I retreated further into the shadows, hoping the darkness of the hallway would swallow me, but Beatrice’s eyes were too sharp. She turned her head toward the wall, her gaze landing directly on me. Instead of the cold disdain I expected from someone in this house, she offered a small, genuine smile.
"Hi there," she said, her voice melodic and far more welcoming than the ice she had given Holloway.
I stepped out, smoothing my hoodie and offering a polite nod. "Good morning, ma'am."
Beatrice scanned me from head to toe, her smile widening. "Goodness, you are really beautiful. Are you Ethan’s girlfriend? It’s about time he brought some life into this mausoleum."
I felt a flush creep up my neck, thinking of the life Ethan had actually brought into my world lately. "No, ma'am. I’m Claire. I
