Nina didn’t answer. Instead, she stood abruptly, the glass slipping from her hand and shattering on the floor. “Enough questions, Millie. Just do your job and stay out of my way.”

Millie watched her retreat, a mix of fear and determination hardening in her chest. The cracks in Nina’s mask were growing wider, but the full truth remained elusive.

The next morning, Andrew cornered Millie in the hallway. “I saw you talking to Nina last night,” he said, his voice low.

“She seemed like she needed someone to listen,” Millie replied carefully.

Andrew sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Look, I know things have been… tense. But you shouldn’t believe everything she says. Nina’s been through a lot.”

“What do you mean?” Millie asked.

Andrew hesitated, his eyes darkening. “Just remember—this house is full of appearances. They’re not always what they seem.”

Millie nodded, but Andrew’s words only fueled her unease. Something was tearing this family apart, and the attic wasn’t just a place—it was a warning. Whatever lay hidden in its shadows was at the heart of everything.