Sara’s POV

I turned to see Mrs. Li walking toward me. She was a small woman in her fifties, dressed neatly in a black-and-white uniform. Her expression was calm but strict, like someone who never let anything slip past her.

“Yes, ma’am,” I said, straightening up.

“I’m Mrs. Li, the head housekeeper,” she said. “Your mother told me you’d be helping while she’s away. I’ll show you to your quarters.”

I nodded quickly and followed her through another hallway, quieter and ...