I was seated next to her “boring” twin sister—but her first question silenced the entire table and changed everything I thought I knew.

to beg. That’s why I came.”

The hearing was held in a municipal hall full of bored neighbors, shopkeepers, lawyers, and officials.

Marco stood at the front in an expensive suit, wearing a bright smile. When he saw Mateo, he raised an eyebrow.

“Didn’t know they invited carpenters to these things.”

Elena stood on the other side of the room, pale, a folder continue reading …