Chapter 3

On the day of the party, I showed up two hours early. The crystal chandeliers sparkled, and I slipped into the James family's uniform, diving right into the hustle, pouring wine and champagne, smoothing out the velvet tablecloths, not wasting a single second.

The other staff noticed how quick and thorough I was, and I could see the respect in their eyes.

All I could think about was doing my best. One grand for one night, and I wasn't about to let a single cent slip away.

I was crouched down, adjusting the edge of the tablecloth, when a drawling,…