CLARA’S POVI made it to the estate fifteen minutes late. I was shaking with fear, but Maya was with me, helping me haul my luggage through the side entrance. We tried to sneak toward the stairs, but a shadow blocked our path.Maria stood at the top of the stairs. "Failing orders on your first day is not a good look, Ms Adene.""I'm so sorry, ma'am. I went to get the rest of my things. There was traffic and...""Excuses are not welcome either. And who is this?" She pointed at Maya."This is my friend Maya. She is just helping me with my—.""Staff are not permitted to have guests.Leave now," she said, walking down the stairs, heading for the kitchen. Then she turned, "And Clara, Lily's waiting in her room; change quickly."Maya didn’t leave, not yet. We waited till Maria was out of sight, then continued. She followed me to my room, helping me shove my clothes into the wardrobe while I changed quickly. Then I ran to the nursery, my heart hammering beneath my ribs. "You’re late, and I’m
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