Arya turned to face the voice that made even Lima stiffen in fear. It was the last person she wanted to see right now.

“You finally decided to show your face to your mother again,” Dolores said, her tone sharp and dripping with control. Her eyes flicked briefly to Arya. “And you brought along a little friend.”

“Mama… I thought you were still out of town,” Lima said, clearing her throat nervously.

“And so? Is that why you greet your poor, old mother with such suspicion?” Dolores responded, her voice low but carrying an unmistakable weight. “It’s almost like you didn’t want me here, mi hija.”

“No, Mama, it’s not...