Chapter 6

No one really saw what happened-just that the maid was clutching her hand, face pale as a sheet, rolling on the floor like she was in excruciating pain. The other servants were frozen in place, too scared to get close. Matilda was shocked at first, then furious. She pointed at Sabrina and snapped, "You rebellious brat! Are you trying to turn the house upside down? I swear I'll skin you alive today!" The room was thick with anger, but Sabrina stayed calm. She tilted her sharp chin slightly, voice gentle but steady. "Mind telling me exactly what I did wrong, Madam, that has you so upset?" Matilda stared at her, and for a moment, something flickered in her eyes. Sabrina had just woken up from a long coma, dressed in worn clothes the servants changed her into. She looked thinner, her complexion was unhealthy, but her eyes were oddly sharp-and her whole demeanor had changed. This wasn't the same Sabrina as before. That Sabrina wouldn't even dare look Matilda in the eye, let alone speak like this. She used to be meek and insecure, barely even looked Like she belonged in this household. Matilda's eyes narrowed. "You've got the nerve to ask? Who do you think you are, laying a hand on Simone?" Sabrina's gaze slid over to Simone, who looked like she was about to explode with rage. Lightly lifting her own fragile-looking arms, she said calmly, "You flatter me, Madam. I've just come out of a coma, and I'm weak as a kitten. Simone's perfectly healthy-why would I pick a fight I can't win?" Simone was so mad she nearly lunged at her but couldn't get a word out. She grabbed Matilda's arm, quickly pointing to the scrape on her elbow and then to her throat, a desperate look in her eyes. Matilda patted Simone's hand, glaring at Sabrina. "Still trying to lie your way out? If you didn't do anything, why can't Simone speak?" Sabrina gave Simone a quick once-over, noting her tiny skirt. She looked back at Matilda, expression serene. "It's been pretty chilly lately, and she's not exactly dressed for it. Maybe she caught a sore throat from the cold?" Simone turned even redder, fuming silently, her glare practically shooting fire. Matilda's anger ratcheted up when she saw how composed Sabrina remained. Turning to the maid still writhing on the floor, she barked, "And what about her? Don't tell me you didn't pull any tricks!" Sabrina glanced at the woman flatly. "Ma'am, when people repeat the same physical labor over the years, it's not uncommon to develop things like arthritis or rheumatism." Matilda scoffed coldly. Sabrina was like a whole different person. She suddenly slammed her palm on the table. "You think I can't tell when someone's scheming? Strip her down-I want to see what she's hiding!" The few servants stepped back instinctively under Sabrina's calm gaze. Her composure was unsettling, and the more unshaken she seemed, the more uneasy they got. Matilda's chest heaved in frustration. She stood up and snapped, "Then go get more people! If she dares fight back, we'll deal with her the old-fashioned way!" But Sabrina didn't flinch. Her back had been straight from the moment she stepped in-it only made Matilda more furious, as if Sabrina didn't even see her as someone to be feared. Just as the tension was at its peak, the door opened and a tall, striking figure strode in. The moment Matilda saw who it was, her voice softened. "Cassian? What are you doing here?" The name hit Sabrina like a punch to the chest. Her whole body went stiff, some invisible force locking her in place.