Chapter 5

Alice’s POV

I ran out of the mansion, my chest heaving with frustration.How dare he accuse me of stealing his wine?

I hadn't even wanted it!

His butler had insisted, telling me it was an order from Mr. Andrews himself. And then—just when I started drinking it—he appeared out of nowhere, acting like I was some kind of thief.

I clenched my fists.

Did his butler set me up?

No, that was ridiculous… right?

But something felt off.

I exhaled sharply, trying to calm myself down. My emotions were all over the place. But then a new horrifying thought struck me.

What if he retaliates?

What if, after the way I stormed out, he decided to press charges against my mother again?

I would never forgive myself.

My heart pounded as I stood frozen on the sidewalk. I had to fix this.

I needed this job.

More importantly, I needed to protect my mother.

Taking a deep breath, I turned back toward the mansion.

As I walked, I whispered a silent prayer:

"God, please help me today. Let Mr. Andrews not be mad at me. I don’t want to go to jail. I swear I’ll join the choir if you help me get through this. Please, God, I need this job."

By the time I reached his residence, I had mentally prepared myself to grovel if I had to.

I rang the doorbell, my heart hammering against my ribs.

The butler, Jordan, answered almost immediately.

His eyes flickered with surprise. "Oh, Miss Alice, you’re back."

I forced a tight smile. "Yes. Is Mr. Andrews in?"

"Yes, come in," he said, stepping aside.

I hesitated for a second before stepping back inside.

The moment I entered the grand living room, I felt his piercing gaze land on me.

Andrew’s POV

As soon as Alice left, I regretted everything.I had acted like an ass.

Again.

"She’s never going to forgive me," I muttered under my breath.

"Sir?"

I turned to see Jordan standing nearby, his brows furrowed in confusion.

I quickly shook my head. "It’s nothing."

Jordan looked skeptical but didn’t push the subject.

The chef walked in at that moment, clearing his throat.

"Breakfast is ready and served in the dining room, sir."

I sighed, pushing thoughts of Alice aside. "Alright. Should I wake Steve up now?"

"Yes, sir. I’ll get him."

Just then, the doorbell rang.

"I’ll check who it is," Jordan said, excusing himself.

I picked up my fork, preparing to eat—until I heard his next words:

"Oh, Miss Alice, you’re back."

I froze.

She came back?

I turned my head toward the entrance, watching as she hesitated before stepping inside.

She looked nervous. Uncertain.

"Is Mr. Andrews in?" she asked.

Jordan nodded. "Yes, come in."

Alice walked in, her gaze locking onto mine.

Alice’s POV

The moment our eyes met, I felt a wave of tension settle over the room.

I swallowed hard.

"I…" My voice felt small. "I just wanted to say I’m really so—"

"No need."

His cold tone cut me off before I could finish.

I blinked, startled.

"I don’t have time for that," he continued dismissively. "You’re starting your work today. Your first task is waking Steve up and getting him ready for school. By the time you’re back after dropping him off, Jordan will give you your work schedule."

I nodded quickly, relieved that he wasn’t going to fire me—or worse, press charges.

"Please note," he added, his voice turning sharp, "you must follow your schedule strictly. If you don’t… you will lose this job."

I nodded again. "Understood."

His next words made my stomach drop.

"But in your case, losing this job means more than just unemployment."

He leaned slightly forward, his blue eyes cold and unforgiving.

"It means you and your mother will go to jail."

I stiffened.

It wasn’t a warning.

It was a threat.

I clenched my fists but forced myself to keep my expression neutral.

"Understood," I said, my voice quiet but firm.

He studied me for a moment, as if expecting me to argue. When I didn’t, he continued,

"One more thing. Address me as ‘Sir.’ Understood?"

I gritted my teeth. "Yes, Mr. Andrew—" I stopped myself. "I mean… Yes, sir."

A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.

"Good."

Then, just like that, he turned away.

"Jordan, is my car ready?"

"Yes, sir."

"Fine."

And without another glance in my direction, he walked out.