Maria was in the room Mrs. Spencer had assigned her, sitting in silence as her thoughts spiraled through a maze of uncertainties.
The morning had started with an unexpected agreement over breakfast between herself, Mr. Frederick, and the one man she least expected to ever work with—Elijah Simons. Yet here she was, alone with her mind spinning.
"I don't think I can trust Elijah Simons with anything," Maria muttered to herself, her eyes fixed on the ceiling. "He may be powerful and well-connected, but he's also ruthless. He'll do anything to get what he wants."
The look on her face was blank, but inside she was restless.
Maybe I should talk to Mr. Frederick, she thought. It might be wise to let him know how I feel before it gets too far. I need to know where he truly stands with Elijah.
Just as she was sinking deeper into her thoughts, a knock at the door pulled her back to the present. She flinched slightly, startled by the sudden interruption.
