t, but the air in the mansion hadn't sett

a plate'. Yes, it was just a plate. But it bro

e. It was the disturbance, and the

idn't pay

noti

lways

cases,

her husband's attention. Barely worked. And when

ve than ever. She double-checked everything she did

hovered beside her, carefully placing the silver cutlery down, her hands slightly trembling. It was

ngs - moved with quick, efficient grace. She arranged the crystal wine glasses

e kitchen had outdone itself tonight - though not out of pride, but p

dn't hire a privat

er's golden light. Everything looked

d just sat down, she had a strange feeling that something was about

vieve wrapped in silk and irritation, and Mr. Van Aelrich pretending not to noti

tep calculated. Ana has already left to make the beds. The air smelled of rosem

engrossed in his phone, and barely touched his rosemary

. 'Maybe he's planning

she took the empty plate away from him, e

a deep, deliberate clink of glass broke the quiet

od across the white tableclot

to catch his gaze. He wa

ooking a

ything. Just loo

e if she should step in. Clar

ickly, hurrying forward wi

didn't change. But Clara felt it - that cold att

es and began blotting

h. Better he

ntion anymore. O

.", Rowan spoke up, his usual calm voice,

he repeated, his tone smooth and detache

lara, still on her knees, the

re careful, there'd be few

up straighter. "Are we all going to p

njustice. At

They are paid

t to have you

oug

ugh the air like a blad

followed Lucien's

ward. N

orit

, the barest smirk playing at hi

And Clara, still kneeling on the floor with the stained cloth in hand, felt the

ne's eyes, and wordlessly walked back towa

t wasn't. It pulsed in her ears, steady and fast. She tossed the wine-st

th to say something-

to say thank you, but for what? Marie hadn't

rinse her han

red at first

an was trying to prove. Bu

wouldn't stop

chair back a little too loudly, and left for his ro

t look up fr

nce was over