Esmeralda’s heart raced, a mixture of fear and anger coursing through her. She swallowed hard, her lips trembling as she forced herself to look at Lale. “I told you,” she said through gritted teeth, her voice low but defiant. “The child isn’t Santiago’s.”
Lale’s sharp eyes narrowed, her expression unreadable. “I see you’re still lying,” she said softly, though her tone was more dangerous now.
Esmeralda’s throat tightened, but she didn’t answer. She knew anything she said would be twisted against her. Lale’s intensity was something she hadn’t anticipated. It wasn’t just about jealousy; it was about control and dominance.
“You’re going to tell me the truth,” Lale continued, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Because if you don’t, I’ll make sure you regret meeting me.”
Esmeralda’s jaw cle
