Chapter 4 - Back in the Lion’s Den
|
The following evening, the Caruso mansion was eerily quiet. The guests were gone, leaving behind only the heavy, oppressive silence of extreme wealth.
Sloan was in the main parlor, aggressively polishing a silver tea set, her hands moving in sharp, angry circles.
“Well, look who decided to show up for work,” a bratty voice echoed from the doorway.
Sloan didn't stop polishing. She didn't even look up.
Valentina Caruso strolled into the parlor, wearing a cashmere sweater and a smug expression. She held an apple, taking a loud, obnoxious bite.
“I thought you would have quit,” Valentina said, circling Sloan like a predator playing with its food. “Most girls would have run away crying. But I guess desperation makes people do funny things. How are your knees?”
Sloan placed the silver teapot down onto the tray with a loud, ringing clatter. She finally looked up, meeting Valentina’s arrogant stare.
“My knees are fine, Miss Caruso,” Sloan said, her voice completely devoid of emotion. “Is there something you need polished? Or are you just here to practice being terrible?”
Valentina’s smile vanished instantly. Her eyes narrowed into dangerous slits.
“Watch your mouth, maid,” Valentina hissed, stepping closer. “You work for my family. You are nothing. I can ruin your life with one phone call to my father.”
“Is there a problem here?”
A deep, gravelly voice cut through the air like a physical blade. Both girls froze.
Fallon Caruso stood in the doorway. He wore a dark, tailored suit without a tie, looking exhausted but inherently dangerous. His dark eyes flicked from his daughter to the maid.
“No, Daddy,” Valentina said quickly, her voice instantly dropping an octave to sound sweet and innocent. “I was just asking Sloan how her day was.”
Fallon didn't look at his daughter. His intense gaze locked onto Sloan. He stared at her for a long, uncomfortable moment, observing the defiant set of her jaw and the anger blazing in her eyes.
May you like
“Sloan,” Fallon said quietly, his voice a low rumble. “Go clean my private study. Valentina, get out of here. Now.”
As Valentina stomped away, Sloan felt a cold chill race down her spine. No one was ever allowed in Fallon Caruso’s private study.
