Chapter 6

(IVY POV)

I stopped, reaching out to touch the frame, running my fingers over the image as if trying to pull something from the recesses of my memory. But nothing came, just a vague sense of unease.

"You alright, dear?" Mrs. Hawkins asked, her voice breaking through my thoughts.

I pulled my hand back quickly, nodding. "Yes, just… admiring the picture."

She smiled, a knowing look in her eyes. "The Blackwood family has a long history. You’ll learn all about it in time."

I wasn’t so sure I wanted to.

The days passed quickly, and before I knew it, a week had gone by.

I was beginning to settle into the routines, getting to know the other staff and even the layout of the massive estate.

The others seemed to like me well enough, and I found myself becoming more comfortable, though there was always that underlying tension, a constant reminder that I was here under false pretenses.

What surprised me most was the boss, or should i just call him Adrian.

He was nothing like the ruthless, cold-