“I told you never to bring them here,” she snapped. “These children are not my responsibility. Take them away.”
The twins looked at their father, confused and afraid. Teresa shifted her weight, trying to keep her voice calm.
“Sir needs peace,” she said. “If there is anger, it should be taken elsewhere. This room is for healing.”
Bianca stepped forward, lowering her voice into a hiss.
“You are a maid. Do not lecture me in my own house. Once he signs tomorrow, none of you will remain here. Not you, not the children, not the useless man in this bed.”
Teresa flinched but did not move away. She bent down and kissed the twins’ foreheads before guiding them toward the door. As it closed, the room felt colder.
Teresa returned alone moments later. She took a cloth and wiped Gregory’s forehead with gentle care, then adjusted his pillow.
“I am sorry, sir,” she whispered. “No one deserves this. I will not let harm come to you or the boys. I promise.”
Gregory wanted to speak, to reassure her, to tell her that he heard everything, but he stayed still. The time was not yet right.
Downstairs, Bianca descended the grand staircase, pulling her phone from her purse. She dialed quickly, her voice syrupy sweet.