My skin screamed to flinch, but I didn’t. My fingers trembled, yet the tray stayed level. I learned early that even the smallest mistake becomes a weapon in the hands of women like Victoria.
She leaned closer, her voice sharp enough to slice silk.
“You’re lucky I don’t throw you out right now,” she hissed, eyes dropping to the tiny tea stains on her dress like they were blood. She asked if I knew how much the dress cost — not because she cared about money, but because she cared about dominance.
My heart pounded, but my voice stayed calm.
“I’m sorry, ma’am. It won’t happen again.”
Her lips twisted into a familiar cruelty.
“That’s what the last five maids said before they left crying,” she snapped. “Maybe I should speed up your exit.”
Richard’s voice cut through the air. Low. Tense.
“Victoria. Enough.”
She turned toward him instantly, like fire finding oxygen.
“Enough?” she scoffed. “This girl is incompetent — just like all the others.”
The older staff looked away. They’d seen this scene too many times and knew how it usually ended.
I stayed silent.
Silence was my shield. The moment I defended myself, Victoria would turn it into entertainment.