Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Elsa

The Stone family estate was nestled in the western hills of the city. As my car approached the imposing gates, I felt the familiar mix of belonging and alienation that always accompanied these visits.

Ten years of coming here, and I still feel like an imposter. Never quite family, never just staff. Existing in that fucked-up limbo where I’m good enough to help but not good enough to belong.

The elderly housekeeper, Mrs. Shake, greeted me at the door with a warm smile that eased some of the tension in my shoulders.

“Miss Elsa, so good to see you,” she said, taking my coat. “It’s been too long.”

“It’s good to see you too,” I replied, returning her smile. “How have you been?”