CHAPTER SEVENTY THREE: DON’T CUT ME OFF

Olivia POV

I brought my car to a quick stop, few blocks from the Manor when I sighted Ophelia about to turn into the Manor gate. I had been waiting for her for longer than a few minutes. She was bearing bags of groceries in her hands. Clearly, she was returning from the market.

Slowly, I pulled up beside her and rolled down the window.

"Ophelia," I called out, my voice sweet but with an edge of authority.

She stopped, her eyes widening in fear when she saw me. Good. She knew better than to ignore me. "Get in," I said, nodding towards the passenger seat.

She hesitated for a moment, “The groceries.”

“Drop it and get in.” I commanded steely.

Frantically, she dropped the bags and climbed into the car. I could see her hands trembling slightly as she buckled her seatbelt. I drove a little further, ensuring we were far enough from prying eyes, and then parked the car. Turning to face her, I did not bother with pleasantries. "Are you still doing what I asked?"

Her eyes darted around n