Violet opened her mouth to argue, but I didn't give her the chance. Snapping my laptop shut, I stood.

"Is dinner ready?"

She choked on her next words, then nodded awkwardly.

Ignoring her visible annoyance, I walked past her toward the dining table.

Violet had only been working for me for a week, hired through a high-end agency. Her cooking was exceptional, I had to admit. Since I spent most of my days at the office and barely saw her, I tolerated the excessive chatter for the sake of a good meal.

The moment I sat down, Violet pulled out a chair and planted herself directly across from me. Her lack of boundaries grated on my nerves, but I let it slide.

"Zoey, I saw you carrying a big bag today. What did you buy?" Her tone was overly familiar.

"A handbag," I replied curtly, nodding toward the sofa. "Mrs. Lawrence, please put it in the walk-in closet. Be careful not to scratch it."

She stood reluctantly, muttering under her breath as she trudged over.

When she emerged from the closet ten minutes later, her eyes were wide.