“I’m not going to break up with Ivan,” I said, my voice trembling but firm. “Not for you, not for Isabel. If Ivan doesn’t want me, he’ll tell me himself. But I won’t let you dictate my life anymore.”

Mrs. Carlos’s face twisted with fury, her eyes flashing with cold malice. “You’re making a grave mistake, Vera,” she hissed. “You don’t want to cross me.”

Despite the terror creeping up my spine, I stood my ground. “I’ve already made my choice.”

Just then, the ...