THE SCHEMING MAID

Title: The Scheming Maid Outline: Act 1: The New Arrival Introduce Rosaline, a young woman hired as a maid in a wealthy household. She appears kind and diligent but has ulterior motives for joining. The wealthy family, the LeClairs, consists of the widowed patriarch, Edmund; his two children, Catherine and Peter; and the stern housekeeper, Mrs. Wright. Act 2: Hidden Agendas Rosaline ingratiates herself with Edmund, feigning innocence and loyalty. She begins uncovering family secrets, including a hidden inheritance and longstanding feuds. Rosaline sets subtle traps to sow discord among the LeClairs. Act 3: Power Plays Using charm and cunning, Rosaline gains Edmund’s trust while subtly manipulating Catherine and Peter against one another. Mrs. Wright grows suspicious of Rosaline’s behavior. A tragic event, seemingly accidental, leads to Mrs. Wright’s dismissal, leaving Rosaline in full control of the household. Act 4: The Downfall Rosaline's greed blinds her to the growing mistrust among the remaining family members. Catherine uncovers Rosaline’s schemes, leading to a climactic confrontation. A final twist reveals Rosaline’s backstory and motivations, tying together her actions with past events in the LeClair household. Act 5: A Bitter End Rosaline’s plans crumble, leaving her exposed and powerless. The family attempts to rebuild, scarred but wiser from their experiences. The story closes with a haunting reminder of Rosaline’s manipulative legacy. --- Chapter 1: The New Arrival The iron gates of the LeClair mansion creaked open, revealing a sprawling estate surrounded by perfectly trimmed hedges and a fountain that glistened in the afternoon sun. Rosaline stepped out of the carriage, her modest suitcase in hand, and took a moment to admire the grandeur before her. “This is where it begins,” she whispered, her lips curving into a faint smile. The butler, Mr. Grant, greeted her at the door. “Miss Rosaline, I presume? Mr. LeClair is expecting you.” “Thank you,” she replied, her voice soft and unassuming. “I hope I can meet his expectations.” Inside, the house was as impressive as its exterior—marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and walls adorned with portraits of stern-faced ancestors. Rosaline followed Mr. Grant to the drawing room, where Edmund LeClair awaited. Edmund was a man in his fifties, his once-dark hair streaked with gray. He rose from his chair as they entered, extending a hand in greeting. “Welcome to our home, Miss Rosaline. Mrs. Wright speaks highly of you.” Rosaline curtsied gracefully. “It’s an honor, sir. I’ll do my best to serve you and your family.” “Good,” Edmund said, his tone approving. “Mrs. Wright will show you to your quarters. You’ll start tomorrow.” As Rosaline followed the housekeeper up the grand staircase, her mind raced. The LeClair family had no idea who they had let into their home—or what she was capable of. Chapter 2: Settling In Rosaline’s quarters were modest compared to the opulence of the rest of the house, but she wasn’t here for comfort. She spent the evening unpacking her few belongings—carefully folded dresses, a worn journal, and a silver locket with no picture inside. As she arranged her things, Mrs. Wright’s voice broke through her thoughts. “We expect punctuality and diligence,” the housekeeper said, standing in the doorway with arms crossed. “You’ll find that I run this house efficiently. If you wish to remain here, you’ll do well to follow my lead.” Rosaline turned, her face an image of humility. “Of course, Mrs. Wright. I’m eager to learn and do my part.” Mrs. Wright studied her for a moment before nodding curtly. “Breakfast is at six. Don’t be late.” As the door shut behind the housekeeper, Rosaline’s smile faded. “You won’t be in my way for long,” she muttered, her fingers brushing against the locket. --- Chapter 3: First Impressions The next morning, Rosaline arrived in the kitchen precisely at six. Mrs. Wright gave her a list of tasks—dusting the drawing room, polishing the silver, and preparing the dining room for lunch. As Rosaline worked, she observed everything. She noted the locked drawer in Edmund’s desk, the letters Catherine left carelessly on the table, and the way Peter’s hands lingered a little too long on the brandy decanter. She listened, too, catching snippets of conversation about investments, strained relationships, and a long-lost relative. By the end of her first week, Rosaline had gathered enough information to know two things: 1. The LeClairs were as fractured as they were wealthy. 