The chamber erupted into mayhem. Multiple servants lunged forward, attempting to restrain Elsie as she fought like a wild animal, refusing to be removed.
Peggy rushed to Ivy's side, her words barely audible. "Lady Ivy, Lady Bella has arrived."
Terror drained the color from Ivy's face. She seized Genevieve's arm desperately. "Mother, Bella's coming. She'll destroy me if she discovers what happened here."
Bella's frigid stare flashed through Genevieve's memory. She understood that Bella despised Ivy completely. If Bella discovered Elsie's presence, Ivy would be finished.
"Gideon, stop standing around like a fool. Take Elsie out the rear entrance immediately," Genevieve commanded sharply.
Gideon hesitated, but Ivy's desperate tears and Genevieve's frantic insistence finally cracked his resolve. Defeated, he agreed and escorted Elsie toward the back exit.
