Clara’s hands stopped, a towel half-folded in her grip.

Vanessa crossed to the window in three steps, close enough to crowd her. “Pack your things. Off the property by tonight. Your final check will be mailed.”

“No,” I said.

The word landed in the room like a dropped weight. The air went dead.

Vanessa turned around slowly, eyebrows drawing together. “Excuse me?”

“I said no.” I let a little of the strength back into my voice. “Clara stays.”