Chapter 4
The subterranean kitchen of Blacktie Estates was a labyrinth of stainless steel, white tile, and industrial refrigeration units, operating twenty-four hours a day to service the endless demands of the elite. At 2:00 AM, the massive space was mostly quiet, save for the hum of the freezers and the soft splashing of water at the double-basin sink. Elena stood over the basin, scrubbing her hands with harsh antiseptic soap, trying to wash away the lingering humiliation of the evening.
Footsteps echoed sharply against the tile floor. Elena froze, her heart hammering against her ribs as a tall silhouette crossed the doorway. She braced herself for another confrontation with the estate security or one of Camilla’s loyalists. Instead, the harsh fluorescent overhead light flickered on to reveal Sarah, the head housekeeper, whose stern face was softened by a deep, weary sorrow.
“You shouldn’t be down here, child,” Sarah murmured, walking over to the counter and setting down a steaming mug of chamomile tea. “The upper staff have been whispering since midnight. Mr. Julian is locked in the gallery, and Miss Camilla has already called her family’s private fixers.”
Elena pulled her hands from the water, drying them on a clean cloth before taking the mug. The warmth seeped into her cold fingers. “I didn’t do anything wrong, Sarah. I was clearing the dessert table, and the tray slipped. It was an accident. But she looked at me like I was vermin. She wanted to hit me with that cane.”
Sarah sighed, pulling up a metal stool and sitting down with a heavy groan. She looked around the empty kitchen as if checking for hidden microphones before leaning in close. “It was never about the saucer, Elena. Camilla has been breaking things—and people—in this house for three years. Do you know where the girl who worked here before you went?”
Elena shook her head, a cold knot forming in her stomach. “No. Everyone said she quit and went back home.”
“She didn’t quit,” Sarah whispered fiercely. “She found a ledger in the estate manager’s office detailing the illegal wage garnishments. The next day, she was accused of stealing a diamond tennis bracelet. Security detained her, the police were called, and by the time she was released three days later, her reputation was completely destroyed. She left town with nothing.” Sarah grabbed Elena’s wrist, her grip surprisingly strong. “Camilla is setting you up for the exact same routine. You need to take Mr. Vance’s card, walk out the service exit right now, and never look back.”
Before Elena could respond, a sharp buzzing sound interrupted them. The kitchen intercom system, usually reserved for urgent executive orders, clicked alive with a harsh static hiss.
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“Elena Vance to the main security office immediately,” an automated, metallic voice commanded through the speaker. “Failure to comply will result in immediate police detention for grand larceny.”
Elena stared at the speaker in absolute horror. The trap had already been sprung.
