"Excuse me, ma'am, please, who are you?" A maid with a short bob haircut stopped Rose on her way as she stood at the door of her mother's house.
Rose looked at the maid, hiding the storm of emotions brewing deep inside her. The maid, Ridley, had been a servant in the family for a very long time. It had only been three years since Rose had left, and now the maid pretended not to recognize her.
The maid's tone was disrespectful, looking down upon her with obvious disdain. Rose was certain she must be one of Jennifer's people or her mother's—perhaps they had called her here just to embarrass her. Rose held herself together, refusing to respond harshly. She had to set a good example for Tobi, who stood beside her. As a mother, she couldn't afford to let her emotions control her, no matter what was thrown in her face.
Rose cleared her throat and held Tobi's little hand tightly to stop him from running off to play.
