Chapter 3 - Eleanor's Cruelty“Maya!”
Eleanor's voice cut through the ballroom.
Every nearby conversation stopped.
Maya approached cautiously.
“Yes, Mrs. Vance?”
“You.”
Eleanor looked her up and down with open contempt.
“You were supposed to stay in the service corridor.”
“I’m sorry, ma'am.”
“You don't belong in this room.”
A few guests exchanged amused glances.
Maya lowered her eyes.
Eleanor stepped closer.
“People like you should understand boundaries.”
The words hurt more than Maya expected.
She had heard insults before.
But something about the way Eleanor said people like you made Maya feel as though she were less than human.
“I'll return to the kitchen,” Maya whispered.
“Do that.”
Maya turned.
Then she noticed the chair beside Judge Sterling.
The same chair Eleanor had mentioned.
Something was wrong with it.
One edge of the velvet upholstery looked slightly disturbed.
Maya stopped.
Her instincts screamed at her.
“Judge Sterling,” she said softly.
Arthur looked up.
“Yes?”
Maya swallowed.
“Please don't sit there.”
The ballroom went silent.
Eleanor's expression changed.
Only for a fraction of a second.
May you like
But Maya saw it.
Fear.
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