章 118: No!

Barbara sat in her grand bedroom, her eyes scanned the faces of her maids who stood in a semi-circle before her. 

The air was tense; Barbara's usual calm attitude had been replaced with a sharp edge of suspicion.

"Listen," Barbara began, her voice steady but firm, "I need eyes and ears around this place. I can't trust Estera anymore."

The maids exchanged quick glances, sensing the gravity in her tone.

"Why, ma'am?" one of the bolder maids dared to ask.

Barbara let out a sigh, her gaze hardening. "She's changed. She's neglecting her duties towards Karyan and seems completely focused on Karlin."

The maids nodded, understanding the implication. In a household like this, favoritism could be a sign of deeper scheming.

"I want one of you to keep watch, report everything Estera does. And I mean everything," Barbara instructed.

"But, ma'am, isn't that a bit..." another maid trailed off, afraid to finish her thought.