Chapter 11 – Risk and Reckoning
The mansion's corridors were unusually silent, yet the tension was palpable. Catty moved carefully with a basket of clean linens, her senses heightened. Every creak of the floor, every shadow, made her heart beat faster. The strange sense from the past few days lingered—a warning she could not ignore.
Sofia appeared quietly beside her, voice low. "You shouldn't be wandering these halls alone."
Catty paused. "Why? Is something happening?"
"Someone is not who they seem," Sofia said, her eyes scanning the hallway. "Keep your wits about you. And stay out of the east wing."
Catty nodded, a chill running down her spine. The east wing had been drawing her attention, a pull she could not explain. Something in her past—or perhaps her instincts—demanded she pay attention.
---
Meanwhile, Lara moved silently through the same corridors. Each step was precise, deliberate. Her maid uniform allowed her to blend in perfectly, yet her eyes constantly analyzed Catty's movements. Every gesture, every small interaction, was recorded.
"She's cautious," Lara thought, observing Catty arranging towels. "But not careful enough. She'll slip sooner or later."
A soft click behind her made Lara freeze. For a brief second, one of the surveillance cameras in the east wing flickered—almost catching her. Almost, she reminded herself, adjusting her movements. She had to be perfect; one mistake could blow her cover.
---
In the study, Logan's amber eyes scanned reports from the previous mission. His minor wound had healed, but the uneasy sensation from the docks lingered. He sensed that something—or someone—was active in the mansion.
"Ethan," he said quietly, "watch the east wing closely. Catty's curiosity is growing, and someone is exploiting it."
Ethan nodded, expression unreadable. "She doesn't know she's being observed."
"Not yet," Logan replied. "But soon, everything she sees will matter. And I'll be ready if danger approaches."
---
Later, Isabella approached Catty while she was organizing the dining room. Her heels clicked sharply against the polished floors, announcing her presence before she even spoke.
"You've been wandering a lot," Isabella said, her tone deceptively sweet. "Curiosity can get you hurt in this house."
Catty straightened, trying to keep her voice steady. "I'm only doing my job."
Isabella's eyes glinted. "Job or not, be careful. Not everyone here is friendly. Some lessons are learned the hard way."
Catty swallowed hard, nodding, though her stomach twisted in unease.
---
That evening, Catty found herself in the east wing again, drawn by a mixture of curiosity and instinct. Her hands shook slightly as she approached the slightly open door. The metallic scent of keys and faint chill in the air triggered another flashback: shadows, hands gripping hers, a voice calling her name.
A whisper of memory—but stronger this time. Fifteen years ago, a dim room, muffled voices, a sense of helplessness. She pulled back, pressing her palms against her chest, trying to calm her racing heart.
Lara appeared from the shadows, stepping silently.
"Good evening," she said softly, eyes scanning the hall. "Curiosity can be dangerous, don't you think?"
Catty's breath hitched. "I—I'm just… checking."
Lara's eyes glimmered with something sharp, calculating. "Be careful. Some doors shouldn't be opened."
Catty's green eyes narrowed. Who is she? And why do I feel like she knows more than she should?
---
In the kitchen, Isabella watched the interaction from a distance, her jealousy simmering. She approached Catty later with a tray of dishes.
"You'll be serving him tonight," Isabella said, voice low and threatening. "I want to see if you can handle the responsibility."
Catty's hands shook slightly as she accepted the tray. Isabella's glare lingered, a silent promise of retribution if she faltered.
---
Later, Logan observed from the study, noting minor anomalies on the surveillance monitors. A shadow moved where it shouldn't have, and his instincts screamed danger.
"He's pushing too far," Ethan said quietly, watching the monitors.
"Let him," Logan replied, amber eyes fixed. "We wait for the mistake. Then we act."
---
Night fell, heavy with tension. Catty lay in her small quarters, tracing the folds of the crimson lotus note from the rival group. Memories stirred again—the faint images of a room, shadows, the feeling of being pulled somewhere against her will.
A soft knock at her door made her jump.
"Catty?" Lara's voice whispered from the other side. "Are you awake?"
Catty froze. "I… I'm fine. You should go."
Lara's smile was faint but unnerving. "Just checking. This house has many secrets. Be careful who you trust."
Catty's stomach twisted. "I am."
---
Outside, rain tapped against the tall windows. Logan sat in the study, eyes flicking between the monitors and the shadows beyond.
"She's in the east wing," Ethan said quietly.
Amber eyes narrowed. "Good. Let her find out something. But not too much… not yet."
---
Catty lay awake, the folded note in her hands, the flashback lingering in her mind. She couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching her closely—and that the mansion held secrets far more dangerous than she had imagined.
And somewhere in the shadows, Lara's spying grew bolder. One small mistake could expose her, or worse, place Catty directly in danger.
The game was intensifying, and no one in the mansion would remain untouched.