Chapter 228

• Esmeralda’s smile tightened. “Valentina, this isn’t the time to reminisce on whatever you and Ares were up to in the past,” she said, her voice clipped. “Ares needs all the rest he can get right now."
• Valentina’s smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered, her expression brightening again. “Of course, darling,” she purred, her eyes darting briefly to Martina before returning to Esmeralda. “But I just wanted to make sure he knows I’m here for him, like always."
• Esmeralda folded her arms, her expression growing more guarded as Valentina continued to speak. “I understand you're concerned about Ares, Valentina," Esmeralda said, her voice strained but polite. "But I don’t think this is the best time for him to be dealing with visitors."