Chapter 33 Shadows Of Control

• Meanwhile, back at the McCloud Mansion, tension and unease hung heavy in the air. Naomi, ever the manipulative force, had tightened her grip on the household. Since the arrival of William's private nurse a week ago, the dynamics within the mansion had shifted dramatically.
• Maria, the loyal housekeeper who had been with the McCloud family for years, approached William’s room with a tray of his favorite herbal tea. She had always made a point of bringing him this small comfort in the mornings, a tradition that seemed to bring him a bit of joy amidst his health struggles. But today, as she reached for the door handle, Naomi appeared, blocking her path.
• “What are you doing here, Maria?” Naomi’s voice was cold and sharp, her eyes narrowing as she crossed her arms.