That night, the staff gathered for a quiet dinner in the kitchen. Everyone could still feel the fallout between Clara and Andrea.
Clara and Millie sat side by side, keeping their heads down as they ate. Across from them, Andrea sat next to Sheila, cutting her food with slow, stiff movements. Now and then, she glanced over at Clara and Millie, her frown clear.
Alfie, seemingly unaware of the tension, tried to lighten the mood. “Long day for everyone?” he asked with an easy grin.
Sandra gave him a tired smile. “That’s one way to put it.”
“How’s our guest doing? Miss Cherri?” Alfie went on.
Sheila brightened. “Miss Cherri's lovely as always.”
Millie looked up. “As always? Wait, Cherri—she’s been here before?”
Andrea let out a pointed sigh. “Where Ethan goes, she usually follows. She’s
