Mariam had just finished preparing the bed when she stepped into the hallway—only to freeze at the sight of Daniel striding toward her, Anna cradled firmly in his arms.
The moment Anna caught sight of the housekeeper, her eyes widened theatrically.
"Mariam!" she shrieked, her voice echoing down the corridor. "Help me—your master is kidnapping me!"
The old woman blinked, utterly speechless.
"..."
Anna wriggled in Daniel's hold, her words growing louder, more dramatic, as if she were the heroine of some tragic play. "Save me! He's taking me against my will!"
Mariam nearly dropped to her knees, torn between horror and disbelief.
But Daniel didn't so much as glance at her. His jaw was tight, his steps unwavering as he carried Anna straight into the bedroom.
Before Mariam could even gather her wits, the door shut with a heavy thud, cutting off both Anna's cries and her own rising panic.
The silence that followed only made Mariam's pulse quicken.
