Catherine reacted instantly.
The moment she saw the door ajar and that small figure standing there, her mind snapped back into focus. She grabbed the duvet and yanked it upward, covering Maximilian first out of sheer instinct before pulling the rest around herself. At the same time, Maximilian, equally startled, reached for her robe and pulled it closed, his movements hurried but controlled.
For one brief, horrifying second, Catherine's thoughts went completely blank.
Of all people…
Of all moments…
It had to be her.
Joanne stood at the doorway, clutching her little bunny plushie, her wide eyes fixed on them with a kind of calm curiosity that made the situation infinitely worse.
Catherine's brain struggled to restart.
No panic. Don't panic.
