Chapter 5
1172 Words
Khloe Smith stood at the entrance of the Anthony estate, her palms damp with perspiration and uncertainty weighing on her stomach.
The mansion, a contemporary structure composed of glass and stone, dominated the landscape, seemingly carved from affluence itself. Its appearance was strikingly austere, resembling a museum rather than a family residence.
She glanced at her secondhand blouse, smoothing it nervously. It was unremarkable and inexpensive. However, it was the best she could afford at this moment. The stakes were high, as securing this position was critical for her financial stability and that of her mother.
After what felt like an extended period, a security guard eventually gestured for her to enter after verifying her identification. She clutched her small purse tightly and began the lengthy walk up the cobblestone pathway, each step resonating in the profound silence.
Entering, the environment was pristine and devoid of warmth. The white floors, black marble counters, and extensive glass surfaces projected an aura of wealth, yet it felt somewhat sterile.
“Mr. Collins?” A man attired in a navy suit emerged from a nearby hallway. “This way, please. Mr. Anthony is expecting you.”
Khloe experienced a moment of surprise. It was unusual for billionaires to personally conduct interviews for maid positions.
The individual guided her into a meticulously designed office. The floor-to-ceiling windows showcased a panoramic view of the undulating hills; however, Khloe focus was drawn primarily to the man seated behind the desk.
Gabriel Anthony.
She recognized him immediately—his dark hair, prominent cheekbones, and eyes that resembled expansive pools of contemplation.
He lifted his gaze from a tablet. “Please take a seat.”
Khloe complied, maintaining a straight posture, her heart racing.
He scrutinized her as though she were a complex puzzle he had little interest in deciphering.
“You are twenty-one years old, a student at Gwaraguada University. You previously worked at a café. You possess no criminal record and have provided no references.”
“I was unable to reach my former manager,” she interjected hastily. “However, I—”
“I did not request excuses.”
Her statement was promptly silenced.
He set down the tablet and leaned back in his chair. “Your responsibilities will encompass cleaning the guest rooms, kitchens, and main living areas. I have a strong aversion to dust, noise, and, particularly, dishonesty. Is that understood?”
“Yes, sir.”
His eyes narrowed slightly. “What motivates you to pursue this position?”
Khloe met his gaze. “Because I require it.”
A moment of silence elapsed as he continued to observe her intently, without any sign of a smile or acknowledgment.
Finally, he stated, “You will commence your duties tomorrow at six a.m. sharp. Do not be late.”
Just like that, the matter was concluded. There was no handshake, no formal welcome.
As she exited the room, her heart still racing, Khloe remained unaware that she had just entered a domain fraught with challenges.
Khloe sent her parents a video tour of the mansion. Later, Dave reached out to her, expressing concern about her lack of communication. Khloe apologized, explaining that her silence was due to academic pressures. They had a lengthy conversation about her experiences in Mexico and her new job.
While Khloe spoke with Dave for several hours, Lisa was in the kitchen preparing meals for the group, curious about how long Khloe's call was lasting. Meanwhile, Elsa focused on her studies, and Jane took a bath.
After the phone call, Lisa asked Khloe about her conversation. Khloe replied, "Oh, I was talking to my friend Dave, who is really remarkable." Elsa interjected during their discussion, saying, "Indeed, Dave is a lovely name. I’m very fond of him. Please tell us more about him; we have yet to be introduced."
Khloe assured them that she would introduce him during his next call. Shortly after, Lisa brought food to the table, and Jane, having emerged from the bathroom to change, joined them for dinner.
Khloe awoke prior to her alarm.
For the first time in weeks, she experienced a modicum of relief—a sensation akin to regaining stability. The job was confirmed. Compensation would follow. She could breathe, if only momentarily.
By 5:45 a.m., she had donned the plain black and white uniform provided by the estate, securing her hair neatly. She laced her worn sneakers tightly—barely appropriate for the tasks ahead, but they were her only option.
As she navigated the mansion’s long corridors, which had yet to awaken, she followed a map sent to her the previous evening. The interiors glimmered under the soft hallway lighting, and she traversed the space like a shadow—quiet and unnoticed.
This continued until she inadvertently rounded a corner and almost collided with him.
Gabriel Anthony.
Dressed in a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up and the collar unbuttoned, paired with dark trousers and barefoot.
She halted abruptly.
He maintained his pace.
He offered her barely a cursory glance. “You are early.”
“I did not wish to arrive late,” she replied, making an effort to mask her nervousness.
He acknowledged her with a slight nod before proceeding down the corridor, the fragrance of cedar and a darker aroma lingering in his wake.
However, the encounter did not end there; he halted midway down the hallway.
Khloe
She turned abruptly. “Yes?”
His expression remained inscrutable. “Most individuals address me as sir or Mr. Voss.”
She swallowed. “Yes… Mr. Anthony.”
A fleeting expression passed across his face—perhaps amusement, or possibly disapproval. She could not ascertain.
Then, he departed down the hallway without uttering another word.
By mid-morning, Khloe had completed the cleaning of two guest rooms and was deeply engaged in scrubbing the glass stovetop in the chef’s kitchen when an older woman entered the space. Possessing sharp eyes and a stern expression, she emanated the energy of someone who had managed this establishment long before Khloe's arrival.
"You must be the new hire," she stated. "I am Tasha, the head of household staff. If you wish to succeed in this role, you will need to pay close attention."
Khloe responded with a nod. "Yes, ma'am."
"Excellent. You are not the first maid that Mr. Anthony has employed in the past year," Tasha remarked, her lips tightening slightly. "However, you may be the last if you do not conduct yourself appropriately."
"What happened to the others?" Khloe inquired cautiously.
"Some departed voluntarily, while others were asked to leave," Tasha responded.
"Why?"
Tasha fixed her with a steady gaze. "Because they failed to understand their position."
The warning lingered in the atmosphere.
Khloe's shift, her body ached, and her mind felt overwhelmed. As she passed one of the glass corridors on her way out, she paused upon observing him—Gabriel—sitting alone on the terrace, staring into the dusk with a glass of a dark liquid in his hand.
- Writer
