Chapter 6: The Maid’s Defense
Away from the main dining area, in a small service corridor just off the kitchen, Elena sat on an overturned plastic crate, trying to steady her breathing. Mateo found her there a few moments later, slipping through the heavy service door with a glass of water in his hand. He extended it silently. Elena looked up, her eyes red-rimmed, carrying a dignity that the glittering guests upstairs completely lacked. She accepted the water but did not drink. Mateo pulled up a metal folding chair, sitting across from her with his knees apart and his elbows resting heavily on his thighs.
"Elena," Mateo began, his voice dropping to a gravelly whisper. "You raised me. You know every secret of this house. Tell me the truth, and I will protect you no matter what the cost." Elena set the glass down untouched, the water sloshing slightly over the rim. She looked him straight in the eyes, her voice devoid of fear, replaced entirely by a quiet, devastating sorrow. "Señor Mateo, I have cleaned up after your family's messes for twelve years. I have thrown away empty pill bottles, hidden letters of infidelity, and swept up shattered glass from drunken fights. Why would I steal a necklace when I know every corner of this estate? If I wanted to steal from you, I would have done it years ago when you were vulnerable. Someone planted that in my bag while I was clearing the sweetheart table. Someone who wanted me to take the fall because I see too much and speak too little." Mateo felt a cold dread settle in his stomach, realizing the profound truth in her words.
