Chapter 4 - SERENA’S VERSION
Serena was waiting in the library when Tristan returned.
She had removed her emerald earrings and placed them on the table. Her
expression was composed again, though the skin around her eyes looked
tight.
“Have you finished entertaining the staff?” she asked.
Tristan closed the door.
“Why did you empty Rosa’s urn?”
“I already told you. I thought it was an old household item.”
“You knew it contained her ashes.”
“Rosa was a servant, Tristan. A beloved one, perhaps, but a servant. You
cannot expect me to treat every object she left behind as sacred.”
“Alina does.”
“Alina is emotional. She wants money.”
“Is that what you think?”
“It’s what I know. Her mother worked here for decades. She believes that
gives her a claim on this family.”
Tristan placed the blue bird pendant on the desk.
Serena’s face lost color.
“Where did you get that?”
“Why does it matter?”
“It was Rosa’s.”
“Correct.”
Serena swallowed. “She gave it to me years ago.”
“Why?”
“She said it was a keepsake.”
“Then why was it hidden beneath the console after you emptied the urn?”
Serena said nothing.
Tristan leaned forward. “Rosa left a letter. She mentioned Isabelle’s
medication records.”
Serena’s expression shifted for an instant.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Did you visit Isabelle the night she died?”
“I visited her often.”
“Did you enter her room?”
“I don’t remember.”
“Did you touch her medication?”
Serena stood. “This is absurd. You’re interrogating me because a dead
housekeeper left a melodramatic letter?”
“I’m asking because my wife died under circumstances I never
understood.”
“Your wife was sick.”
“She was recovering.”
“She had a heart condition.”
“She had been cleared by her cardiologist.”
Serena’s voice rose. “You need to stop digging up the past. Isabelle is
dead. Rosa is dead. Nothing you do will change that.”
Tristan watched her carefully.
“You seem very certain of what I’ll find.”
Serena gathered her earrings. “I won’t stay here while you insult me.”
“You’re not leaving the estate until Daniel has taken your statement and
the police arrive.”
Her eyes flashed. “You can’t keep me prisoner.”
“I haven’t. The gates are open for the police, the lawyers, and anyone
who needs to leave safely. But no evidence will disappear.”
Serena moved toward the door.
“One more question,” Tristan said. “Why did Mabel call you the bad
lady?”
Serena turned slowly.
“Children say things.”
“What did you tell her about Rosa?”
“Nothing she didn’t need to know.”
“That’s not an answer.”
Serena’s smile returned, thin and brittle. “Ask your daughter what Alina
has been telling her.”
Then she walked out.
Tristan remained still.
May you like
He knew Serena had lied. He also knew someone had taught her how to lie
without appearing to breathe differently.
