Evelyn closed the door behind her and leaned against it, exhaling hard.
Maris peeked from the kitchen, a flour-dusted spoon in hand. "Evie? What happened?"
"Some rich idiot almost hit a kid," Evelyn said, tugging off her scarf. "Then his driver threw money at him like that made it better."
Maris frowned. "That's horrible. Was anyone hurt?"
"No… it was strange. I think the driver wasn't the one in charge. Someone else was in the car, but I couldn't see him."
Maris went quiet.
Evelyn crossed the room and gently stole the spoon from her. "Let me help. You're going to wear yourself out."
They moved easily around each other, stirring pots, chopping vegetables, the kitchen filling with warmth and the familiar scent of garlic and butter. Safe. Simple.
"You ever wonder why she left?" Evelyn asked softly, out of nowhere.
Maris looked up, startled.
"My mother. She just… disappeared."
Maris was silent for a long moment. Then: "Some people run from things they don't understand, Evie. She loved you, but she was afraid. Of herself. Of what she might pass on."
Evelyn frowned. "What does that mean?"
But Maris just smiled sadly.. Questions later."
***
Kael sat at a dim bar staring at the amber liquid in his glass.
"She's close," he told Lucien again.
Lucien arched a brow "So what do you do now?"
Kael looked up.
"I find her."
***
Evelyn stirred the pot while Maris baked the flatbread, After the dishes were done Evelyn leaned her head on Maris's shoulder,soaking in the last shred of peace before the house swallowed her again.
I will have dinner in my room, she said as she carried the plates. Maris nodded, brushing a hand through her hair like she used to when Evelyn was small. Don't stay up too long" .
I won't' goodnight maris' I love you. Maris gave her a smile and she carried the tray up the winding staircase
The hallway was dim, filled with shadows and expensive things, The smell of Claudia's perfume clung to every inch of it.
As she passed a room, a sound made her freeze.
A soft, breathy moan.
Then another.
Muffled. Desperate.
Evelyn narrowed her eyes and followed the noise to the half-open door of the upstairs lounge. She hesitated… then pushed it open a fraction more.
Her breath caught.
Darren.
Her stepbrother.
Shirtless. Hands tangled in the hair of a girl she didn't recognize, pinned against the leather couch.
Evelyn's stomach turned.
She stepped back sharply, and the floor creaked under her heel.
Darren's head whipped up.
"Seriously?" he snapped, untangling himself with an angry grunt. "You couldn't mind your own damn business for five seconds?"
"You left the door open," she said flatly.