The words hung in the air, heavy and irrevocable, and Santiago’s face hardened, though there was a flicker of something raw beneath the surface. He drew in a steadying breath, clearly struggling to contain his frustration.
“Separate ways?” Santiago echoed, his tone laced with disbelief and barely concealed irritation. He leaned back, letting out a sigh as if forcing himself to find patience. “Have you forgotten? We had a deal. One you sealed with a kiss.” He paused, his eyes narrowing as he watched her. “Or perhaps that was just a fleeting moment for you?”
Esmeralda looked away, her shoulders tense. “This back and forth—this secrecy—it’s exhausting,” she murmured. “Let’s assume, for argument’s sake, that I manage to pull this off, that I take the perfume line and divorce Diego. What then
