The first impression of the Whitmore mansion:
Upon arrival, the exterior seemed immaculate: manicured gardens and enormous windows reflecting the sun. But upon opening the front door, the scene changed completely:
Shards of glass littered the marble floor.
Marker drawings covered expensive walls.
Paint stains marred elegant furniture.
Decapitated dolls lay in the living room.
A faint smell of smoke still lingered in the air.
The security guard looked at her with sympathy and wished her luck. Upstairs, Daniel awaited her, visibly exhausted, with dark circles under his eyes and his tie loosened. He explained that she had been hired solely to help with the cleaning.
The Encounter with the Six Sisters
Before Maya could respond, mocking voices echoed from the hallway. Going downstairs, she found the six girls waiting for her in a line. Harper, the oldest, crossed her arms defiantly. Avery held a bucket of red paint. The twins, Lily and Nora, played with scissors between their fingers. Eight-year-old Sophie dragged a wet blanket, while little Ella hugged a one-eared stuffed bunny.
“So you’re number thirty-eight,” Avery said with a provocative smile.
“Maybe,” Maya replied calmly.
“You will resign before nightfall,” Harper declared.
