At eight in the morning, Emily Carter was wiping down the glass coffee table in the living room when she noticed five luxury cars pulling up to the gate. After four months working at the Harrington estate, she immediately sensed that this day would be different.
Upstairs, Michael Harrington pointed out the window to his eight-year-old son, Noah.
“Son, the five women we talked about have arrived. They’ll be staying with us for thirty days.”
Noah watched the elegant women step out of the cars.
“And at the end, I have to choose one to be my new mom, right, Dad?”
“That’s right. They’re all well-educated and come from influential families. I’m sure you’ll like them.”
“And if I don’t like any?”
“You will. They can give you a great education and take you around the world.”
Suddenly, the sound of shattering glass echoed through the house, followed by a furious voice.
“Useless maid! You broke my expensive glass!”
Michael and Noah exchanged startled looks.
“What was that?” Noah asked.
“I’m not sure. Let’s check.”
They hurried downstairs and found Emily kneeling on the floor, gathering broken crystal, her finger bleeding. A tall brunette stood over her, arms crossed.
“That glass was imported crystal. It cost more than she earns in a year.”
“It was an accident,” Emily whispered, eyes lowered.
“An accident?” the woman scoffed. “People like you shouldn’t be touching valuable things.”
“Excuse me,” Michael said firmly. “What’s going on?”
The brunette turned with a practiced smile. “Michael, I’m Vanessa Montgomery. I just arrived, and your maid shattered my glass.”
The other four women stepped closer, observing Emily on the floor.
“Well, this is awkward,” said a thin blonde.
“I’m Olivia Prescott,” she added coolly.
“Accidents happen,” Michael replied, trying to calm the situation.
“They happen with unrefined people,” Olivia said, staring at Emily. “Classy people know better.”
Noah slipped past his father and rushed to Emily.
“Em, are you hurt?”
See more on the next page
Advertisement