2. She could use that to her advantage. --- Chapter 4: The First Move One evening, as the family dined, Rosaline crept into the library. She had noticed earlier that Edmund kept a small key in his waistcoat pocket, one that likely matched the locked drawer in his desk. With a deft touch, she picked the lock and opened it. Inside were papers—stocks, deeds, and one particularly intriguing document: a will. Rosaline scanned it quickly, her heart racing. It left the majority of the estate to Catherine, with a modest sum for Peter. There was no mention of a second will, but Rosaline suspected one existed. “Looking for something?” The voice startled her, and she spun around to see Peter standing in the doorway, a glass of brandy in hand. His expression was curious, not accusatory. “I… I was cleaning and noticed the drawer was ajar,” she lied smoothly. “I thought it might be important.” Peter stepped closer, his gaze lingering on her face. “You’re an odd one, Rosaline. Most maids keep to their work, but you… you seem different.” She smiled, lowering her eyes demurely. “I only wish to be helpful, sir.” Peter chuckled. “Helpful. Yes, I imagine you do.” He drained his glass and left, leaving Rosaline alone with her thoughts. As she replaced the papers and locked the drawer, she felt a surge of triumph. Peter’s curiosity could be useful—or dangerous. Either way, she was ready. --- Chapter 5: Sowing Seeds Over the next few weeks, Rosaline worked her magic. With Edmund, she was the picture of loyalty, anticipating his needs before he voiced them. She listened intently to his stories of the past and subtly encouraged him to reminisce about his late wife and their early struggles. With Catherine, she played the role of confidante, offering sympathy for the young woman’s frustrations about her father’s strict rules and her brother’s irresponsibility. “You deserve better, Miss Catherine,” Rosaline would say, her tone soft. “You’re so much stronger than they give you credit for.” With Peter, she was playful, teasing him just enough to stoke his interest but never crossing the line. She let him believe she admired his charm and wit, even as she quietly noted his weaknesses. And with Mrs. Wright, she was careful—polite but distant, ensuring the housekeeper had little reason to scrutinize her too closely. Slowly but surely, Rosaline began to tilt the balance of power in her favor. --- Chapter 6: The First Crack One evening, Rosaline found Catherine alone in the parlor, staring at the fire with a glass of wine in hand. Her usual confidence seemed dimmed, her shoulders tense as she swirled the glass absently. “Miss Catherine, is everything all right?” Rosaline asked softly, stepping into the room. Catherine glanced up, her expression a mix of surprise and relief. “Oh, Rosaline. It’s nothing, really. Just family matters.” Rosaline sat down across from her, her demeanor inviting. “Sometimes it helps to talk, even if it’s just to someone who will listen.” Catherine hesitated, then sighed. “It’s Peter. He’s been reckless again. Father is furious, and I’m left to clean up the mess as always.” Rosaline nodded sympathetically. “It’s unfair. You shoulder so much responsibility.” Catherine’s eyes lit up with gratitude. “Exactly. Sometimes I feel like I’m the only one holding this family together.” Rosaline smiled inwardly. Another seed planted. --- Chapter 7: A Dangerous Encounter Peter, meanwhile, had grown increasingly intrigued by Rosaline. Late one night, as she was tidying the study, he cornered her, his movements unsteady from too much brandy. “You work too hard,” he said, leaning against the doorframe. “I do what’s required, sir,” Rosaline replied, keeping her tone neutral. Peter stepped closer, his eyes glinting. “You’re more than just a maid, though, aren’t you? There’s something about you…” Rosaline kept her composure, even as her heart pounded. “I’m just here to serve, sir.” Peter chuckled, reaching out to brush a strand of hair from her face. “I think you’re here for more than that.” Before he could say more, Rosaline stepped back, her expression firm. “Goodnight, Mr. Peter,” she said, leaving the room with her dignity intact. As she walked away, she allowed herself a small smile. Peter’s infatuation was growing—and she could use it. --- Chapter 8: The Housekeeper’s Suspicion Mrs. Wright’s sharp eyes missed nothing. She noticed the way Catherine confided in Rosaline, the way Edmund praised her efficiency, and the way Peter watched her when he thought no one was looking. One afternoon, she confronted Rosaline in the kitchen. “You’re getting too comfortable, girl,” she said, her voice low. “Don’t forget your place.” Rosaline met her gaze evenly. “I haven’t forgotten anything, Mrs. Wright. I’m here to do my job.” The housekeeper narrowed her eyes. “Just remember—people like you don’t belong in places like this. Sooner or later, you’ll slip, and I’ll be there to catch you.” Rosaline kept her expression neutral, but inwardly, she seethed. Mrs. Wright was a threat—and