The silence that followed was not empty.

It was far too heavy for words.

Olivia brought her hands to her face, crying quietly.

“Did she kill herself in the house where I’m living?” she asked, her voice trembling.

“No,” Frederico answered firmly. “That mansion only holds good memories for Liam.” He paused. “Not long afterward, Felipe married Érica. And Liam had to live with a stepmother, a sister... and his trauma.”

He sighed.

“Vânia was essential,” he said. “She helped Liam find his voice again