Beneath the surface

Chapter one

Ava's eyes narrowed as she watched Ethan Morano stride into the mansion's foyer, his arrogance radiating from every pore. According to her organization, he was a monster - involved in human trafficking and other illicit activities. The thought made her stomach turn. She had been briefed on his reputation, but seeing him in person was a different story altogether. His piercing gaze swept the room, dismissing everyone in his vicinity. Ava felt a shiver run down her spine as their eyes met, but she refused to back down. She had a mission to complete.

"Lena," her handler's voice whispered in her earpiece, "your cover is solid. You're now Ethan's personal maid. Use this opportunity to gather intel and bring him down."

As Ethan approached her, Ava felt a surge of annoyance. "You're the new maid, I presume?" he said, his voice cold and detached. "I expect nothing but perfection, loyalty and charisma . You'll be handling my schedule, answering my calls, and attending meetings with me. Don't disappoint me, Lena."

Ava's instincts screamed at her to rebel against his condescending tone, but she forced a smile and nodded. "Yes, sir. I'll make sure to meet your expectations."

Ethan's gaze lingered on her for a moment before he turned to leave. "Follow me, Lena. I'll show you to your quarters and introduce you to the rest of the staff."

As they walked, Ava's eyes took in every detail of the mansion's layout and security. She noticed the cameras in the corners, the guards patrolling the halls, and the intricate artwork adorning the walls. She knew she had to be careful, that one misstep could blow her cover and put her mission at risk.

As they walked, Ethan's phone rang, and he answered it, his voice rising in anger. "Yes, I know what I said," Ethan growled. "Just take care of it."

Ava's ears perked up, and she listened intently, trying to gather as much information as possible. She caught a few words - "shipment," "payment," and "deadline." Her mind racing, she wondered what kind of operation Ethan was running.

Their eyes met, and for a moment, Ava felt a spark of fear. But she quickly looked away, adopting a subservient demeanor. "Yes, sir," she said, her voice soft and obedient.

Ethan's gaze lingered on her for a moment before he turned back to his phone call. Ava breathed a sigh of relief, knowing she had passed the first test. But she also couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to Ethan than met the eye.

As they reached the staff quarters, Ethan introduced her to the other maids and cooks. Ava smiled and nodded, trying to make a good impression. But she knew she was playing a dangerous game, one that required her to walk a fine line between loyalty and deception.

As Ethan turned to leave, her eye and raised an eyebrow. "I expect you to be available at all times, Lena. Don't disappoint me."

Ava nodded, her heart racing. She knew she had to be careful, that one wrong move could blow her cover and put her mission at risk. But she was determined to bring Ethan down, no matter what it took.