“She broke down completely,” Oscar said.

His voice had none of his usual sharp legal jargon or arrogance.

“She read the three-month grace period twice, fell back into her armchair, and wept into her handkerchief.

She realized Elena had the legal power to take the house by morning and chose not to.”

“And Alejandro?” I asked quietly.

The line went quiet for a moment before Oscar answered.

“Alejandro stood by the front window and looked at his mother,” Oscar said.