Do you really think you can lie to me?

I leaned against the wall just around the corner from my mother's office, ears straining to catch any snippets of conversation from behind the thick wooden door. Unfortunately, the soundproofing was just too good.

All I got was muffled voices and the occasional rise in tone. Still, it wasn't hard to imagine what was happening in there. 

If Maeve was smart, she'd be groveling right now. Well, if she wanted to live, anyway. 

The thought of my mother strangling her—literally or figuratively—brought a sly grin to my face. Not that I wanted Maeve hurt or anything, but it was Maeve. She was usually so smug and composed; seeing her thrown off her game was always a treat. 

The door creaked open, and I quickly plastered on an innocent look, straightening up as if I'd just happened to be passing by. 

Maeve stepped out, and—oh. Oh no.