Jessica's POV
Dinner with Papa had been surprisingly pleasant. As we shared our meal and conversation, I couldn't recall why I had felt so anxious beforehand. It had been ages since Papa and I had talked like that, really talked. Usually our exchanges were brief and strictly about business matters.
I made my way up the staircase toward the restroom, feeling lighter than I had in days. Today had been utterly exhausting, but ending it on such a positive note with Papa felt like a small victory.
Just as I reached for the handle of the nearest restroom door, another door clicked open behind me. I spun around and my heart nearly stopped. Bonita emerged from one of the rooms, a silk robe loosely wrapped around her frame, her dark hair hastily pinned up. When she spotted me, her eyes widened with what looked like genuine surprise. But that expression vanished quickly, replaced by her signature cold, calculating smile.
