Mathilda’s POV

Paula kept her word.

She showed up exactly one hour after Mrs. Rosa’s phone call—or two hours after she’d stormed out of my room earlier.

The moment I heard the knocking, I woke up immediately.

Instead of hiding or pretending not to hear, I decided to face her.

I was done running from Paula’s rage.

I didn’t even let her pound on the door too long. By the third knock, I opened it.

“Mathilda.”

And there she was—Paula. But to my surprise, Fredric was standing right beside her.

Even more shocking—it was pitch dark outside.

What time was it?

“Mr. Fredric?” I asked cautiously. “Is something wrong?”

“I thought you were dead,” he said flatly. “We came here at four in the afternoon, and you’re only opening the door at ten o’clock.”

“What?” My jaw nearly dropped. Ten p.m.?

Had I really been asleep that long?

“I’m sorry, Mr. Fredric.”

I bowed my head, keeping my eyes low—avoiding Paula’s gaze entirely.

The last thing I needed was for her to start throwing around “questions” meant