AUTHORS POV

The Lorenzo mansion hadn’t looked this festive in years. Golden balloons floated in bunches across the courtyard, shimmering in the early afternoon sun. Cartoon character cut-outs lined the entrance—pirates, dragons, and knights—all handpicked by Dean a week before. A magician stood near the fountain, adjusting his tall hat, preparing for the show. Servers flitted about in black-and-white uniforms, balancing trays of mini burgers and strawberry smoothies.

Pedro stood at the top of the stairs, overseeing everything with a tense expression. He wore a navy blazer over an ironed black shirt, looking every bit the part of a wealthy, powerful father hosting his only son’s grand celebration.

But beneath...