The next evening, São Paulo was wrapped in a cool, gentle breeze that danced through the trees of the upscale neighborhood where the imposing Ferraz mansion stood. The sky was clear, dotted with shy stars. Inside the car, Arthur drove attentively, even though his eyes occasionally drifted to the woman beside him—Zoe.

She kept her hands folded over her belly, an unconscious gesture of protection. Though still small, the curve was already visible beneath her loose dress. Zoe stared out the window