Chapter 5: Playing Nice

My words landed like a slap. Jenna’s face turned scarlet, her eyes shining with unshed tears. She bowed her head, voice trembling: “I’m sorry, Miss. I won’t overstep again.”

The apology sounded genuine, but I could hear the resentment simmering beneath it. That resentment would turn to anger. But honestly? I didn’t care.

She stayed bowed, body shaking slightly, until I finally sighed and waved her off. “Don’t be so dramatic. I was just teasing. We’re not living in some old Southern soap opera—I’m not about to start bossing you like a plantation mistress.”

This time, Jenna forced a shaky smile. “No, Miss, you’re right. I forgot my place.”

I smirked. “Good. Go rest. Aren’t you visiting your dad at the hospital tomorrow?”

She bobbed her head and hurried out, leaving me alone with my thoughts—and a faint, satisfied smile.

[@PettyQueen: The housekeeper’s daughter will want revenge, just watch.]

[@KickHerOut: Why not just fire her?]

[@FamilyDebt: Can’t do it—her dad saved Natalie’s life.]

The comments echoed my own thoughts. I hated feeling like someone else held the power. Was there any way to get rid of this threat, once and for all?

As I mulled it over, the butler arrived, a thick envelope in hand. “Miss, here’s what you asked for.”

I’d always wondered—what had driven Caleb, a boy who once spent summers with me catching fireflies in the backyard, to beg for help? What could make a proud man use a childhood promise as currency?

I opened the envelope, heart pounding, ready to see the truth for myself.