CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND SIXTY THREE - Secrets Behind Closed Doors

"I'm afraid that won't be possible," Emilia said coldly. "Most areas of the mansion are off-limits to guests. Perhaps you'd like some breakfast instead? I can have it brought to your room." Rebecca's frustration bubbled to the surface. "Actually, I'd prefer to eat in the kitchen, if that's alright. I'm feeling a bit... cooped up." For a moment, she thought Emilia might refuse, but the housekeeper merely nodded curtly. "Very well. Follow me." As they walked through the winding corridors, Rebecca couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched. She glanced over her shoulder more than once, half-expecting to see someone—or something—lurking in the shadows. The kitchen was a stark contrast to the rest of the mansion. While still grand in scale, it was warm and inviting, with copper pots hanging from the ceiling and the smell of freshly baked bread in the air. A portly, middle-aged woman stood at the stove, stirring something that smelled divine. "Maria," Emilia said sharply, cau