SEVENTY FOUR

ALICE'S POV

William strolled up to me by the pool, his face shadowed by a hint of curiosity. He took a seat beside me, adjusting his sunglasses.

"How's it going with the Morris family?" he asked, his tone casual yet laced with genuine interest.

I leaned back, letting the warmth of the sun envelop me. "They've settled in," I replied, a satisfied smile spreading across my face. "The movers are currently bringing in their stuff. Everything's going according to plan."

He nodded, a sly grin forming on his lips. "That's good to hear. Have they had any interaction with Slyvia yet?"

I couldn't help but chuckle. "Oh, yes. Slyvia, in her typical naïve fashion, brought them pancakes as a welcome gift."

William laughed, shaking his head in disbelief. "She doesn't even realize she's feeding the very people who will be her downfall."

"Exactly," I said, my voice tinged with amusement. "She has no idea what's coming. It's almost too easy."

We shared a conspiratorial laugh, the irony of the situation