Secure my place

I strode confidently along the hallways as if I owned the place. I had been at the count's mansion for a week and had carefully observed everyone's behavior toward me. The countess threw me glances filled with dislike and contempt, treating me as if I were invisible. Some of the maids followed suit, treading in their master's footsteps.

Melisa, on the other hand, seemed to take delight in throwing jabs at me and making idiotic jokes at my expense. I believed it was her way of feeling superior, as she was the only person in the household who didn't bear the Scarrow surname.

Inez, thankfully, came to my rescue time and time again. I had been mistreated by a few audacious maids and had fallen victim to Melisa's slander. Inez swiftly punished the maids she caught and proved incredibly helpful in keeping Melisa in line. On the third day of my stay, she kindly invited me to join her for tea in the greenhouse. Unbeknownst to me, Isaac would also be joining us. Just like his sister, Isaac wore his emotions on his sleeve, making it easy to connect with him. Despite a mere five-year age gap, Inez and Isaac seemed genuinely excited to have a younger sibling.

And then there was Sebastian Scarrow, the one person who hadn't warmed up to me and remained simply indifferent to my presence. He was seldom home, which meant I rarely saw him. Sebastian was like a block of ice, much like his father, never making an attempt to engage with me. However, I knew that winning him over was crucial for the success of my plans. I couldn't afford to have anyone in the Scarrow County harbor dislike towards me, except, of course, the countess and her daughter.

As I navigated the intricate dynamics within the mansion, I understood the significance of strategic alliances and careful manipulation. My true goals lay hidden beneath the facade of innocence, and I was prepared to do whatever it took to secure my place in Scarrow County, even if it meant navigating the icy walls erected by Sebastian himself.