A GIRL NAMED NOVA.
Her tone softened slightly, though her gaze was sharp and appraising.
I bowed politely. “I’m Nova, ma’am. I work here—”
“Oh, I know,” she said, with a small, knowing smile that somehow unsettled me. “I’ve heard of you. The boy’s new… friend. I like you already, dear.”
I blinked, surprised. Even in her anger, there was something charming about her approval. Frederick, however, looked mortified.
“Mother, please—” he began, but she ignored him, striding through the living hall with unrestrained energy.