cross the plush, cream-colored Persian rug. She moved with purpose tow

e vanity lights illuminated her face. Audrey stared critic

saw the garish, neon pink hair extensions clipped haphazardly into her natural brune

tume she wore purely to spite Barrett, to destroy

d how ridiculous, how childish she looked. She had weaponize

sively, not caring as it snagged and ripped a few of her real hairs out by the root. She

them out until her scalp stung and her na

a thick cotton pad. She poured a generous amount of t

rubbed until the delicate skin around her eyes turned red. The thick black sludge came

om door clicked loudly. The metallic soun

heavy oak door slowly pushed open. Her heart leaped, e

Fairchild steppe

was rigidly professional, his spine straight as a board. His eyes were carefully averted, looking at the wall rather

itting area. His voice was perfectly

dam, per Mr. Kensington's order

e turned fully to face the butler. Her half-cleaned face looked bizarre-one ey

ise crossed his highly disciplined features. He registere

h aroma of a perfectly seared filet mignon and truffle asparagus drifted up

ur. She offered him a

y said, her voice steady and respectful. "And I

andle of the cart. He was utterly unprepared for a polite respon

uickly, bowing his head slig

wary. He assessed her posture, looking for t

She knew the butler reported every single

eye. Her tone shifted from pol

lear," Audrey stated, her voice ringing

him completely off guard. His professional mask slipped f

loser to the cart, making su

er again," she said loudly and clearly. "I want you to ensure Bar

composure. He gave

lied. His tone, however, implied a heavy dose of sk

s doubt. She didn't expect

long shower," she stated over her shoulder. "

ed the bizarre, unprecedented interaction. He quietl

hut. The deadbolt

y didn't care. S

eavy brass handles, turning the water to the hottest settin

led it up and tossed it aggressively into the laundry hamper

r skin, scrubbing her body until it was pink. She was determined