto were together at the hospital, seated in the imposing presidential office, while the lawyer—joining from another location—adjusted his tie before speaking.“Gentlemen,” he began, his voice deep and assured, “the first phase of the operation has been completed. Otávio has been arrested. His detention was ordered on charges of money laundering, tax fraud, and criminal conspiracy. The evidence gathered—combined with financial transaction reports and fraudulent contracts—leaves no room for defense.”He paused briefly, then continued:“An arrest warrant has also been issued for Isabela. She is being charged with direct participation in her father’s fraud schemes and a series of criminal acts already known to the public. Among them are her involvement in harassment and bad-faith actions documented in witness statements. She is currently

A chill ran down Zoe’s spine.Moments later, Arthur appeared at the entrance, with Otto beside him, holding his briefcase. Both of them looked worn out from a long, exhausting day.When Otto saw her, he opened his arms wide.“My favorite daughter-in-law!” he said, laughing.“The only one too, right?” Zoe replied in her unmistakably playful tone as she hugged him. “But I’ll take the title.”Otto sat down on the couch next to his wife, while Zoe took the armchair facing them.“What happened, beautiful?” Arthur asked, stopping beside her. He gave her a quick kiss and gently caressed her belly. “Hi, buddy… Daddy missed you.”Zoe ran her hands through her hair, took a deep breath, and said it all at once:“I want to raise Clarisse as my daughter.”The silence was immediate and heavy. Eloísa’s eyes widened, and Otto leaned forward, as if certain he had misheard.“What did you just say?” Arthur’s voice cut through the room, firm and sharp. “Absolutely not, Zoe.”Eloísa pressed a hand to her

Arthur looked at her differently then, a mischievous smile forming on his lips.“Come here now…” Arthur pulled her gently toward him, his gaze filled with affection and desire. “I want to enjoy my wife while it’s still just the two of us. Because tomorrow…” he smiled sideways, lightly brushing his hand over her belly, “…our lives are going to change completely. And Miguel…” he added softly, “…that little one is still baking.”Zoe laughed, shaking her head.“Honestly… I’m so excited I don’t think I’ll even be able to sleep tonight.”“I want to see if all that excitement survives when two babies are running around this house,” he said with a wicked smile as he slipped her nightgown off. “But for now, I’m going to take advantage of all that energy and make sure you’re very tired before they arrive.”The next day, the atmosphere in the room was pure anticipation. Arthur, Zoe, Eloísa, and Otto were gathered together, and Zoe could barely stay still in the armchair. Her legs bounced restles