The tension in Carolina’s apartment was palpable, simmering like a storm beneath the surface.

It was early afternoon, and sunlight poured in through the thin curtains, casting diagonal streaks of light across the hardwood floor. Carolina sat cross-legged on the couch, ankle bracelet glinting beneath the hem of her joggers as she clicked through more files on the laptop. Katherine stood by the window, arms folded, eyes scanning the street below every few seconds. Julius paced slowly near the ...