“Thank you, Mateo,” I said softly, stepping into the deep leather interior.

He closed the heavy door with a solid, airtight thud that shut out the noise of the city street.

Outside the dark glass, Alejandro took one hesitant step toward the curb, his face pale and his jaw set in sudden confusion.

Doña Victoria stood frozen on the concrete walk beside her attorney, clutching her silk scarf, while Paola stared at the gleaming chrome wheels.

Mateo got behind the wheel, started the engine, and pulled out into the afternoon traffic.