Irene

They were led to the study where the lady was seated behind a desk. They walked in, and the housekeeper excused himself. 

"Come in and have a seat, Hella," the lady said as she rose and walked over to them.  She looked at the person beside Elia and smiled. "Could you give us some space, young lady? Wait in the lounge, please," she said to Alice.

Alice looked at Eliana, silently asking if she should leave or stay. Receiving a nod from her, Alice nodded her head, too. "Call me if you need anything," she said before leaving the two alone.

Once the door was closed, the lady locked it.

"Please have a seat," she offered again.

Eliana, who hadn't said a word since she came in, walked to the sofa at the corner and sat down. "Thank you for having me," she finally said, and the woman beamed.