I closed my eyes. When I opened them again, the light in them had gone hollow. I nodded.
"I'll do it. Just tell me where my children are buried."
Madge grinned in triumph and planted her foot on the back of my hand.
"There's a good girl."
I swallowed the pain, slowly knelt before her, and bent down to remove her shoes.
Everard stood to the side, watching with cold indifference. Not a flicker of emotion crossed his face.
Madge savored every second of my servitude, drawling lazily.
"Those three kids of yours are buried in the farthest corner of that abandoned cemetery on the outskirts of town. Not even a headstone to mark them."
"If it weren't for my generosity, you'd never have found out."
My fists tightened. "I know I was wrong. From now on, I'll serve you both obediently. Just please stop using the children against me."
Seeing me submit, Everard relented.
"Since you've admitted your mistake, you'll stay in this house as the help. Keep your mouth shut and don't even think about fighting back."
I kept my head bowed, hiding the flash of cold fury in my eyes.
Everard. Madge.
This debt? I'll collect every last cent. With interest.