INTERLUDE

The young maid's eyes darted around nervously, making sure no one could overhear her.

"Yes, ma'am," she whispered, nodding quickly.

"She was rushed to the hospital."

A low hum came from the other end of the phone. "And you still have no information on what happened?"

"No. Ever since she was taken from the estate, they haven’t returned," the maid said, glancing over her shoulder. She pressed the phone closer to her ear, as if that would somehow guarantee privacy.

"I need you to keep me updated. Everything she does—everything—I want to know. Am I clear?"

"Yes, ma'am. I will."

"Good." The line went dead.

The maid straightened, adjusted...