Chapter 18: Unraveling Secrets

Mariana walked in through the doors of the city residence and called out, "Mary? It's Me" Surely, Mary would have heard her approaching carriage. An unsettling thought flickered across her mind – was the house empty? Just as she moved further in, she found Tiago seated in the living room. "Mariana," he acknowledged, his voice devoid of warmth. Surprise momentarily stole her breath. "Tiago? I… I wasn't expecting you here." Her voice sounding brittle. A flicker of something akin to amusement crossed Tiago's features. "Is that so? And where, pray tell, were you expecting me to be?" "I don't know. At the… office, perhaps, or on another business trip." The amusement in Tiago's eyes deepened. "Ah, yes. The ever-diligent businessman." "Mrs. Alarc?o." Mary hurried towards her, arms outstretched for an embrace. Mariana, caught off guard, offered a small, hesitant smile. "Mary. It's good to see you as well." As Mary enveloped her in a hug, Mariana couldn't help but s