Chapter 5 - THE MAID'S PROMISE
In the cozy sanctuary of the third-floor staff apartment, Maria sat on the edge of a small bed, tucking Lily under a thick quilt.
The brown teddy bear sat securely beside Lily on the pillow, its worn button eyes reflecting the soft yellow lamplight.
"Will Miss Catherine take Teddy away from me?" Lily asked softly, her long brown hair spread across the white pillowcase.
"Nobody is taking anything from you, Lily," Maria promised, running a soft brush through the little girl's hair.
"Your father asked me to look after you before he passed away, and I intend to keep that promise," Maria added gently.
A quiet knock at the door signaled Julian's entry into the warm, quiet room.
He removed his emerald suit jacket, draping it over a wooden chair before sitting on the small stool by the bed.
"How is she?" Julian asked softly, looking at his niece with profound affection and protective concern.
"She’s exhausted, Mr. Julian," Maria reported, her voice hushed to keep from waking the drowsy child.
"Catherine has called an emergency board meeting for eight o'clock tomorrow morning," Julian informed her in a low tone.
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Maria’s face turned pale in the warm lamplight as she recognized the grave danger facing the innocent girl.
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