Chloe had just grabbed her bag, ready to step out for the evening, when the doorbell rang. Expecting a neighbor or perhaps a delivery, she casually opened the door, only to freeze in surprise. Standing before her, dressed in an elegant but slightly dated outfit, was Lucia, Franco's mother. The same woman who had appeared unannounced earlier was now back, her expression unreadable behind large, dark sunglasses.
Despite the shock, Chloe managed to smile politely. "Hello," she greeted cautiously.
"Hola," Lucia replied.
"Can I help you with something?"
Lucia removed her sunglasses slowly, revealing sharp, assessing eyes that immediately scanned Chloe from head to toe. "Who are you?" she asked, her voice dripping with an edge that made Chloe's smile falter.
"I'm Chloe," she replied, trying
