Isla POV

Tuesday evening, and I stood waiting outside my apartment, tense as I waited for Mr. Vale's driver to come pick me up. Carmilla had gone all out on my makeup and dress—it took her about an hour to get me ready.

But I hadn't even looked in the mirror yet. I wasn't ready to be disappointed.

I heard a car arriving and stood to attention as it parked in front of me.

The window wound down. I expected a driver, or even Henry—but I was shocked to see Mr. Vale himself behind the wheel.

"Sir?" I said, surprised, as he stepped out. "I didn't expect you to be...