A sharp knock on the door broke the silence in Bella’s apartment. Valeria, who had been staring absentmindedly at the untouched cup of tea in front of her, snapped her head up. Bella exchanged a glance with her before getting up to answer.

As soon as the door opened, Lars stepped in, his towering presence filling the small space. His usual stoic expression remained unchanged, but there was something in his eyes—a flicker of hesitation, perhaps pity.

“Mrs. Moreno,” he addressed Valeria ...