28.

12 months ago.

Third person

Maids hurried around the kitchen to prepare the morning breakfast. Their every movement was stiff, well aware that today master of this place will dine as well. He has finally arrived from business after two weeks. The air inside the mansion was tensed. The atmosphere reeked of wretchedness. The commotion on late Christine Romero's birthday was still fresh in everybody's mind. The outburst of Valerie was difficult to brush away. Since that day, the teen has refused to leave her room and gave a cold shoulder to Crystal. Maya’s virulent words were enough to fuel the deep hatred sown under Valerie's skin. Even Crystal failed to bring herself to look in everyone's eyes after that. She did join others on the table but kept the communication to a minimum. Lola was