Chapter 102

SARAH

When I opened the door, a maid stood in front of me. She wasn’t one of the regulars I had gotten used to seeing around here. This one looked unfamiliar—too unfamiliar for my comfort. Her eyes darted around nervously, and she didn’t meet my gaze directly.

“Mr. Marco is at the party,” she said, her voice soft but firm, “and he’s requesting your attendance.”

I blinked, stunned. Had I heard that right? Marco had been clear—so clear that his words echoed in my mind. “Stay put. Don’t leave your room”. The message had been firm, almost like a command. And now, this maid was here telling me the exact opposite? Something didn’t add up. I narrowed my eyes at her, trying to gauge if she was joking, but she looked dead serious.

“Wait… What?” I said, my tone laced with confusion. “Marco asked for me? You’re sure?”

“Yes, ma’am. Mr. Marco requested you,” she repeated, as if I hadn’t heard her the first time. “And… I think he’s getting tired of waiting.”

Her words lingered, unsettling me. I bit