[Ovelia's POV]
Ann's scream pierced through the haze in my mind. My vision swam as I blinked, the fog of alcohol slowly lifting. When my eyes finally focused, I realized I was sprawled against Ace's chest, his arms wrapped protectively around me.
Turning my head, I saw Ann standing frozen in the doorway, her face a mask of pure, unadulterated horror. For a single, suspended moment, her usual composure shattered, revealing the lethal alertness. Then, just as quickly, it was gone, replaced by a flush of deep mortification that stained her cheeks crimson.
"A thousand apologies!" she stammered, already stepping back and bowing deeply. "I heard a crash and feared the worst. I will take my leave immediately." Her voice was tight with professionalism, but I could see the tremor in her hands as she reached for the door.
Before I could process her words, Ann's hand flashed to her hip, drawing a dagger with lethal precision. The blade glinted as she pressed it to her throat.
