Chapter 23. Drugged

Vera came down the grand staircase, humming softly to herself, her heels clicking gently against the marble steps. Her face was lit with a cheerful smile, as though nothing in the world could ruin her mood this evening. But that smile quickly began to fade.

The maids, who had gathered around the hallway, quickly dispersed as they noticed her coming. Some lowered their heads, others turned away. It was strange. Vera narrowed her eyes.

She paused at the foot of the stairs and called out sharply, “You. Come here.”

One of the younger maids hesitated, then hurried over, her fingers nervously twisting the edge of her apron.

“What’s going on? Why is everyone acting like there’s a funeral?”

The maid didn’t respond immediately.

Vera’s voice grew firmer. “Speak!”

“Ma’am… it’s Emily and… and the boy. Lucien. They… they’re in trouble.”

Vera’s smile vanished completely. Her eyebrows shot up. “Trouble? What kind of trouble?”

The maid lowered h