[Reid Mansion — Upstairs Corridor]
The corridor was quiet.
Most of the relatives had left and the staff had retreated to their duties. The house had slipped into that late-evening stillness where even footsteps felt intrusive.
Evelyn stood near the window at the end of the hall, adjusting the ruby necklace unconsciously. The weight of it still felt unreal against her skin. It was not heavy, just present.
She hadn't noticed Olivia at first.
"You are settling in quickly."
The voice came from behind her, smooth and deliberate.
Evelyn turned.
Olivia leaned against the wall with her arms folded, posture relaxed in a way that was meant to look effortless but her smile didn't reach her eyes.
"I didn't mean to interrupt," Olivia continued lightly. "But I thought it might be useful for us to talk, alone."
Evelyn hesitated for half a second, then nodded. "Of course."
Olivia straightened and walked closer, heels clicking softly against the marble.
