Leah
The guests murmured reluctant agreements and began to file out, casting uneasy glances at Martha and Ella.
When the last one left, Agnes’s voice dropped to a lethal whisper.
“Martha. Ella. You will return to your rooms immediately and reflect on your behavior. Leah will stay with me in my private villa from tonight onward. I will keep her under my personal protection. And know this: I am a superstitious old woman. If any harm comes to my granddaughter—if she so much as stubs her toe, catches a chill, or is bitten by a single insect—I will hold you both responsible. Personally.”
Martha’s face twisted with impotent fury. Ella looked ready to cry. They turned and fled, backs stiff with rage.
I watched them go, a dark satisfaction curling in my chest.
This was only the beginning. Th
