I turned the spoon over in my fingers and saw where the silver coating had flaked off near the rim of the bowl, showing cheap yellow plating underneath.

Doña Victoria turned toward the bailiffs and gave them a warm, practiced smile.

“She’s always been so shy about accepting family gifts,” Doña Victoria told the room in her sweet, performative voice.

Alejandro stepped forward, adjusted his gold watch strap, and leaned down until his face was inches from mine.

“Keep it, Elena,” he murmured in a low, dismissive voice.

“It’s worth more than anything your father ever left in his pathetic estate.”