threats needed to be eliminated. --- Chapter 9: Turning the Tide Rosaline began planting subtle doubts about Mrs. Wright’s loyalty. She left small mistakes where Edmund would notice—dust on a table, a tarnished silver tray—and ensured they were blamed on the housekeeper. “Mrs. Wright seems so distracted lately,” Rosaline commented innocently to Edmund one day. “I’m sure it’s nothing, but she’s been forgetting things.” Edmund frowned. “That’s unlike her. I’ll have a word with her.” The tension between Edmund and Mrs. Wright grew, and Rosaline watched with satisfaction as the housekeeper’s authority began to erode. Chapter 10: A Shocking Dismissal The final blow came when Rosaline orchestrated an “incident.” She arranged for an expensive vase to be knocked over and ensured Mrs. Wright was the last one seen in the room. When Edmund discovered the shattered vase, he was furious. “I’ve given you decades of service!” Mrs. Wright protested, but Edmund’s mind was made up. “You’ve become careless, Wright,” he said coldly. “I think it’s time for you to retire.” As the housekeeper left the estate, her belongings packed into a single suitcase, Rosaline watched from an upstairs window. She felt no guilt—only satisfaction. With Mrs. Wright gone, the household was hers to control. --- Chapter 11: The Family Fractures With Mrs. Wright out of the picture, Rosaline’s schemes intensified. She played on Catherine’s insecurities, whispering that Peter’s recklessness was putting the family’s fortune at risk. To Peter, she hinted that Catherine’s ambition would see him written out of their father’s will. “Your sister’s quite determined, isn’t she?” she said one evening. “She’s always in your father’s ear, telling him what to do.” The siblings’ relationship, already strained, began to unravel. Arguments became frequent, and Edmund’s health seemed to suffer under the stress. Rosaline stayed in the background, her role that of the loyal servant—always present, always watching. --- Chapter 12: The Secret Will Rosaline’s growing control over the household emboldened her. She continued searching for anything she could use to secure her position. Late one night, she returned to Edmund’s study, this time with more determination. She carefully searched through the locked drawer, but her attention shifted to a small, hidden compartment at the back of the desk. After some effort, she pried it open, revealing a faded envelope marked “Private: Last Will & Testament”. Her hands trembled as she unfolded the document. This was the key to everything. The contents shocked her—this will divided the estate equally between Catherine and Peter, but with a stipulation: neither sibling could access their share unless they proved themselves “worthy” through specific conditions Edmund outlined. “Worthy?” Rosaline murmured, her mind racing. This clause was both a complication and an opportunity. If she could manipulate the situation, she could control the outcome. Chapter 13: Manipulating Edmund The next morning, Rosaline brought Edmund his tea as he sat in the sunroom, staring out at the sprawling garden. His usual stern demeanor seemed softer, weighed down by the tension in the house. “You look tired, sir,” Rosaline said, her voice gentle. Edmund sighed. “It’s the children. Catherine and Peter… they’re tearing this family apart. I don’t know what to do.” Rosaline hesitated, then spoke carefully. “Perhaps they need guidance, sir. Someone to show them the importance of unity and responsibility.” Edmund glanced at her, his expression thoughtful. “You’re wiser than you look, Rosaline. Perhaps you’re right.” As she left the room, Rosaline allowed herself a small, triumphant smile. She had planted another idea in Edmund’s mind—a subtle suggestion that he might need her help to manage the family’s affairs. --- Chapter 14: Peter’s Gamble Peter, now thoroughly intoxicated by Rosaline’s charm, began spending more time with her. He sought her out in quiet corners of the house, offering her compliments and confessions. One evening, he pulled her aside in the library. “You’re the only one who understands me,” he slurred, the scent of brandy heavy on his breath. “Catherine and Father… they don’t care about me. Not like you do.” Rosaline feigned concern, gently patting his hand. “Of course, I care, Mr. Peter. You deserve to be seen for who you truly are.” He smiled, his gaze filled with drunken adoration. “If I could, I’d take you away from all this. Give you a life you deserve.” Rosaline’s mind worked quickly. “That’s kind of you, but your family needs you. Especially now.” Peter’s expression darkened. “My family? They’d be better off without me.” Rosaline paused, then leaned closer. “Don’t say that. You’re the heart of this family. You just need to show them.” Peter’s