章 58: A Deadly Lesson

Sofia and I were both exhausted, chests heaving, our hair scattered and cheeks flushed from our brutal exchange. 

Despite the exhaustion settling into my limbs, a steady pulse of defiance still ran through me. 

Across from me, Sofia's expression was equally furious, though beneath her simmering anger, I could sense something else—fear.

That fear became unmistakable the moment Mr. Alfonzo stepped into the kitchen, his expression as unreadable as ever. 

He surveyed us both with a steady gaze, calm but calculated. 

Despite the calm demeanor, there was a palpable chill to his presence that seemed to drain the room of warmth.

"Leave us," he said smoothly, gesturing to the maids, who quickly began to file out, heads bowed in nervous compliance. But as they reached the door, he raised a hand, stopping two in their tracks: my maid and the maid Sofia had paid off. "Not you two. Stay."