Chapter 1 - The Recruiter’s Warning
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“Six girls in eleven months,” the recruiter said, sliding a thick file across her glass desk. “One of them left her uniforms in the driveway and walked three miles to the highway because she couldn’t wait for an Uber.”
Nora looked at the file, then back at the recruiter.
“I grew up picking double shifts at a diner where the cooks threw plates when they got backed up,” Nora said, her voice completely steady. “I can handle a rich girl with a bad temper.”
“Madison Caldwell doesn't just have a bad temper,” the recruiter warned, lowering her voice as if the billionaire’s daughter could hear them through the walls. “She actively hunts for weaknesses. She will find whatever makes you insecure and press on it until you break. I’m only sending you because your references say you have a spine of steel. But don't say I didn't warn you.”
“I need the money for nursing school,” Nora said simply. “I won't break.”
That had been Friday.
By Monday morning, Nora found herself standing in the grand foyer of the Caldwell estate, her fingers still tingling from where she had just caught Madison Caldwell’s wrist mid-slap.
The silence in the hallway was suffocating. Margaret, the house manager, looked as though she might faint against the mahogany console table. The security guard near the door had entirely stopped breathing.
Nora didn't move. She kept her posture perfectly straight, her hands clasped loosely in front of her gray apron. She had meant what she said. She was not going to be a punching bag for a woman who had never been told no.
Madison stood frozen halfway up the curved marble staircase, staring down at Nora with a mixture of absolute shock and mounting, venomous rage.
“You are going to regret that,” Madison whispered, her voice shaking with adrenaline.
“I don't regret defending myself, Ms. Caldwell,” Nora replied evenly.
Madison’s hands clenched into fists at her sides. She spun around, her expensive heels clicking violently against the marble steps as she marched toward the second-floor landing.
“Dad!” Madison screamed, her voice echoing through the massive house. “Dad, get out here right now!”
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Margaret hurried over, grabbing Nora by the arm.
“Pack your bag, sweetie,” the older woman urged quietly. “Mr. Caldwell doesn't tolerate anyone upsetting his daughter. It was nice knowing you.”
