ssive, tiered stone fountain. The driver was out instant

staring up at the imposing facade of The Crestwood Estate. The sheer scale

eps. A butler in a tailored suit bowed his head. Warm, brilliant light

polished marble floor. Above her hung a crystal chandelier so large it looked l

ant, pearl-colored silk robe. Her posture was flawless, her face beautiful and stern.

hair and damp coat. Annabelle's stomach plummeted.

her mother's. "Mom, this is Anna. Her landlord was a to

her. "Good evening, Mrs. Barrera. I am so sorr

her face melted into a surprisingly warm, gracious smile

mediately. No friend of my daughter should be out in this

lle's chest loosen. She unzipped her damp tote bag. She had to

softly, her cheeks flushing. She unscrewed the cap and slid out a

tercolor study of a European countryside, unsigned and unassuming

ly intrigued. "My my. The depth of this lighting... Annabelle, this is quit

nnabelle breat

the east wing. The one with the balcony facing the gard

ed him up the grand staircase and down a long ha

-sized bed with a velvet canopy dominated the space.

ipped off her wet clothes and stood under the scalding hot

to a pair of silk pajamas a

ea and pastries sat on the table. She picked up the porcelain cup. The spic

her head in, holding a fluffy pillow.

y side, staring up at the intricate plaster molding on the ceiling. Gabriella talked f

a's breathing evened

d up her phone. The 'No SIM' notification in the corner wa

app. She stared at the offer from Apex Digital Comics.

vers up to her chin. She closed her eyes, letting the saf