Chapter 10 - THE ULTIMATE TWIST OF FATEVanessa stared down at the paper, her eyes scanning the bold black lettering until the words froze her blood:

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT Position: Domestic Housekeeper, Level 1 (Probationary) Assigned Quarters: Quarters 4, Basement Level, Sinclair Manor Duties: Full domestic cleaning, laundry, maintenance, and kitchen upkeep under the direct supervision of Head Housekeeper Maria. Salary: Minimum wage, strictly monitored.
Vanessa dropped the paper as if it were burning hot coal. It fluttered down and landed softly on the Persian rug between their feet.
"A... a maid?" Vanessa breathed, staring up at Martha in sheer horror. "You want me to... to scrub the floors? Clean the toilets? Wash the linens?"
Martha smiled—a cold, beautiful, terrifying smile that reached her eyes.
May you like
"Of course," Martha said, turning back toward the sunlit window overlooking the city. "After all, Vanessa... you have twenty-five years of experience watching how it's done. Now, let's see if you have what it takes to survive it."
As Vanessa dropped to her knees on the expensive rug, weeping hysterically in absolute, irreversible defeat, Martha raised her crystal glass in a silent toast to the sunrise outside—knowing full well that the true master of Sinclair Manor was finally, forever, home.