I followed Elena up the grand staircase, my fingers brushing against the smooth, polished railing. Every step I took only made it clearer just how absurdly massive this place was. The walls were lined with intricate gold detailing, and expensive-looking paintings hung in perfect symmetry, like they belonged in a museum rather than an actual home.
And the chandeliers—because, of course, one wasn't enough—sparkled like something out of a fairy tale.
I glanced around, unimpressed. "I see simplicity isn't a family trait."
Elena chuckled softly. "It is a bit extravagant, isn't it?"
That was putting it mildly.
As we walked, I noticed the people moving about—maids in pristine uniforms, their expressions neutral but alert, and butlers carrying trays with practiced ease. They barely looked at me, but I could feel the weight of their curiosity. It wasn't every day a long-lost daughter was dragged back into the picture, I supposed.
Then there were the guards.
Tall, imposing men stood at various points along the hallway, dressed in black, armed, and completely unreadable. They weren't just for decoration, either. Their eyes tracked every movement, sharp and calculating.
The whole place felt less like a home and more like something... else. A world with rules I didn't understand yet.
I inhaled deeply, trying to push away the unease creeping into my chest.
Elena finally stopped in front of a set of dark wooden double doors. She turned to me with a polite smile. "This is your room, Miss Mia."
I raised an eyebrow. "Let me guess—it's bigger than my entire apartment?"
Elena's smile didn't waver. "Why don't you see for yourself?"
With a sigh, I pushed the doors open.
And, yep. It was ridiculous!.
The room was massive—larger than any place I had ever lived. A four-poster bed sat at the center, draped in soft gray and white bedding. The tall windows were framed with velvet curtains, and a fireplace sat along one wall, crackling softly. There was even a sitting area, complete with a couch and armchairs that looked like they had never been touched.
A closet door was slightly ajar, revealing rows of clothes—clothes I had definitely never owned.
I let out a low whistle. "So, do I get a personal chef too, or is that extra?"
Elena, to her credit, didn't laugh, though I caught the amused glint in her eyes. "There is always someone available if you need anything."
I shook my head in disbelief and stepped inside, running a hand over the soft bedding. It was strange—too perfect, too curated. Like they had been preparing for me, even though I hadn't known they existed until today
Elena lingered by the door for a moment before speaking again. "Dinner has been prepared. You may eat in the dining hall, or if you prefer, I can have it brought here."
I glanced around the massive room, still feeling like an outsider in it. "I'll eat here," I decided. The last thing I wanted was to sit at a table with Anderson, Aaron, and Alex and pretend this was some kind of normal family dinner.
Elena nodded. "I'll have it sent up shortly." She turned to leave, but just before she stepped out, I remembered something.
"My phone," I blurted out.
Elena paused, and before I could even get the question out, she gestured toward the bedside table.
"It's right there, Miss Mia."
My eyes snapped to the small wooden nightstand beside the bed. Sure enough, my phone sat there, looking perfectly untouched.
I walked over and picked it up quickly, my fingers tightening around it like it might disappear if I didn't hold on tight enough.
"Elena..." I turned back to her, wary. "Why do I feel like there's a catch?"
She offered me a small, polite smile. "Mr. Anderson instructed me to deliver a message."
I raised an eyebrow. "Of course he did."
Elena didn't hesitate. "You are free to use your phone as you like, but if you attempt to use it to escape, it will be useless. And even if you call the police..." Her expression didn't change, but there was something unsettling about the way she said her next words. "No help will be given to you from them."
A cold, uneasy feeling settled in my stomach.
I forced a scoff, rolling my eyes. "Wow. Love that for me."
Elena simply inclined her head. "Enjoy your evening, Miss Mia." Then, without another word, she turned and left, closing the door softly behind her.
I stood there for a moment, gripping my phone. The screen lit up, reflecting the faint tremor in my hands.
Of course,
No service...