grip on her hand tightened. “And you’ll help me, won’t you?” “Always,” she whispered, sealing his dependence on her. --- Chapter 15: Catherine’s Discovery While Peter fell further under Rosaline’s spell, Catherine began noticing small inconsistencies in her maid’s behavior. Rosaline’s presence in every family argument, her uncanny ability to say just the right thing—it all seemed too calculated. One afternoon, Catherine entered the library and found Rosaline dusting near her father’s desk. She froze as she noticed Rosaline’s hand lingering near the drawer. “Rosaline,” Catherine said sharply, her tone causing the maid to jump. “What are you doing?” Rosaline quickly stepped back, her expression innocent. “Just cleaning, Miss Catherine. The desk seemed a bit dusty.” Catherine narrowed her eyes. “My father’s desk is off-limits. I trust you know that.” “Of course, Miss,” Rosaline replied, bowing her head. “I meant no harm.” As Catherine left the room, her suspicions deepened. She resolved to keep a closer eye on the maid. --- Chapter 16: A Turn of Events Rosaline sensed Catherine’s growing mistrust and decided to act preemptively. That evening, she subtly mentioned to Edmund that Catherine seemed “distraught.” “She works so hard to keep everything running smoothly,” Rosaline said. “I worry she’s under too much pressure.” Edmund frowned. “I hadn’t noticed. Perhaps I’ve been too hard on her.” Later, when Catherine tried to confront her father about Rosaline, Edmund dismissed her concerns. “You’re imagining things,” he said. “Rosaline has been nothing but helpful.” Frustrated and isolated, Catherine began to question her own instincts, just as Rosaline intended. --- Chapter 17: A Fragile Alliance One night, Rosaline found herself in the kitchen with Peter, who had drunk more than usual. His demeanor was restless, his movements agitated. “They’ll never accept me,” he muttered, slamming his glass on the table. “Catherine wants me out of the picture, and Father’s always been disappointed in me.” Rosaline placed a hand on his arm. “That’s not true, Mr. Peter. You’re more important than you realize.” Peter looked at her, his eyes filled with desperation. “Help me, Rosaline. Help me prove to them that I’m not a failure.” Rosaline’s mind worked quickly. “Of course, I’ll help. But you must trust me completely.” “I do,” Peter said fervently. As Peter’s dependence on her grew, Rosaline saw the perfect opportunity to tighten her grip on the family. --- Chapter 18: The Unraveling As Rosaline’s influence over Peter and Edmund solidified, the tension in the household reached a breaking point. The once idyllic family was now a powder keg, each member watching the others with suspicion, as Rosaline carefully stoked the fires of discord. Catherine’s suspicion of Rosaline had grown into a quiet obsession. She began investigating the maid’s movements, tracking her late-night wanderings and her increasingly intimate conversations with both Edmund and Peter. One evening, Catherine caught Rosaline sneaking into Edmund’s study, her hand gripping the same drawer that contained the secret will. A flicker of realization sparked in Catherine’s eyes. She knew something was wrong. Rosaline had been too careful, and now the web was starting to tighten. --- Chapter 19: The Confrontation The next morning, Catherine waited for the perfect moment. As Edmund sat reading in the drawing room, Catherine approached him. “Father,” she said, her voice steady but filled with an edge of frustration, “I need to speak with you about Rosaline.” Edmund looked up, his brow furrowing. “What about her?” “She’s been acting strangely,” Catherine continued, carefully crafting her words. “I’ve seen her in places she shouldn’t be, near your study, late at night. I don’t trust her, Father.” Edmund’s eyes darkened, and he set his book down. “Catherine, you’ve been imagining things. Rosaline has been nothing but loyal to this family. She’s done more for us than you realize.” “No, Father,” Catherine pressed, her voice hardening. “She’s up to something. You don’t see it, but I do.” Edmund stood, his temper rising. “Enough! I’ve had enough of this nonsense. Rosaline is more trustworthy than you are!” Catherine recoiled at the sharpness of his words. Her own father, the man who had always been her protector, was now defending the woman she feared was destroying their family. “Fine,” Catherine said, her voice trembling. “But don’t come to me when it all falls apart.” As Catherine stormed out, she knew that there was no turning back. The battle lines had been drawn. --- Chapter 20: A Web of Lies Rosaline could feel the tension mounting. Edmund’s protection of her was becoming more obvious, and Catherine’s anger was palpable. She knew she had to act fast before the situation became