CHAPTER EIGHTY NINE – CRYPTIC WORDS

The next few weeks passed in a blur of exams and tension. True to Karl's word, the scandal at school seemed to have blown over. But Cassie couldn't shake the feeling that she was walking on eggshells, waiting for the next crisis to erupt. She threw herself into her studies with renewed vigor, determined to prove herself on her own merits. Florian respected her wish for distance, though she often caught him watching her with longing when he thought she wasn't looking. As the semester drew to a close, Cassie found herself in the library late one night, putting the finishing touches on her final paper. The mansion was quiet, most of its inhabitants long since retired for the night. A sound made her look up. Frida stood in the doorway, watching her with an unreadable expression. "Mrs. von Steiner," Cassie said, startled. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize anyone else was up." Frida waved away her apology. "No need to apologize, dear. May I join you?" Cassie nodded, and Frida settled into t