That silver locket felt heavy against Mara's chest as Julian stared at it.

Eleven years ago, a teenage boy had given her that necklace during a terrifying storm in a stranded subway car.

She had never known his name, but she had kept the locket as a symbol of hope.

Julian’s jaw tightened as the memory clearly mirrored her own.

“Mara,” Julian whispered, saying her name for the first time in over a decade.

Celeste’s face twisted in pure fury as she watched the silent connection between them.

“You know this maid?” Celeste demanded, her carefully crafted persona beginning to crack.

“She isn't just a maid,” Julian said coldly, finally turning to look at his fiancée.

Mara took a step back, overwhelmed by the sudden spotlight.

“I should return to the kitchen,” Mara murmured, bowing her head.

Julian reached out, his hand gently catching her wrist to stop her from leaving.

“You will stay exactly where you are,” he insisted softly.

Celeste’s nails dug into her own palms as she plotted her next move to destroy her old rival.