unmanageable. One evening, after dinner, Rosaline approached Peter in the library. He was seated by the fire, staring into the flames, his mood dark. “Peter, you need to be careful,” she said softly, sitting next to him. “Catherine is becoming suspicious. She won’t stop until she exposes us.” Peter’s face twisted with frustration. “I don’t care about her. I don’t care about any of them! I just want what’s mine.” Rosaline placed a hand on his arm, her voice laced with calm authority. “That’s exactly what you deserve. But you need to be patient. Let things unfold in their time. If you rush, it could all fall apart.” Peter looked at her, his gaze softening. “You’re right. I trust you, Rosaline. I’ll wait. We’ll do this together.” Rosaline smiled to herself. Everything was falling into place. --- Chapter 21: Catherine’s Discovery Catherine, unwilling to give up, spent the next few days investigating further. She followed Rosaline’s movements, carefully noting the places the maid frequented and the times she disappeared. One evening, Catherine managed to sneak into Edmund’s study while Rosaline was out, hoping to find something—anything—that could expose her. As she rifled through the desk, her heart stopped when she discovered the hidden compartment. The will. The true will. The one that left everything to Peter, with specific conditions that Rosaline had clearly been manipulating. Catherine’s blood ran cold. The full extent of Rosaline’s betrayal was now laid bare before her. But she couldn’t act immediately. She had to be careful. --- Chapter 22: A Dangerous Game Rosaline noticed Catherine’s increasingly cold behavior, but she misinterpreted it as mere frustration. She thought she had the upper hand, but the cracks in her facade were beginning to show. One night, as Rosaline made her way to Edmund’s study, she was intercepted by Catherine. “You’ve been busy, haven’t you?” Catherine said, her voice icy. Rosaline froze, her heart racing. “What do you mean?” Catherine stepped closer, her eyes piercing. “I know what you’ve been doing. I found the will.” Rosaline’s mind whirled, but she kept her composure. “Catherine, you’re mistaken. What could I possibly want with a piece of paper?” “Don’t play dumb,” Catherine spat. “You’ve been using Peter. You’ve been using all of us. But not anymore.” Rosaline smiled coolly, her voice low. “You think you can stop me? You’ve already lost, Catherine. Your father is blind to you now. Peter is too far gone.” Catherine’s hand trembled, but she stood firm. “You won’t get away with this. I’ll expose you, no matter the cost.” Rosaline’s smile widened. “Then we’ll see who has the last word.” --- Chapter 23: The Breaking Point Rosaline’s manipulation of Peter reached its peak as she convinced him that Catherine was actively working to have him written out of the will. Peter, consumed by jealousy and rage, confronted Catherine one evening. “You’ve been trying to ruin me all along, haven’t you?” Peter shouted. “You want the inheritance for yourself!” Catherine, stunned by his words, tried to calm him. “Peter, you’ve been deceived. It’s Rosaline—she’s been playing us both.” But Peter was too far gone. He lunged at Catherine, his fists raised. The two siblings struggled, their emotions boiling over into violence. Edmund rushed into the room, but by the time he arrived, it was too late. Catherine lay on the floor, bruised and bloodied, while Peter stood over her, his chest heaving. Rosaline watched from the doorway, her face an unreadable mask. “Enough!” Edmund shouted, but his voice held no real authority anymore. The family had already torn itself apart. --- Chapter 24: The Endgame In the days that followed, the family fractured completely. Edmund, too shaken by the events, retreated into himself, unable to make decisions. Catherine’s injuries were severe, and Peter had fled the house, leaving a note for Rosaline saying that he would never return. Rosaline now controlled everything. Edmund’s health declined rapidly, and soon, he was too weak to argue when she took over the management of his estate. But the consequences of her actions were becoming clear. The house was silent, its once vibrant halls now empty of laughter. Edmund, once a proud man, had become a shadow of himself, and Rosaline’s ambition had led her to a hollow victory. In the quiet of the mansion, Rosaline sat alone in the drawing room, her fingers tracing the edges of the will she had so carefully manipulated. She had won, but as the silence stretched on, she began to wonder if it had been worth it. Chapter 25: A Desolate Victory As the days turned into weeks, Rosaline’s sense of triumph began to wane. She had orchestrated the fall of Edmund, Catherine, and Peter, but now that she stood at the top of the family’s crumbling hierarchy, an