My fingers brushed against the damp white cloth wrapped around her left wrist, where the skin was red and blistered.

“We have a rather distressing situation here at the estate,” Patricia continued, her eyes locked on mine.

She smiled, a cold, empty curve of her lips that did not reach her eyes.

“One of the household staff has been caught stealing,” Patricia said into the receiver.

“And when I confronted her, she became violent.”

Martina gasped, her grip tightening on Rosa’s fingers.

“That is a lie!” Martina shouted toward the phone.

Patricia did not even blink.

She turned her back to us slightly, raising her hand to block out Martina’s voice.

“Yes, Captain, it is the housekeeper, Rosa,” Patricia said, her tone dripping with false concern.

“She has taken several pieces of jewelry from my dresser, including the diamond pendant Emiliano gave me last month.”

I took a step forward, my chest tightening with anger.

“You put that pendant in your own bag this morning, Patricia,” I said, my voice steady despite the adrenaline rushing through my veins.

“I saw you do it.”