Footsteps echoed. A door opened.
Tomás entered, briefcase in hand. He scanned the room—Elisa’s glare, Marina’s trembling hands, Leo’s tear-streaked face.
“What’s going on?” he asked.
Elisa stiffened. “Nothing. The maid was being disrespectful—”
“She was defending your son,” Tomás interrupted.
Elisa froze. Marina lowered her gaze.
Tomás knelt beside Leo. “You okay, champ?”
Leo nodded. “She was mad because I dropped my toy…”
Tomás turned to Marina. “Thank you.”
“I just… couldn’t stay quiet,” she said.
“I’m glad you didn’t,” he replied.
