Sofia's presence had cast a heavy shadow over the kitchen, and instantly, the bustling hum of activity came to a complete halt.
The maids, who only moments ago had been exchanging nervous glances and whispering among themselves, froze in place as she stepped in.
Their eyes moved between Sofia and me, brimming with anticipation and fear, like they sensed a storm gathering.
The maid who had slipped out of the kitchen earlier reappeared behind Sofia, and, to my astonishment, Sofia handed her a folded bundle of cash, her eyes cold and calculating.
"Thank you for coming to tell me," Sofia said, her voice dripping with a smug satisfaction that turned my stomach.
Shock went through me, followed quickly by disgust. Sofia had gone too low in trying to find out what I was up to and I almost couldn't believe my eyes.
