"I haven't even accepted the offer yet." The words slipped out, and the room went quiet.
I thought maybe I'd said something wrong. But the chairman didn't look offended.
He leaned back slowly in his chair, resting his hand on the head of his walking stick, tapping his fingers against the lion-shaped handle. "Eli! So tell me." He paused. "Will you do me the honor…" He smiled softly. "…of becoming the housekeeper for the Donovan heirs' residence?"
For them?
The street racer with bruised knuckles, and the hockey playboy who accused me of stealing.
Under the same roof?
That sounded like a survival challenge, not a job.
Because honestly what was I even supposed to say?
Yes sir, I'd love to babysit four grown men who clearly need therapy, not a housekeeper?
"I… I'm grateful for the offer, sir," I took a deep breath. "Really. I am." And I meant that. This kind of opportunity doesn't just fall into your lap. "But it sounds impossible."
I let out a small breath, rubbing the back of my neck. "I already have a lot going on. My life is kind of…" I paused, searching for the right word. "…a mess. And I don't think I should take something like this just because of the money."
The room went quiet again.
Phil didn't move. The chairman just watched me.
"Are you sure? Do you want me to increase your pay?"
My eyes widened. Oh no.
"I could double it," he continued casually. Or triple."
Triple? That would solve more than my problems.
I would never wake up to hear Kane's annoying voice again. Or seeing that empty savings box again.
"No, sir." I stood up so fast my chair made a small sound against the floor. I bowed quickly. "The offer is already… more than enough," I said honestly.
Too much, even.
"That's not the problem."
Then what is the problem?
I hesitated.
Because suddenly… I didn't even know.
Why was I saying no? I needed money. I needed a way out.
But..this didn't feel like help. It felt like stepping into something I wouldn't be able to walk out of.
"I just…" I exhaled quietly. "I also think I'm qualified." That was the safest answer. "I wouldn't even know where to start with… them."
Or survive them. Or how to not get thrown out in two days. Or get blamed for something I didn't do. Again.
The chairman studied me for a few seconds. Long enough to make me nervous. Then, he smiled. "Alright."
That was… easier than I expected.
"It's fine. No pressure." He reached into his coat and pulled out a card, holding it out toward me."In case you change your mind…"
I hesitated before stepping forward to take it.
"I'll be waiting."
That was unsettling. He said it like he knew I'd be back.
He gave a small nod toward Phil.
"Mr. Eli," Phil said politely, "I'll escort you out."
I nodded quickly.
"Yes! Thank you."
"And our driver will take you back," he added.
Perfect.
Because I just remembered…"Oh no." I checked the time on my phone.
My eyes widened. "I'm late for my morning shift."
Great. From one disaster to another.
"I'm so sorry," I said quickly, bowing again toward the chairman. "Thank you for your time, sir."
And for not ruining my life.
Then I turned and followed Phil out of the office.
The door closed behind me.
I stared down at the card in my hand.
Donovan Industries.
A chance to fix everything.
Or…
A chance to ruin whatever I had left.
Then, I slipped the card into my pocket.