Lunch continued without any further disruptions.Between lighter conversations, occasional laughter, and silences heavy with unspoken meaning, the dishes were cleared away one by one. Before anyone realized it, dessert had already been served.At one point, Bárbara turned toward Olivia, resting her elbow on the table. Her smile was just restrained enough to be suspicious.“I imagine having your family here...” she commented in a carefully measured tone, “...makes everything feel more real.”Olivia held her gaze without flinching.The smile that appeared on her lips was calm and confident.“It makes everything feel more complete.”Before Bárbara could respond, Liam’s voice entered the conversation.Cold.Precise.Devoid of any emotion except truth.“Everything became real the moment our fate was written in Dallas,” he said without even looking at Bárbara. “At the hotel where I was staying.”A heavy silence fell over the table.Bárbara froze.For a brief second, her smile vanished.Her

The grand reception hall of the Holt mansion looked breathtaking that evening.Crystal chandeliers hung from the soaring ceiling, casting a warm, elegant glow over the impeccably arranged tables. Classic floral arrangements, crystal stemware, and fine china completed the setting for a rare celebration: sixty years of marriage.Olga and Frederico moved through the ballroom with natural grace and pride. They welcomed guests as the true pillars of the family.The ceremony had ended not long before, and the atmosphere had shifted into one of relaxed celebration—overlapping conversations, classical music drifting softly through the room, and restrained laughter.Ísis approached Olivia with an open smile, giving her an attentive once-over from head to toe. Her gaze lingered on the dress, her confident posture, and the quiet radiance she carried.“Girl...” she said honestly, without exaggeration. “You look incredible in that dress.”She tilted her head slightly, her eyes settling on Olivia’s

Olga wrapped him in a warm embrace, the kind that comforted and made a person feel at home.“My dear boy...” she said, emotional. “As always, kind, polite, and smelling wonderful.”She pulled back slightly, looking him over with unmistakable pride.“And as my Laura likes to say...” she added with an amused smile, “you’ve grown into one incredibly handsome and powerful man.”She cupped his face tenderly.“Congratulations on your success, my dear. I’m very proud of you.”Olga then turned to Marcela, her gentle smile still in place.“And how are you, sweetheart?” she asked warmly. “I haven’t seen you at any of the gatherings your family usually attends in quite some time.”She paused curiously.“And your parents? Why didn’t they come?”“I’m doing well,” Marcela replied politely. “We were living abroad and only recently returned.”She smiled.“My parents couldn’t make it because they’re traveling, but they sent a gift along with a note explaining their absence.”Olga nodded in understandi

A moment later, Ana approached.Her embrace was different.Softer. Longer. Comforting.When she spoke, her voice was low, almost too tender for that moment.“I hope you find happiness...” she whispered. “Real happiness. With your true love.”As she pulled away, Ana cupped Laura’s face in her hands for a moment, smiling with genuine warmth.“You’re already like a daughter to us, Laura.”A small, grateful smile appeared on Laura’s lips.But the storm still lingered in her eyes.Laura turned to Marcela, slipping back into a professional tone that immediately regained control of the situation.“Marcela, the veterinarian taking care of Meg is extremely competent,” she said with a restrained smile. “Just make sure you follow the treatment properly.”She paused so briefly it was almost imperceptible.Her gaze flickered toward Edgar for a second before returning to Marcela with surgical precision.“That way, your daughter won’t have to deal with the trauma of an unnecessary loss.”Without wai

“Am I interrupting something?”Liam asked. His voice was controlled, but it carried unmistakable authority. He stood there, slightly leaning forward, his gaze far too attentive to be casual.Charles rose immediately, almost on instinct.“Not at all, cousin,” he said, extending his hand. “How have you been?”Liam shook his hand firmly, without smiling and without prolonging the gesture. Then he took Olivia’s hand with the same quiet firmness and gave a brief nod, making it clear it was time to leave.“The photographers are waiting for us,” he said, already guiding her away in a tone that left no room for discussion.As he led her toward the decorated area where the photographers were waiting, Liam lowered his voice, unable to hide the irritation still simmering beneath the surface.“You’re forbidden from talking to him,” he murmured. “Or going anywhere near him.”Olivia stopped immediately. She turned to face him, her expression serious, her gaze unwavering.“I wasn’t doing anything wr