Sara sipped her tea at the small pavilion nestled beside the indoor pool. The sun filtered in through the garden's tall windows, painting dappled light across the marble floor. It was just past noon—time to start working. Eager to meet her young client, she let the warmth of the tea calm her nerves.
The maid, who'd been shadowing her since she entered the mansion, poured another cup with practiced grace. Clearly, she was assigned to keep an eye on her. Yet, the woman's kindness made the surveillance feel more like gentle company than intrusion.
"Would you like some more tea, miss?" the maid asked politely.
"No, I'm alright. I was just wondering… when will Little Miss be arriving?" Sara asked, glancing at the pool.
"She's already at the mansion," the maid replied softly, her voice so de