unsettling emptiness filled the mansion’s once lively halls. She walked through the grand corridors, her heels clicking against the marble floors, but there was no one left to impress, no one left to control. Edmund’s health deteriorated rapidly, and his once sharp mind was clouded by illness. Catherine was no longer part of the family, retreating to a faraway estate to recover from her injuries, while Peter had disappeared completely, his whereabouts unknown. Rosaline had won, but at what cost? --- Chapter 26: Edmund’s Decline Rosaline found Edmund one morning, sitting in his chair by the window, staring out at the garden with vacant eyes. His body had withered, his hair thinning, and his once commanding presence now seemed a mere shadow of itself. “Good morning, sir,” Rosaline said, trying to sound concerned, though her words felt hollow. Edmund barely acknowledged her, his gaze fixed on the garden. “Rosaline... I’ve made a mess of things, haven’t I?” His voice was raspy, weak. She knelt beside him, placing a hand on his frail arm. “You’ve done your best, sir. The family will heal in time.” But as she spoke the words, she realized she no longer believed them. The family was beyond healing. “I don’t think I can fix it, Rosaline,” Edmund whispered, his voice barely audible. “I’ve failed them all.” Rosaline forced a smile, though it felt like a lie. “No, sir. You’ve done everything for them. You’ve given them everything you could.” Edmund turned his gaze toward her, his tired eyes searching hers. “I can see it now... I’ve been blind. You’ve been the one pulling the strings all along, haven’t you?” Her heart skipped a beat, but she masked her fear with an air of calm. “What do you mean, sir?” “You knew all along, didn’t you?” Edmund said, his voice barely above a whisper. “You knew how to turn Peter against Catherine, how to make me trust you, how to take control.” Rosaline’s pulse quickened, but she maintained her composure. “I’ve only ever wanted what’s best for this family, sir. You know that.” Edmund closed his eyes, as if the weight of his realizations had become too much. “Maybe it’s too late for me to undo what I’ve done... but you’ll be left with nothing, Rosaline. You’ll be alone with your power.” For the first time, Rosaline felt a twinge of doubt. She had always believed she could control everything, but now, with Edmund’s words hanging in the air, she realized how fragile her victory truly was. --- Chapter 27: The Return of Peter Days later, a letter arrived from Peter, addressed to Rosaline. It was short, almost dismissive, but it held a shocking revelation. Peter had returned to the family estate, but not in the way Rosaline had anticipated. “I’m coming back to claim what’s mine,” the letter read. “You’ve played your game, but I’m no fool. I’m not going to let you control everything.” Rosaline felt a shiver run down her spine. Peter was back, and he was no longer the naïve, impressionable man she had manipulated so easily. --- Chapter 28: The Final Confrontation Peter arrived at the mansion in the dead of night, his eyes cold and calculating. He didn’t come in search of forgiveness, and he certainly didn’t come to make amends. He came for what he believed was rightfully his. Rosaline, ever the strategist, knew that Peter’s return would only complicate matters. She had spent so much time weaving her webs that she hadn’t anticipated this twist in the story. But she wasn’t about to let him take back what she had carefully taken for herself. The two met in the library, the same room where so many of their conversations had played out. Peter stood by the fire, his silhouette sharp against the flickering flames. “Did you think I wouldn’t figure it out?” Peter asked, his voice low and dangerous. “Did you think I wouldn’t see the manipulation, the lies?” Rosaline tried to maintain her calm demeanor, but she could feel the tension in the air. “Peter, you don’t understand. I did what I had to do to protect this family. To protect you.” Peter turned to her, his face twisted with disdain. “Protect me? You’ve been playing everyone like pawns on a chessboard. But I’m not a fool anymore, Rosaline.” Rosaline’s heart pounded in her chest. “You’ve made a terrible mistake. You can’t undo what’s already been done.” Peter stepped closer, his eyes narrowed. “I don’t need to undo anything. I just need to take what’s mine.” --- Chapter 29: The Collapse Rosaline had been prepared for every scenario except this one. As Peter pressed her, accusing her of betrayal and manipulation, something inside her snapped. “You think you can just walk in and take it all back?” she spat, her voice shaking with anger. “You don’t understand anything! I did what was necessary! I took control because no one else would!” Peter’s gaze turned cold.