"I… I don't need this. Thank you for your kindness, but I have to go," the woman whispered, her gaze flickering nervously between the guestroom and the door.
"We're not going to hurt you," Charlotte said softly, stepping in front of her as if to gently block her path.
Jacqueline returned with a glass of water. The woman took it with trembling hands and sat down, drinking it as though she hadn't had water in days.
The moment she finished, she pushed herself to stand but pain shot through her, forcing a sharp gasp from her lips as her legs gave out beneath her.
Sofía caught her quickly, guiding her back onto the couch.
Carefully, Sofía lifted the hem of the woman's dress and her breath hitched.
The wound on her left leg was severe. Dried blood had crusted over it, but the flesh beneath looked angry, swollen… dangerously close to infection. Left untreated, it would kill her.
"You need a doctor," Sofía said firmly.
"Jacq, call one. Now."
