Chapter 9 - The Promotion in the Gray Uniform
Two floors down from the master suite, the atmosphere in the estate's administrative offices was electric.
Mrs. Gable, the ancient and formidable head housekeeper, stood rigidly beside her mahogany desk, her hands folded neatly over her black silk apron. She stared down at the crisp, official corporate document resting on the blotter with an expression usually reserved for natural disasters.
Norah Blake sat in a plush leather armchair that felt entirely too large for her. She still wore her gray estate uniform, though the collar felt less like a noose now. In her lap rested a thick envelope containing the deed to a penthouse apartment on 5th Street and a corporate debit card bearing the Wolf Organization insignia.
"I trust you understand the gravity of this assignment, Miss Blake," Mrs. Gable said, her voice dry as autumn leaves. Her tone lacked its usual casual disdain; it had been replaced by a stiff, grudging respect.
"I understand, Mrs. Gable," Norah replied evenly.
"Mr. Wolf does not tolerate incompetence, and Mr. Finch does not tolerate mistakes. Your new position as Director of Estate Ingestion and Supply Verification means every single item entering this kitchen, this cellar, and this household passes through your hands first. Chemical analysis, botanical cross-referencing, vendor background checks. Is that clear?"
"Crystal clear."
Mrs. Gable sniffed softly, adjusting her spectacles. "Very well. Your belongings have already been moved from your room above the bakery to the 5th Street residence. A car is waiting for you at noon. Do not disappoint us, Norah."
May you like
Norah stood up, clutching the envelope to her chest. She walked out of the office and down the long, marbled corridor toward the grand foyer. As she passed the massive double doors leading out to the estate's stone terrace, she caught her reflection in the polished glass.
The girl who had scrubbed floors for fourteen dollars an hour was gone. In her place stood someone new—someone the Wolf empire could no longer afford to ignore.
