“What time does the housekeeper switch shifts?" Felix asked quietly over the encrypted call.
“5:40 a.m.," Christina answered. “The side entrance is unmonitored for seven minutes."
“That's our window."
She nodded, even though he couldn't see her. “I'll be ready."
“You sure about this?"
Christina looked around her bedroom. The chandelier. The manicured orchids. The jewelry box filled with things she never asked for.
“Yes," she said. “I'm sure."
---
They had spent three days building the plan, piece by careful piece.
Christina moved a portion of her allowance into a hidden account. Felix secured transportation—train tickets under false names, burner phones, a safe house.
She contacted a trauma counselor anonymously. Asked about coercion. About rebuilding. About breathing again.
She
