Chapter 5 - The Mother’s Ultimatum
The following morning, bright sunlight streamed through the high stained-glass windows of the grand dining hall, illuminating a lavish breakfast spread. Eleanor sat at the head of the long mahogany table, looking radiant in a cream-colored Chanel blazer, while Chloe, Megan, and Brittany gossiped excitedly about Truett Barlow’s brief reaction to them the night before.
"Did you see the way he looked at my necklace, Mother?" Chloe squealed, adjusting a diamond pendant around her neck. "He is definitely interested. We just need to invite him back for a private riding session this weekend."
Eleanor smiled approvingly, taking a sip of her mimosa. But the moment Vada entered the room carrying a fresh basket of warm croissants, Eleanor’s expression curdled into pure venom.
"You," Eleanor snapped, slamming her teacup down onto its saucer with a sharp clatter. "Where were you all morning? You missed the early kitchen prep."
"I was finishing the estate audits in the west office," Vada replied calmly, placing the basket on the table without flinching.
Eleanor’s face flushed with an angry red tint. She stood up abruptly, pointing an accusing finger at Vada. "I told you a hundred times, Vada! You are not to roam the main quarters when we have high-profile guests or prospective suitors visiting! Mr. Barlow is returning this afternoon for a formal tour of the grounds, and I do not want your peasant face anywhere near him. Do you understand?"
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"Crystal clear, Mother," Vada said quietly, her voice devoid of any emotion.
"Good," Eleanor sneered, smoothing down her blazer. "Stay locked in the kitchens or your little paperwork hole. If you ruin my daughters' chances with a single clumsy move today, I will make sure you have nowhere left on this earth to hide."
