Chapter 58: Chapter Fifty-eight

Mia crept along the dark hallway, clutching the dagger in her hand. She had meticulously planned her move, biding her time until Joseph and Margret were occupied with their guests downstairs. Their laughter and chatter provided the perfect cover as she slipped away unnoticed, her steps silent on the creaking floorboards of the old house.

She knew exactly where Ariana was staying—the guest room at the end of the hall, with its floral curtains and antique dresser. Mia had watched from the shadows as Ariana had entered the room earlier, her exhaustion evident in the slump of her shoulders and the weariness etched on her face.

Her pulse raced with a mixture of adrenaline and fear as she approached Ariana's room, her grip tightening around the cold metal of the dagger. She knew the consequences of failure but was consumed by the overwhelming desire to make Ariana suffer.

Her breath bated, she turned the handle of the door, relieved to find it unlocked.