can’t help but overthink my situation. I suddenly want to speak with Oliver to apol

? What’s the point of talking to me if he will fire me, anyway? Though I remember that he has every reason

ther sculpture

ing in. Open the door and sit in the chair provided.” Her face is stone-cold. She is looking at the

might be a chance I won’t

ce vanishes slowly whe

ring to. It’s probably the simplest door inside the mansion. It’s flat white without any

front of me. There is nothing on the walls, and everything is painted

room for criminals. I knew he was a bit eccentric, but this co

? Then I remember what Oliver told me before. He

on the desk

is pounding abnormally. All I can think about is running for my

ce suddenly says loudly. I look up and find a

ould only chew my nervousness like a d

in, and honestly, his voice doesn’t sound

hits me. How does he

e. He can see how ne

e chair and sit down. I

to your ear so I can hea

hite wireless telephone, then

m the speakers and not through the telepho

randon Lucien? I’m beginning to doubt it. What

ises, is definitely the man with whom I’ve worked the past month—which means this man over the phone is indeed th

hy did you com

. “I was lost,” I answer, not

t your reason was, you still broke

r. “I’m sorry. It’

r reason. It’s a pity. I find you talented,” he

my mouth instantly. “Sorry.” I

m getting used to your little notes. I like the

u would at least

despise the most are absent-minded people.” There is a long pause on his end. “But I need so

from me?” What else can someone like me gi

u. I’m sure Oliver alre

... he

if you give me what I need. That is your only chance, Miss Hart, a

now. Here I can cook to my heart’s content, and I have a boss who helps me learn so much a

ve me good compensation. May

“What is it that yo

why you are

er reasons tha

eant it when he said I was chosen. He meant it when he s

on the desk suddenly turns on. An image of me

er in Venice after graduating from the institute in Kansas. I enrolled in a six-mont

u want from

at I need from you. I want you to tell me where she is,” he demands, li

ire me f

’t think I c

y n

” I half-lie. I do know where she is. I’ve spoken to her after I left the training school, and she’s p

No normal person would speak only on a

eceive better compensa

g information like that to a stranger is illeg

think I could be

epeats, sound

ame. Lucia.

e says in a low tone but a little exasper

y would she

nnette Teller. She’s Italian no

n than he already had. “What? I’m n

When was the last time

don’t know.”

He exhales. “Miss Hart, if you can just tell me eve

he mentioned isn’t just a few dollars. I suddenly imagine living in a mansion like this with my twelve siblin

e thing I learned from my mother; money shouldn

answer firmly, “I don

need medical attention? Neurom

w that?” I almost squeal angrily.

who can do research, Mi

up to thi

wer the q

d. “Yes, s

of twenty thousa

ts were because of my mother’s medication too

that’s

ell me something useful. I’ll pay for your mother’s medication, settle your debts

eet as heaven, but this man i

elittling

stating

just now? Why not when I started working here? It doesn’t m

ling yourself. I did s

e. I can’t help you with that

eless,” he says. “You are rig