Chapter 12 – Secrets Unraveling
The mansion was quiet, yet tension hung heavy in the air. Catty moved carefully through the halls, carrying a tray of freshly polished silverware. Every step seemed louder than usual, echoing against the polished floors. The sense of being watched returned with a sharp edge, and her pulse quickened.
Sofia appeared quietly at her side. "Don't linger in the east wing," she whispered. "Something's moving there, and it isn't just you."
Catty swallowed. "I don't understand. Who's there?"
"Someone pretending to be harmless," Sofia said, eyes narrowing. "Stay alert and keep to the main halls."
Catty nodded, her green eyes scanning every shadow as she moved down the corridor.
---
Lara moved silently, keeping herself concealed. Her maid uniform allowed her to blend perfectly, but her eyes never left Catty. Every small gesture, every hesitant step, was logged. She had memorized the routines and now sought to test the mansion's defenses further.
A creak from the floorboards made her freeze. One of the security cameras had momentarily captured her movement. Almost caught, she thought, adjusting her steps. She needed to be perfect; one mistake could expose everything.
---
Meanwhile, Logan's amber eyes scanned the surveillance monitors in the study. The flicker of movement in the east wing had been brief, but it didn't escape him.
"Ethan," he said quietly, "watch the east wing. Catty's curiosity is growing, and someone is exploiting it."
"She doesn't know she's being observed," Ethan replied, his tone calm.
"Not yet," Logan said. "But soon, everything she sees will matter. And if that spy makes a mistake…" His jaw tightened. "Then we act."
---
Later, Catty walked down the east wing again, drawn by an instinct she could not explain. Her hands trembled slightly as she passed the slightly open door that had caught her attention before. A faint metallic scent filled the air.
The memory hit her again: shadows, hands gripping hers, muffled voices calling a name she did not recognize. She pressed her palms against her chest, trying to steady her breathing. Fifteen years ago… but where?
Suddenly, a soft whisper came from behind.
"Curiosity can be dangerous," Lara said, stepping from the shadows. Her eyes glimmered with something sharp, calculating.
Catty spun around. "I-I'm just… checking."
Lara smiled faintly, but there was a dangerous edge to it. "Some doors shouldn't be opened. Some secrets are best left alone."
---
In the kitchen, Isabella watched from a distance. Her heels clicked sharply as she approached Catty, holding a tray.
"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 was sharp, a silent promise of retribution if she faltered.
---
That evening, Logan reviewed the surveillance footage again. The spy's movements had become bolder. It was only a matter of time before she overstepped.
"She's pushing too far," Ethan said quietly, watching the monitors.
"Let her," Logan replied. "We wait for the mistake. Then we strike."
---
As night fell, Catty returned to her quarters, exhausted but restless. The crimson lotus note from the rival group sat in her pocket. Her fingers traced the symbol absentmindedly, when another flashback hit—a faint image of a door, shadows, and a small hand gripping hers.
A knock at her door startled her.
"Catty?" Lara's voice called softly. "Are you awake?"
Catty froze. "I… I'm fine. You should go."
"Just checking," Lara said sweetly. Her eyes scanned the room, evaluating, calculating. "This house has many secrets. Be careful who you trust."
Catty's stomach tightened. "I am."
---
Outside, rain tapped against the tall windows. In the study, Logan's eyes flicked between the monitors and the shadows in the east wing.
"She's in the east wing," Ethan said quietly.
Amber eyes narrowed. "Good. Let her find out something. But not too much… not yet."
---
Later, Isabella approached Catty again, her voice sharp. "Don't think your job is done just because the day ends. There are tasks to complete, secrets to observe, and… lessons to learn."
Catty's green eyes widened. "Lessons?"
"Yes," Isabella replied, leaning closer. "In this house, knowledge can be dangerous. Don't cross the wrong person—or the consequences can be… unpleasant."
Catty nodded, swallowing hard. The tension was thick, but her curiosity burned brighter. She couldn't let fear stop her from discovering the truth.