Then, a voice interrupted.
“Don’t talk to him like that.”
Elisa spun around. Marina, the new maid, stood in the doorway, holding a tray of napkins. Her hands shook, but her voice was firm.
“Excuse me?” Elisa said icily.
“He’s just a child,” Marina replied, stepping forward.
The room froze. Leo stared, stunned—no one had ever defended him.
“You forget your place,” Elisa hissed.
“Maybe,” Marina said softly. “But I remember what kindness sounds like.”
