Long after Derek had left the Donovan’s mansion, Karina arrived back home.

She hastened her steps on the stairs, expecting to meet Derek waiting for her inside even though she knew in her mind that she was very late for the lesson.

“Welcome back home, ma’am. Your mom has been worried sick about you,” Margaret informed, her head inclined forward respectfully.

Karina sighed. She knew her mom would be so worried already.

“Where’s she? And is my teacher still waiting for me?” she asked at once.

“In the study with your father, and your teacher had left as soon as he learned that you’re not home yet,” Margaret answered; her...