Francisco remained silent, his features set in a mask of unreadable stoicism. Hazel felt the weight of his silence bearing down on her, each passing moment amplifying the gravity of her mistake.

As Francisco tightened his jaw, Hazel sensed his unease, a flicker of understanding passing between them. She knew she had to act quickly before her father's suspicions grew any further.

With determination burning in her chest, Hazel rose from her seat, her movements deliberate as she ...