Chapter 2 - THE BRIBE
The hospital corridor was completely silent as Voss stared at the conscious billionaire.
For a man who had just regained his life, Daniel looked remarkably angry.
"He needs rest immediately," Voss declared, quickly stepping between Daniel’s line of sight and the door.
"Security, escort the maid out before she causes the patient any more distress," Voss ordered loudly.
The guard gripped Maria’s elbow a little too tightly, forcing her out into the hallway.
Sophia buried her face in her mother's shoulder, sensing the sudden, dangerous shift in the atmosphere.
Once the door clicked shut, Maria practically ran toward the elevators.
She just wanted to get back to her small apartment and forget this nightmare ever happened.
But before the elevator doors could open, Voss slipped out of the room and caught up to them.
"Maria, is it?" Voss asked, his voice dripping with fake sweetness.
"Yes, Mr. Voss," she replied, keeping her eyes glued to the floor.
He reached into his tailored suit jacket and pulled out a thick, sleek checkbook.
"You have been a loyal employee, but Daniel needs professional care now," he said smoothly.
He scribbled a number on the paper that made Maria’s heart skip a painful beat.
"Here is two hundred thousand dollars," Voss said, pressing the check into her trembling hand.
"Take your beautiful daughter, move back to whichever country you came from, and never speak to the press."
Maria looked at the check, realizing it was enough money to change her daughter's entire future.
But she also realized that men like Charles Voss did not give away fortunes out of kindness.
He was terrified of what Daniel might say, and he was terrified of the little girl who woke him up.
Maria slowly handed the check back to him.
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"I am just a housekeeper, sir, but my silence is not for sale," Maria said quietly.
She stepped into the elevator, leaving the most powerful man in the company trembling with rage.
