Chapter 6 – The Smile That Meant Danger
Grace did not move.
She barely breathed.
For a long second, Isabella continued staring toward the cabinet.
Then she smiled again.
"Coming?"
she asked Nathan.
Nathan nodded absentmindedly.
"I'll be there."
Isabella slipped her arm through his.
The couple slowly climbed the staircase.
Only after the hidden door closed above them did Grace finally exhale.
Had Isabella truly seen her?
Or had she only sensed that someone had been there?
Grace could not risk guessing.
She hurried back to the steel door.
"Oliver."
"I'm still here."
The boy rushed to the other side.
"I heard my dad."
"He was here."
"I know."
"Can you get me out?"
Grace looked at the keypad.
Six digits.
No fingerprints.
No keyhole.
Only an electronic lock.
"I'm going to find another way."
Oliver's voice trembled.
"Please don't leave me."
"I promise."
"I'll come back."
She slipped Emma Ashford's journal beneath her housekeeping apron.
If Isabella discovered it, every answer could disappear forever.
Grace quietly returned upstairs.
The gala continued as though nothing had happened.
Champagne glasses clinked.
A jazz quartet played near the ballroom windows.
Nathan stood beside Isabella, thanking donors with a tired smile.
Grace noticed something strange.
Every few minutes, Isabella glanced toward the staff entrance.
She was watching.
May you like
Waiting.
As if expecting someone to make a mistake.
