Evening came and the mansion glowed with bright lights. The maids had worked hard all day under Cassandra’s strict rules, and the house looked spotless. Every flower vase was shining, every curtain straight, and the dining table was set like a feast.
Cassandra stood in front of the mirror in Nathaniel’s bedroom, wearing a silky red gown. She sprayed her perfume and touched her lips with bright lipstick. She smiled at her reflection, practicing the soft sweet face Nathaniel liked to see.
It was all a game. She knew how to switch her face. In front of the maids she was fire, but in front of Nathaniel she became sugar. That was how she planned to hold him tight until every part of his world was in her hands.
Soon the sound of Nathaniel’s car filled the compound. Cassandra rushed down
