Chapter 3 - The Threat
The next morning, the estate felt like a powder keg waiting for a single spark.
The storm had passed, leaving the massive grounds soaked and the air heavy with humidity.
I was dusting the library shelves when the heavy wooden doors clicked shut behind me.
I turned around to see Selene leaning against the polished wood, her arms crossed tightly over her chest.
She was wearing a pristine white silk blouse and dark trousers, looking every inch the corporate heiress.
"You think you are very clever, don't you, Elena?" she asked, her voice dangerously low.
I kept the dusting cloth in my hands, trying to keep my expression completely neutral.
"I am just doing my job, Miss Vale," I replied quietly.
Selene scoffed, taking a slow, deliberate step toward me.
"Your job is to clean up my messes and remain invisible."
"Instead, you parade your little brat into a multi-million dollar business dinner."
She stopped just a few feet away, the scent of her expensive floral perfume overpowering the smell of old books.
"Damian might have found it amusing yesterday, but the novelty will wear off."
"He pities you, Elena, and pity is a very fleeting emotion."
I refused to look down, meeting her harsh glare with a steady calmness I did not actually feel.
"Mr. Bellucci was simply being kind to a hungry child," I said politely.
Selene’s eyes narrowed into terrifying, venomous slits.
"I saw you talking to Marcus in the kitchen last night," she said suddenly.
My heart skipped a painful beat, but I forced my breathing to remain steady.
"He needed a signature for the cleaning logs," I lied smoothly.
Selene stepped even closer, her voice dropping to a vicious whisper.
"If you ever try to interfere in my life, or my marriage, I will make sure you never find work in this state again."
"I know people who can ensure your daughter ends up in the foster system before the week is over."
The sheer malice in her threat made my blood run absolutely cold.
She was not just a spoiled heiress throwing a tantrum.
She was a ruthless, calculating woman who was willing to destroy a child to protect her own secrets.
Before I could formulate a response, the library doors swung open again.
Damian walked in, holding a cup of black coffee and looking at some documents on his phone.
He stopped when he saw us, his sharp eyes instantly assessing the tense distance between his fiancée and his maid.
"Is there a problem in here?" Damian asked, his deep voice echoing in the quiet room.
Selene immediately plastered a bright, artificial smile onto her face.
"No problem at all, darling," she cooed, walking over to kiss his cheek.
"I was just giving Elena some specific instructions for cleaning the bridal suite."
Damian looked over her shoulder, his gaze locking onto mine.
He saw the pale, frightened look on my face, and his jaw tightened imperceptibly.
"Elena takes her instructions from the house manager, Selene," Damian said coldly.
"Leave her to her work."
Selene’s fake smile faltered for a fraction of a second, but she nodded and quickly left the library.
Damian stood there for a long moment, watching me grip the dusting cloth with trembling hands.
"Did she threaten you?" he asked bluntly.
May you like
I looked at the powerful man standing before me, remembering the access logs and the stolen files.
"No, sir," I lied, knowing the truth would only put Lily in more danger.
