Evelyn took a slow, trembling breath, her chest feeling painfully tight.
"Master, you know what safety means to him? Obedience. Silence. Losing myself so he can preserve his image..."
Her voice trembled as she continued, "So, He... He... can keep his mistress from hurting my mother, Stella, and me..."
The silence that followed was suffocating.
Even William Walters, who had been standing quietly with his arms crossed, seemed taken aback by the raw emotion in her voice.
Nolan looked torn. His eyes darted between Evelyn and William before landing back on her. "Eve, I…"
Evelyn stepped closer, her voice breaking as she said, "You told me once that true strength means standing against even the people you love when they do wrong. Have you forgotten your own words, Master?"
Nolan's composure finally cracked. He closed his eyes briefly, exhaling a deep, weary sigh.
