Star was pacing the halls, still searching for Maria. She'd checked everywhere. No sign. No answer to her calls either.
Back downstairs, she met her father, Tomas, by the front entrance.
"Dad, I want you to meet Mrs. Davids, but I can't find her anywhere," she said, trying to mask her growing concern. "She's not answering her phone. Anyway, she's probably just busy."
Tomas looked uneasy. His eyes darted nervously across the room.
"Dad… why do you look pale?" Star asked, sensing something off.
"It's getting late, Star. I might just sleep outside tonight," he mumbled, half-serious, half-defeated.
"No way," Star insisted. "Mendu and I will escort you home. I'll talk to Frieda. She won't try anything."
"I just hope you're right," Tomas sighed.
Meanwhile, upstairs…
Leila tugged Bonita's arm. "I need the bathroom."
Bonita led her toward Star's washroom but found the door locked. "Okay, I'll take you to the one upstairs."
As they climbed the stairs, Christine's voice called from the sitting room. "Bonita! I need you, urgently!"
Bonita sighed. "Leila, go on. It's the second room from the end. You'll be fine."
Leila wandered alone, muttering, "How do I even know which one's the second from the end? Should I count from the far side?"
As she passed one of the rooms, voices inside caught her attention. She paused.
Inside, Maria was on a call.
"Tell me again how Star tricked you?" Maria snapped.
"Boss, I did just as you said. She handed me the milkshake, but somehow I ended up drinking it. I'm still dizzy, but not completely out."
Maria's voice was a storm barely contained. "I told you she was cunning. This is my fault. I shouldn't have assigned you after all these years off duty. You've ruined everything."
Outside the door, Leila's eyes widened.
"If that girl doesn't leave this house and our lives, things won't go in our favor," Maria said coldly. "I'll spare you for now because I haven't 'revised' you in five years. But meet me at HQ tomorrow after work. We're cleaning this mess."
She paused, sensing movement beyond the door.
Just then, Star raced up the stairs, catching Leila frozen near the door.
Maria opened it.
There was Star. There was Leila.
Maria blinked, then smiled awkwardly. "Can I help you?"
Star forced a smile. "Madam, I've been looking for you. I wanted you to meet my cousin, Leila. Dad's downstairs too."
Maria's expression froze for a split second. "Star… Star… Star…"
"I heard you," she added icily. "I'm busy and don't need any disturbance. Nice meeting you, Leila. I'm Maria. Star's new mother."
Leila blinked. "Nice to meet you, ma'am. I look forward to talking more."
Maria shut the door.
Star grabbed Leila's arm. "What were you doing up here? What if she caught you peeking? That'd fall on me!"
"I was looking for the toilet… but Star, I heard her. She's plotting something."
"Forget it," Star whispered. "Come. You can use my washroom."
They reached her room. Leila's eyes widened at the sight. "Wow… Is this your room?"
"Leila, we don't have time. Admire it on the weekend. For now, use the restroom. Your mom was calling."
Leila frowned. "Mom was calling? How'd she know I'm here?"
"She guessed."
"Mom isn't even in Windhoek, Star. She couldn't know I'm here."
Star raised a brow. "That explains why you're not worried."
As Leila used the restroom, Star glanced at the clock, then back toward the stairs. "Dad's worried about what Frieda might do. I called her, but she sounded… wrong. I need to get him home now."
"He deserves to suffer," Leila muttered from the toilet. "He abandoned you."
"No. Dad's not evil," Star replied. "They say a snake stays a snake, but… I saw tears in his eyes today. Real ones."
"He's a pro at manipulation," Leila retorted.
"You know me, Leila. I can read people. Mr. Tomas proved me wrong today."
"Fine. You win, Mrs. Star Mandume Davids," Leila teased.
Star rolled her eyes. "Don't start."
Downstairs, Christine noticed Tomas' agitation.
"Is everything alright?"
Tomas nodded quickly. "Yeah, just… it's late, and this neighborhood isn't exactly safe at night."
"Oh, don't worry. I'm sure Star and my son will see you home."
Tomas was about to reply when his phone rang.
The name on the screen froze him: Frieda.
"Excuse me," he muttered, stepping away. "It's my wife."
Christine nodded politely and left.
He answered. "Hello?"
"So you went to visit your daughter without telling me?" Frieda's voice was calm. Too calm.
"Frieda, I'm sorry. I'll be home soon."
"It's alright," she said. "I don't mind. I'll be waiting."
The call ended.
Tomas stared at the screen, dread pooling in his chest.
"God… I'm in trouble tonight."
He looked around. "Where is Star? I can't wait anymore. I have to get home."