The moment Elena walked in through the mansion doors, the butler greeted her with a warm smile.
"Welcome back, Madam."
Elena smiled faintly.
She went upstairs, changed into something soft, washed her face, let her hair fall freely. Her body felt heavy, but her cravings were louder, so she headed downstairs to find fruits.
She walked into the pantry quietly, picking strawberries and apples. Her hands trembled slightly—nerves, hunger, maybe both.
As she stepped out, she heard whispers near the hallway.
Two maids were talking.
"I heard Isabel is staying."
"Ugh… she's rude. I don't like her at all."
"Why would Mr. Damian let her stay?"
Elena froze for a moment.
Her chest tightened.
He let her stay?
Why?
If Isabel was staying… did that mean Damian still cared about Isabel?
Still wanted her?
Elena swallowed hard, her throat burning. She walked past the maids silently and found the butler in the corridor.
"Is Isabel… staying?" she asked, voice soft.
