Isabel’s heart plummeted. Had Claire been eavesdropping the whole time? A wave of disbelief and fear rushed through her veins. If Claire had overheard, they’d be left with only two options: silence her or run before she exposed them.

“It’s not what you think,” Isabel said, standing quickly, trying to sound calm.

Claire raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Because I saw you being quite affectionate with the orphan. Isn't that against the rules?”

Isabel’s pulse slowed with a small sigh of relief. Claire hadn’t heard the conversation; she only saw the embrace. “It is, but only between fellow nuns. Not the children. I’ve raised Adriana from when she was just a...