Chapter 130

Tender Moments 

Bella's POV

The hallway echoed with silence as we all froze, staring toward the source of the noise. My heart pounded against my ribs as Eliana cautiously opened the study door, her gun drawn. Sam instinctively stepped in front of me, shielding me as though the very air could harm me. 

"Eliana, be careful," Sam muttered, his voice low and protective. 

She nodded, her movements precise and deliberate as she stepped into the dimly lit hallway. Sam and I exchanged a glance, the tension in his eyes reflecting the unease in my chest. 

A muffled sound came from just beyond the corner, followed by a quiet gasp. 

"Who's there?" Eliana demanded, her voice sharp and commanding. 

A moment later, the figure of a trembling maid emerged from the shadows, clutching a tray of cleaning supplies. Her eyes widened in terror as she saw the gun pointed in her direction.