Victoria entered the kitchen and found Rouse alongside three other employees, each busy with her own tasks.

"Good morning."

She greeted them, but no one responded. Only Rouse looked at her with some anger and raised her eyebrows.

Unfazed, Victoria went to the refrigerator and began taking out the ingredients needed to prepare the soup, placing them on the countertop. She moved slowly; the cast limited her mobility.

She put water to boil in the pot while the employees exchanged confused glances. Never before had a woman outside the staff entered this kitchen, much less to cook. However, they ignored her presence and continued with their duties.

Victoria brought the...