Chapter 19: You Are Ivy
By the time they pulled into the circular driveway of the mansion, the sun was beginning to dip behind the trees, casting golden shadows across the lawn.
Ruby parked around the side, away from the usual staff line of sight. She quickly unlocked the trunk and pulled out a folded shawl, draping it over Rayna’s head.
"This is ridiculous," Rayna mumbled under the fabric.
"You’re the one who insisted on sneaking in."
"I didn’t realize I’d be smuggled like contraband," she said and Ruby giggled, unable to hold it in.
"You asked for it. Hurry up," Ruby whispered, peeking around the hedges. The staff entrance by the kitchen looked clear.
They made a dash for it.
Ruby’s heart pounded with every step, adrenaline tingling in her fingers. One wrong move, one unexpected housekeeper or butler taking out trash, and everything would unravel.
Though if it happened like that, she’d just have to lie that Rayna was the new maid. She thought and almost laughed when she imagined Rayna’s response if she were to tell her anything about what she was thinking.
But luck — or sheer desperation — was on their side. They made it through the door and down the service hallway without incident.
Ruby led Rayna up the back stairs, avoiding the main hallway where voices echoed faintly. Her mother’s voice was unmistakable — low, clipped, and likely scolding someone about cutlery arrangements.
"Your mom sounds fun," Rayna whispered sarcastically.