Chapter 1 - The Golden Setup
The cold, imported Italian marble sent a painful, jarring shock through Maya's knees as she was violently shoved to the floor.
She gasped for air, her uniform tearing slightly at the shoulder from the sheer force of the sudden attack.
Victoria stood over her, adjusting the cuffs of her ten-thousand-dollar silk blouse with a vicious, triumphant smirk.
You really thought you could steal from me and just walk out the front door, you pathetic little rat?
Maya looked up with wide, terrified eyes, her heart hammering wildly against her ribcage.
I swear to you on my life that I did not take your vintage Rolex, Mrs. Vance.
Victoria laughed, a cold and hollow sound that echoed sharply through the cavernous foyer of the Beverly Hills mansion.
We both know that is a complete lie, Maya.
You have been staring at my jewelry collection with jealous, greedy eyes since the day my husband hired you.
Before Maya could utter another desperate word of defense, the massive mahogany front doors swung open.
Julian Vance, the enigmatic tech billionaire who had built his fortune on cybersecurity, stepped into the entryway.
His sharp, intelligent gaze swept over the chaotic scene, instantly taking in his weeping nanny and his furious wife.
What exactly is going on in my house?
Victoria immediately shifted her entire demeanor, forcing a few dramatic tears to well up in her calculating eyes.
Julian, darling, I just caught this filthy thief trying to sneak out with my grandfather's gold Rolex.
Maya shook her head frantically, pressing her trembling hands against the cold floor.
Mr. Vance, please believe me, I was only packing my bag to take your son to his afternoon piano lesson.
Julian’s face remained completely unreadable, a mask of pure, intimidating stone.
If you are truly innocent, Maya, you will not mind emptying the pockets of your uniform right now.
Maya nodded eagerly, desperate to clear her name and prove her absolute loyalty to the family.
She reached her shaking fingers into the deep pockets of her gray apron and pulled out the contents.
May you like
A tube of lip balm, a set of house keys, and a heavy, glittering object fell onto the marble.
The vintage gold Rolex landed with a heavy, sickening thud right at Julian's expensive leather shoes.
