Maria stood up respectfully as Mr. Frederick descended the staircase, his face lit with a warm smile. "Hello Maria, how are you doing?" he asked in a friendly tone.
"Good morning, sir. I'm doing very fine," Maria replied, returning the smile and bowing slightly in greeting.
Mr. Frederick reached the bottom of the stairs and gestured for her to sit. He took a seat opposite her in the lavish living room and leaned forward, his demeanor shifting to something more serious.
"I know you must be worried about the way I called you here," he began calmly, his eyes locked on hers. "But there's no need to panic. What you should focus on is preparing for the plan I'm about to share with you."
Maria nodded slowly, trying to calm her racing thoughts. She didn't interrupt. She needed to hear everything.
"First," he continued, "I want to know how things have been since you returned from the hospital. Especially concerning Bernard and his family. What have you noticed?"
