CHAPTER 1 — "The Maid Everyone Thought Was Worthless"
The ballroom of the Sterling Mansion glittered beneath crystal chandeliers as the city's wealthiest families celebrated the engagement of Ethan Sterling, heir to a billion-dollar empire.
Champagne flowed.
Diamonds sparkled.
Every guest wore a smile.
Except one.
A young maid named Emma quietly carried a silver tray through the crowd, careful not to disturb the guests. At only twenty-one, she had worked in silence for years, believing hard work could someday change her life.
Instead, she became the evening's target.
Standing in the center of the ballroom was Victoria Sterling, Ethan's elegant but ruthless mother.
She glanced at Emma with open disgust.
"Who allowed the servants to walk among my guests?" she sneered loudly.
The music faded as everyone turned.
Emma lowered her head.
"I'm sorry, ma'am... I was just bringing the drinks."
Victoria stepped closer, her expensive heels clicking against the marble floor.
"You ruined the atmosphere simply by standing here."
Then...
She slapped the tray from Emma's hands.
Crystal glasses shattered across the floor.
Red wine splashed over Emma's gray uniform while guests gasped in silence.
Some laughed.
Others pulled out their phones.
Emma fought back tears.
"I'm... I'm sorry."
Victoria leaned closer.
"You should remember your place."
Before Emma could kneel to clean the broken glass, Victoria grabbed her chin.
"You'll never belong in this family."
At that exact moment...
Ethan appeared.
Emma looked toward him with hope.
Surely he would defend her.
Instead...
He avoided her eyes.
"My mother is right," he whispered.
"You embarrassed everyone."
Emma's heart broke.
Without another word, she turned to leave.
But as she reached the grand staircase...
An elderly butler suddenly froze.
His eyes locked onto the tiny silver necklace hanging around Emma's neck.
His face turned completely pale.
He whispered only four words.
May you like
"That... can't be possible."
The entire room fell silent.
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