Breaking into the grand mansion had seemed like a flawless plan. The family was away, and the only person inside was the maid, who hadn’t even seen me coming. She’d barely managed a gasp before I subdued her, tying her hands and feet with duct tape and silencing her protests by taping her mouth shut. Now she lay on the carpeted floor of the grand master bedroom, her blue eyes wide with fear, watching my every move.

I crouched in front of the imposing safe embedded in the wall, trying combination after combination in vain. Each failed attempt sent a wave of frustration through me. The metallic clicks taunted me, and the clock in the empty house felt louder with every second. I turned to the maid, exhaling sharply, my patience wearing thin.

“Don’t struggle, or you’ll get hurt,” I said firmly, my voice low and cold. Her bound form froze, her breathing shallow as she stared up at me, her chestnut-brown hair slightly disheveled against the polished floor.

Her presence, though subdued, was a reminder that time was running out. She flinched slightly, her bound form stiffening, but her gag prevented any reply.