Gray's mansion

Chapter 13

Alice's POV

Golden light seeped through the heavy drapes of my room at Gray Manor, casting a soft, early-morning glow that seemed at odds with the silence that filled the vast house. I opened my eyes slowly, momentarily disoriented by the unfamiliar surroundings. Memories of my late arrival the night before trickled back as I glanced around, taking in the elegant yet restrained decor. I was here now, and somehow, that realization brought a strange mix of comfort and tension.

I slipped out of bed, my feet brushing against the plush, cool rug beneath me as I made my way to the bathroom. A hot shower helped clear the remnants of sleep from my mind, each drop of water revitalizing me as I mentally prepared for the day. Once dried off, I took my time selecting my outfit—a fitted black pencil skirt paired with a tailored, white silk blouse adorned with small, pearly buttons. I wanted something professional yet understated, a look that reflected the authority my role required with