Book 3: Chapter 29

They both froze, every muscle tense as the knock came again, softer this time but accompanied by a voice, a maid’s, calm yet with a tinge of curiosity.

“Señorita Esmeralda?” she called gently, pausing as though listening for any sign of life inside the room. “I heard some noise in the passage earlier and wanted to check if you were all right. Mr. Morales left for his business meeting, so I didn’t want to intrude, but…”

Esmeralda’s pulse thundered in her ears as she glanced at Santiago, her mind scrambling for a response that wouldn’t arouse suspicion. He gave her an encouraging nod, his lips quirking into a reassuring smile. Swallowing, Esmeralda cleared her throat, forcing calm into her voice.

“Yes, Rosa, I’m fine,” she called, hoping her voice sounded composed. “I was just on a call and got a bit animated, I suppose. Sorry if I startled you.”

There was a pause on the other side of the door, and for a heartbeat, Esmeralda’s breath hitched, waiting for the ma