She knew there was no point hiding anything from her father. He was far too sharp not to notice every inconsistency.

“Yes, Dad.”

Unable to believe what he had just heard, Saulo began pacing restlessly across the room, tapping his foot and biting his lip.

“When did this happen?” he asked, his voice growing more agitated with every syllable.

“One night, before I left,” Eloá replied, trying to sound firm.

“But that night you stayed at your grandparents’ house,” he shot back incredulously.

“Yes, bu