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.”

Oli