Raphael checked his watch, then looked at Luna. She was still holding Aurora’s hand, her eyes full of sadness. He could tell how much she didn’t want to leave, but there were other things to handle.
“Luna,” he said softly, stepping closer to her.
She looked up at him, her face still tear-streaked. “Yes, sir?”
“It’s time to go,” he said gently. “I have something important to deal with back at the mansion.”
Luna hesitated, her fingers still gripping Aurora’s hand. “I don’t want to leave her,” she whispered.
Raphael crouched beside her again, his tone kind but firm. “I know it’s hard,” he said. “But you’ve done a lot just by being here. She’ll feel your love, Luna. And you can come back soon.”
Luna bit her lip, her heart heavy, but she nodded. “Okay,” she said softly. She leaned down and kissed Aurora’s forehead one last time. “I’ll be back soon, I promise,” she whispered.
Raphael straightened and waited for Luna to stand. She let go of Aurora’s hand reluctantly, then followed him out of the room. The walk back to the car was quiet, Luna’s steps slow and heavy.
When they reached the car, Raphael opened the door for her. “Get in,” he said.
Luna climbed in silently, her hands resting in her lap. Raphael got into the driver’s seat and started the engine, the soft hum filling the silence.
As they drove back to the mansion, Raphael glanced at Luna from the corner of his eye. She looked lost in thought, her expression distant.
“You okay?” he asked, breaking the silence.
Luna nodded slowly, though her voice was quiet. “I’ll be fine,” she said.
Raphael didn’t push her to talk. He focused on the road, his mind turning to the dead maid and Lina’s sudden departure. He needed answers, and he was determined to get them.
When they arrived at the mansion, Raphael parked the car and turned to Luna. “Go rest,” he said. “You’ve had a long day.”
Luna hesitated. “What about you, sir?” she asked.
“I have something to take care of,” he said firmly. “Don’t worry about it.”
Luna nodded and got out of the car, heading toward the servants’ wing. Raphael watched her go for a moment, then stepped out and headed inside.
He went straight to Madam Catherine’s office, his footsteps quick and purposeful. He knocked once and pushed the door open.
Madam Catherine looked up from her paperwork, her expression calm but curious. “Mr. Raphael,” she said, standing. “How can I help you?”
Raphael closed the door behind him, his eyes sharp. “Sit down,” he said.
Madam Catherine frowned slightly but obeyed, sitting back in her chair. “Is something wrong?” she asked.
Raphael leaned against the edge of her desk, crossing his arms. “I want to know exactly what happened with the maid,” he said, his voice firm.
Madam Catherine’s expression turned serious. “Which maid?” she asked, though she already knew the answer.
“The one who’s dead,” Raphael said, his tone cold. “What happened? Tell me everything.”
Madam Catherine sighed, her hands folding neatly on the desk. “I wasn’t there when it happened,” she admitted. “But I can tell you what I know.”
Raphael nodded. “Go on,” he said.
Madam Catherine took a deep breath. “One of the other maids found her in the hallway,” she began. “She wasn’t breathing, and her skin was pale. They called for help, but by the time anyone got there, it was too late.”
Raphael’s jaw tightened, his frustration clear. “And no one saw what happened before that?” he asked.
Madam Catherine shook her head. “No,” she said. “She was fine earlier in the night. There was no sign that anything was wrong.”
Raphael ran a hand through his hair, his mind racing. “What about Lina?” he asked. “Was she anywhere near the maid before she died?”
Madam Catherine hesitated, her lips pressing into a thin line. “I didn’t see her myself,” she said carefully. “But a few of the maids said they saw Mrs. Wolfe speaking to her earlier in the evening.”
Raphael’s eyes narrowed. “And no one thought that was strange?” he asked sharply.
Madam Catherine raised an eyebrow. “It’s not unusual for Mrs. Wolfe to speak to the staff,” she said. “But if you’re asking whether anyone noticed something suspicious… no, sir. No one said anything.”
Raphael clenched his fists, his frustration bubbling to the surface. “Damn it,” he muttered under his breath.
Madam Catherine watched him carefully. “Is there something I should know, sir?” she asked.
Raphael shook his head, pushing off the desk. “Not yet,” he said. “But if you hear anything else, I want to know immediately.”
“Of course, sir,” Madam Catherine said, standing as he turned to leave.
Raphael paused at the door, his hand on the handle. “And make sure the staff knows to stay alert,” he said. “We can’t afford any more surprises.”
Madam Catherine nodded. “I’ll make sure of it,” she said.
Raphael stepped out of the office, his mind heavy with unanswered questions. As he walked down the hallway, he couldn’t shake the feeling that Lina’s sudden disappearance and the maid’s death were connected.
He let out a frustrated sigh, his steps quick and determined. “I’ll get to the bottom of this,” he muttered to himself. “No matter what it takes.”