Olivia circled them, eyes sharp, while both girls kept their heads low, frozen in place.
"Zari, where are you both coming from?" she demanded, her gaze piercing straight through Zari. And don't you dare lie to me.
"So… where?" Olivia pressed, voice low and dangerous.
"I… I had to get an assignment from a classmate, so when Hina got back, I asked her to accompany me," Zari said quickly.
Classic Zari move, Hina's thoughts flickered. Smooth enough, but Olivia's not stupid… stay alert.
"Hina, what time did you come to this house?" Olivia asked, circling her like a predator.
"5:59," Hina replied softly.
"And why was that?" Olivia pressed.
"A classmate of mine… his cat died. It was sad for him, so I had to go to the burial," Hina lied without hesitation.
Burial of a cat. Really? But fine, it's simple enough. Stick to it, she thought, rolling her eyes internally.
"Maizy, come here. Bring those things you claimed you saw them giving Lucas," Olivia ordered. The light-blonde-haired maid hurried forward, carrying the gifts Jacob had given Hina.
"And who owns this?" Olivia asked, holding up the items.
"It's mine," Zarina said confidently.
"Really? But it says here Hina's," Maizy pointed out.
"Yes," Zarina explained quickly. "I asked my classmate to keep it for me, and I put Hina's name on it as a gift for her last birthday. Thought it would make up for missing it."
"But it says, 'Hina, will you be my prom date?'" Maizy added, making Olivia frown deeply.
Bitch, you're doing too much. They won't pay you more for this, Hina thought, rolling her eyes silently.
"That's why I said it was from my boyfriend," Zari muttered, muttering to herself. Stupid bitch! I was too quick—I couldn't remove the prom tag in time.
"You can go, Maizy," Olivia said, turning her gaze back to Hina. "Never take any gift from a man. I thought this one was yours—heaven knows I wanted to burn it. But now that I realize it belongs to Zari, I won't burn it."
Both girls kept their heads bowed.
"Maizy, go get me Ophelia," Olivia ordered.
Ophelia appeared almost immediately, bowing her head respectfully.
"Ma'am, you sent for me," she said softly.
"Yes," Olivia replied. "These two shouldn't be given food this evening. And Hina, you will wash my clothes and bed sheets tonight before you go to bed. It's been far too long since I punished you properly. Anyone who gives them food will be fired. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, ma'am," Ophelia said, bowing again before leaving.
"Get out of my sight, foolish girls. And meet Maizy to get your things," Olivia snapped.
---
Later, in their room:
"Stupid bitch," Zarina muttered as she collapsed on top of Hina.
"I wonder what that Maizy girl thinks she is, pulling that stunt. I swear, if I see her, I'll warn her for that nonsense, she did," Zarina said.
Hina remained silent.
" Hina " Zari called as she turned to face her, she saw tears threatening to spill out of Hinas eyes. Her heart ache seeing her like this
"Oh, my love… gosh, I hate to see you like this, my strong girl," Zarina whispered, wrapping her arms tighter.
"Don't cry," Zari said wiping her tears quickly.
" I'm not crying, " hina added silently, hating the weakness she felt.
"Baby, come here," Zari coaxed, pulling her into a tight hug.
"Bitch, move! You're killing me slowly… I can't with this hug, and your perfume stinks," Hina complained, though a small laugh escaped her.
"Do you know Henry says he likes my perfume?" Zari said with a smirk.
"I told him I hate it, but he says he loves it," Zari added
" Men are weird " Hina replied. Both girls giggled, letting the tension of the evening fade just a little.
" Hina I got my salary today let's stroll out so we can go to Mamacita noodles, to eat her delicious noodles and wings.
And at this Hina giggled happily. Jumping around like the baby she is.
"I forgot to add—no matter how bad your parents are, they increased my salary. Can you believe that? They paid me five thousand dollars this month, and from now on, that's exactly what I'll be getting!"
Both girls squealed in delight.
"Go take a bath and change, please," Zarina said, noticing Hina still hadn't pulled on her uniform.
---
"You… you must be out of your goddamn mind! What was that rubbish about? I always see you staring at me, Hina, and now today you actually had the guts to pull that nonsense!" Zarina shouted, eyes blazing.
"Listen, I know you both lied. I followed you to Grace Lace. Olivia knew you both lied too, but she didn't say anything—because she has something special and evil planned for Hina. And I'm more than ready to back it," the girl said smugly, her lips curling into a self-satisfied smirk.
"You stupid girl! You must really be jobless to follow us to Grace Lace. This is exactly why people like you will always remain a maid. Instead of thinking about how to improve your boring, pitiful life, you're here snooping, sticking your fat, useless nose in other people's business. One day, all that sniffing and prying will backfire on you, block your miserable existence completely. Vagabond! Wasted fruit from your mother's womb! Mtchew! Get the fuck out of my face, loser!" Zari barked, her voice sharp as a whip.
"Zari, the only reason you're given any special treatment is because they picked you, bitch. You're nothing but a sore loser," the girl shot back.
""Okay, shut up. The only sore loser here is-- you already know who" Zari said, her words cutting deep. She hadn't finished when Hina appeared, her presence instantly silencing the girl.
"What's going on here? Zari, don't waste your spit on this insignificant being. Let's go; we have somewhere far better to be anyway. And also, bitch, you can run tell your madam we're out—since you're the rat sent to spy on us. Look at her—miserable, desperate, insignificant. You don't lower yourself to these kinds of beings. Seriously, let's go," Hina said, grabbing Zari's hand and pulling her forward with effortless authority.
Maizy stood frozen, watching their retreating backs, her eyes narrowing as she overheard Hina's parting words:
"You don't waste your spit on those ones, Zari. Learn to ignore them, so you won't stoop to their level or be dragged down by their low-life behavior."
The words echoed in the air, sharp as knives, leaving no doubt who held power here.