Chapter 328

"Stop this nonsense! Speak clearly!" Eleanor snapped.

The maid inhaled sharply before explaining. "Last night, a new maid arrived—wearing a uniform finer than ours. She claimed she'd been sent to watch Margaret. I led her to the room and left her there alone... But now, both she and Margaret are gone! She must be the one who helped her escape!"

"How dare she?!" Frederick's face darkened with fury, his family's authority blatantly challenged. "Who is this reckless fool? Sneaking into Pinecrest Manor right under my nose? She'll learn the hard way—no one crosses the Baldwins! Launch an investigation immediately. When you find her, break every bone in her body!"

William gave a sharp nod, turning to the head guard. "Why are you standing there? Seal the estate! Search every inch until you drag that traitor out!"

Isabella kept her face buried in her arms, barely breathing. If the maid recognized her now, she was done for.

Watching the guards storm off in armored vehicles, her throat tightened. Are they serious? Would they really cripple me if they found out?

But then again, it made sense. The Baldwins ruled Edinburgh—and all of Vienna—with an iron fist. Brutality was their language.

"Let's eat. We won't let this ruin Isabella's breakfast," Eleanor interjected smoothly.

The family rose, voices booming as they sang the national anthem in unison.

Isabella barely suppressed an eye-roll. No wonder Julian fled to become a hacker. I'd run too if I were stuck in this circus.

She'd planned to confess after breakfast, beg for mercy, then bolt from this gilded prison. The sooner, the better.

But then—

The maid, who'd been standing meekly, suddenly lifted her head. Her eyes locked onto Isabella, widening in recognition. "It's her! She's the impostor! The one who freed Margaret!"

The entire Baldwin family turned as one.

The maid jabbed a finger at her. "She disguised herself well, but I'd recognize those eyes anywhere. And that mole beneath her left eye—it's identical!"

Isabella's stomach dropped. Damn it. I forgot to cover the mole.

Of course, even their maids had sniper-like observation skills.

"Isabella," Eleanor said gently, resting a hand on her shoulder. "Tell us the truth. If it was you, confess—we won't punish you. But if this maid is lying..." Her voice turned icy. "...she'll regret it."

Isabella opened her mouth—

Then Julian, silent until now, cut in. "Enough. No need for theatrics. I let her go."