The estate loomed into view like a palace of memories she wanted to bury. The towering gates, the long marble driveway, the manicured hedges. To anyone else, it looked like luxury.
To her, it looked like a trap.
A trap that could destroy all her plans.
The moment they stepped inside, staff rushed to greet her. She didn’t recognize any of them despite their attempts to be friendly. They all wore the same annoying expression—concern mingled with curiosity.
As if wondering what had really happened to Miss Ivy.
Lila smiled.
Fake. Perfect. Practiced.
She had no choice now.
“It’s good to be home,” she said smoothly.
Richard narrowed his eyes slightly but said nothing.
They led her up to her room, the unfamiliar halls pressing in around her like the walls of a tomb. The maids bustled in
