The Beginning Of All Sins

Ana awoke early in the morning and settled onto the couch, a candle casting a soft glow on the table.

Moments later, the spy she had hired arrived and delivered his report, "Ma'am, Ms. Olivia had a high fever last night, and Mr. Tyler tended to her throughout the night upon returning from the fishing village." Ana smiled, her gaze fixed on the flickering candle.

"So, they spent the night together?" she asked.

Satisfied, she asked further, "Has her fever subsided?"

"It has," came the reply.

Ana's spirits lifted. "Continue to monitor them."

"Understood, Ma'am."

Olivia was roused from her slumber by her ringing phone. Her fever had broken, and with a clear head, she reached for her device. She sat up and hesitated before answering, recognizing the caller. Ana's voice came through, "Are you awake?"

Olivia felt a twinge of anxiety. She quickly responded, "Yes, Mom."

not as harsh as

explain Tyler's absence,

"I've arranged for

nervously bit her

miss this opportunity. If you ignore me again, consider

skipped a beat at the

she managed

content and

as Olivia hung up, her expression

rested for a while before mustering the strength to

rang. Content he

a blanket,

to

the

by Ana, holding a package "Ma'am, Ms. Ana asked me

Ana had sent the maid all the way there. She accepted the food container and replied,

disturb you and Mr.

pursed her lips, contemplating her next move. Eventually, she decided