After ending the call, Frances approached from a distance. "I'll escort you, Ms. Collins."

Emily nodded gracefully but suddenly came to a halt.

"What's wrong, Ms. Collins?" Frances inquired.

Emily glanced behind her. "Where is the basement?"

"It's beneath the storeroom."

"Take me there." Emily's red lips curled into a smirk. Proudly, she added, "It's been a while since I last saw Ms. McKinnon. I do miss her, so I might as well take this opportunity to meet her and catch up."

Emily and Deirdre were enemies, so there was nothing to catch up on, but Emily's intentions were clear.

Frances immediately grasped Emily's plan but didn't try to dissuade her. Instead, she enthusiastically led Emily to the storeroom.

-

Deirdre closed her eyes and leaned against the bed to rest when she heard a commotion from upstairs.

Her eyes shot open. 'What time is it? Wasn't dinner just delivered? Did I fall asleep during my nap and wake up the next morning?'

Deirdre's heart ached as she raised her