Chapter 2 - The Secured Wing
Sophia packed her apartment in two hours. There wasn’t much to pack: a few threadbare sweaters, a box of Elise’s medical records, and a framed photograph of the two of them smiling on a beach five years ago, back when life was just life, and not a countdown timer. Declan’s driver, a silent mountain of a man named Marcus, picked her up. He carried her single cardboard box with one hand, tossing it easily into the trunk of a sleek black SUV.
When they arrived back at the estate, everything had changed. She wasn’t directed to the servant’s entrance. Instead, she was led up the grand staircase, past the portraits of men with hard eyes, and past antique vases that cost more than her life. They headed to the secured wing in the west corridor, which was closed off by a heavy oak door that required a keypad and a fingerprint scan. Marcus pressed his thumb to the pad, pushing it open. “Mr. Walsh’s office is down the hall. Your suite is adjacent to it.” He handed her a keycard. “Mrs. Gable has been informed of your new position.”
Sophia took the card, her fingers trembling slightly. “Did she say anything?” Marcus’s face remained impassive. “She said congratulations.” Sophia didn’t believe that for a second. Her new suite was larger than her entire old apartment. It featured a king-sized bed, a private bathroom with a marble tub, and a wardrobe filled with high-end, practical clothes—blouses, tailored trousers, and flat shoes designed to make no noise on hardwood floors. She felt like a doll being dressed for a very dangerous game.
Her first week was a blur of adjustment. Her job was deceptively simple: she organized Declan’s office, brought his meals when he worked late, and ensured the private wing was immaculate and untouched by the rest of the staff. She was the only one allowed inside. She learned things quickly. She learned that Declan preferred black coffee at 6:00 AM, but never drank it if anyone else poured it. She learned he kept a loaded Sig Sauer in the top right drawer of his desk. She learned that the O’Connor family was causing more trouble than just missing shipments; she saw the maps on his table and the names crossed out in red ink.
She also saw Mrs. Gable. The head housekeeper had always been stern, a woman made of starched collars and sharp disapproval. But now, there was something malicious in the way she watched Sophia. “Moving up in the world, aren’t we, Miss Reed?” Mrs. Gable stopped her in the kitchen on Wednesday. Sophia kept her face blank. “Just doing my job, Mrs. Gable.” “Yes. Your job.” The older woman’s eyes darted to the tray of food in Sophia’s hands. “I suppose Mr. Walsh finds your... particular set of skills useful.” The insult was barely veiled, but Sophia didn’t take the bait. “He finds my discretion useful. Excuse me.” She walked away with her spine perfectly straight, though her heart was pounding. Mrs. Gable wasn’t just jealous; she was calculating.
That night, Sophia entered Declan’s office to clear his dinner tray. He was standing by the window, staring out at the rain. His tie was undone, and his shoulders were tight. “The food is getting cold,” Sophia said softly. He didn’t turn around. “I’m not hungry.” “You haven’t eaten since yesterday morning.” Declan finally turned. His eyes were dark, shadowed by exhaustion. “You’re tracking my meals now?” “It’s my job to keep this wing running. You are in this wing. Therefore, I track you.”
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A faint, almost imperceptible smirk touched his lips. “You’re getting bold, Sophia.” “I’m getting paid enough to afford boldness.” He walked over to the desk, leaning against it. “The O’Connors hit another one of my warehouses today.” Sophia froze. He shouldn’t be telling her this. “Why are you telling me?” “Because you organize my files,” he said smoothly. “And because Mrs. Gable asked for access to the security logs this morning.” Sophia’s breath caught. “Did you give it to her?” “No.” Declan’s gaze locked onto hers. “But I want you to watch her.” He stepped closer, smelling of rain, cedar, and gunpowder. “This house has a leak, Sophia. I need to know if it’s her.”
She looked up at him, fully realizing the true nature of her new job. She wasn't just a maid anymore. She was his only trusted pair of eyes.
