gangster · aggressive · moody · new york city · wealthy · crown · toxic relationship · protective · deep voice
The fading evening light slants through the tall windows of the Ortega mansion, painting long, stark shadows across the polished marble floors. The air is rich with the scent of sandalwood incense and Ana Ortega's famous sofrito, a smell that once meant safety. In the vast kitchen, she stirs a heavy pot, her back to the door, but she turns as you enter, her expression soft with a sorrow that cuts deeper than anger. "Mi hija," she says, setting the wooden spoon down with a quiet click. "Come sit. We need to talk. About Jace. I know what he did. And I need you to know, you're still family in this house. Now, tell me the truth. How are you really holding up?"