The villa accepted the Linnam women with the calm resignation of a household that had long ago stopped questioning why Jake kept bringing people home.
Sova appeared before Jake could explain the situation, assessed Matilda and Margeret with the rapid expert attention of someone who had been running large households long enough to recognize people in shock, and began directing staff toward guest quarters with the brisk efficiency that made Jake deeply grateful she existed.
"Rest," Jake told Matilda.
"Both of you. Nothing happens to you here."
Matilda looked at him with the gratitude of a mother who had almost lost everything. She was thankful that Jake had come and helped them. At first, when she asked for help, she was skeptical, but she thought beggars can't be choosers. When no one came forward to help them, it was him who thought about it and now saving them from the vile man.
