The Billionaire's Contract

LILY'S POV, I gulped as I arrived at the Wolfe estate. It was huge—like a small town. I came with just a few belongings since I didn’t have much in the first place. As the cab drove me through, I noticed other mini-compounds along the way. Although they were “mini,” each one was practically an estate on its own. It was hard to believe one person owned all of this. Where I was headed was called Obsidian Manor, owned by Adrien Wolfe, where I would work as a maid. It wasn’t a job I was proud of, but I didn’t have many options, and the pay was good. I didn’t know much about him—whether he was young or old, kind or cruel. I wasn’t desperate to know, but it would have been nice to have some details about who I’d be working for. I got the job online, which surprised me, considering how remote and old-fashioned this place seemed. It gave off strong old money vibes. After an hour’s drive from the estate entrance, I finally reached the manor. The hiring process had been simple: basic questions like my name, age, height, weight, and education. The only unusual requirement was: “You must be able to keep a low profile.” Whatever that meant. When the cab dropped me off, I was about to pay, but the driver sped away immediately. I didn’t think much of it—he and the cab belonged to the Wolfe estate. Still, I was surprised when one had shown up outside my apartment earlier, waiting for me. Clearly, outsiders weren’t welcome here. I turned to face the manor. It was beautiful, massive, like a castle with a modern touch. I wondered what kind of rooms it held, considering only one man lived there. A ruckus behind me caught my attention. Other girls were arriving, carrying their luggage. Some looked like they were here for money, others perhaps to uncover secrets of the estate—or maybe just to catch a glimpse of Adrien Wolfe himself. I decided to mind my business and carry my things inside. The staircase wasn’t long, and since I didn’t have much, it was easy to climb. I had packed casual clothes, nightgowns I’d sewn myself, shoes, slippers, toiletries, and sewing equipment—except for a machine. I’d always dreamed of being a fashion designer, but for now, that dream had to remain a fantasy. Inside, the manor was even more breathtaking. Girls began forming groups, but I stayed alone, not wanting to be overwhelmed on my first day. Then came the sharp clicking of heels. The sound silenced the hall. An older woman approached, half-moon spectacles perched perfectly on her nose. She wore a black satin dress tailored to perfection, a high lace collar, a white apron, a silver brooch, and a key ring at her waist. She didn’t need to raise her voice—her presence alone commanded obedience. She stopped, scanning each of us. Her face was void of emotion until her eyes met mine. Something flickered there, but vanished quickly. In a soft, firm voice, she spoke. “Ladies, line up. My name is Mariam Wicker, but you will call me Madam Mariam—or simply Madam. This is Obsidian Manor, home to Mr. Adrien Wolfe, who is currently on a business trip and will be back soon. I will now tell you the rules of the Manor, which must be strictly followed. Failure to comply will result in punishment, depending on the severity.” The girls fell silent. Some looked regretful, others indifferent. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that not all of them were here just to work. Madam Mariam listed the usual rules—no stealing, no destruction of property. But then her tone shifted, grim for the first time. “Once you’ve entered the estate, there’s no going back. The only way you leave is if you’re dead, too old to work, or someone of high standing takes you out. You will all wear a tracker. Anyone seen without it will face severe consequences. This is not a game. You are here to work, keep your mouth shut, and your eyes peeled. You may only leave the estate on rare occasions, for emergencies or errands. That will be all.” With that, she handed us over to Miss Kim, the assistant head maid. Miss Kim was more approachable, with a girlish charm. “Good afternoon, ladies. I’ll be assigning your rooms.” We each received a key. My room was at the far end of the corridor. Inside, I found only one bed, though the rooms were supposed to house two. Confused, I decided not to mention it. Better to have the space to myself. The wardrobe held work clothes, and a tracker sat neatly on the table beside toiletries. I unpacked, showered, and lay on the bed with a sigh. Today has been overwhelming. I wondered what tomorrow would bring.