Chapter 367

Abigail was a soft touch, especially when faced with such an endearing beauty like Esther. She drew the girl into her arms, mustering her courage to confront Xander. "Mr. Zane, Essy is a grown woman. She has her own social life, her freedom to make friends. Most importantly, she has her dignity. You can't keep treating her like a child—" "Take her upstairs to wash off that paint from her face." Abigail's mentally rehearsed pleas, not even a third of the way through, were abruptly cut off by Xander's sharp interjection. There was no anger in his voice, no threat of further punishment for Esther. But this only heightened Esther's fear. She shrank behind Abigail, peeking out from her side. "Are you thinking up another way to punish me?" "Mr. Zane, I'll take Essy to wash up right away, make sure she's squeaky clean," Abigail said, tugging Esther away. When they were back in Esther's room, safe from Xander's line of sight and hearing, Abigail said, "Silly girl, he hasn't mentioned punish