Chapter 7 - THE MAID WHO REFUSED HIS MONEY
Dante offered Elena a substantial payment.
She refused.
He stared at her.
“Miss Reyes, your daughter saved my life.”
Elena nodded.
“I'm grateful she did.”
He gestured toward the envelope.
“This could change your circumstances.”
Elena looked down.
“I know.”
“Then why refuse?”
She took a breath.
“Because I don't want Sophie growing up believing people can buy her courage.”
Dante studied her.
Elena continued.
“She did the right thing because it was right.”
He nodded slowly.
“I understand.”
Then she added:
“But I do need something.”
Dante looked up.
“Tell me.”
“A safe place to work.”
He frowned.
Elena continued.
“I need a job where my daughter won't be threatened because I clean someone's house.”
Dante looked away.
The words hurt because they were true.
He had spent millions securing his estate.
Cameras.
Guards.
Reinforced doors.
And still, a housekeeper had been locked in a basement while her daughter stood alone against a room full of powerful adults.
Dante nodded.
“You're right.”
Elena looked surprised.
He continued.
“I'll cooperate with the investigation and review how the household is managed. You don't owe me continued employment.”
She swallowed.
“Thank you.”
Dante hesitated.
“May I ask something personal?”
Elena nodded.
“Why did you bring Sophie to work?”
She looked embarrassed.
“My childcare arrangement fell through.”
Dante frowned.
“Wasn't there a staff emergency policy?”
Elena laughed sadly.
“Not for people like me.”
He stared.
Elena continued.
“People like me are expected to solve problems quietly.”
Dante looked toward the window.
Then said:
May you like
“That needs to change.”
And for the first time, Elena wondered whether the man everyone feared might be capable of listening.
