Chapter 255 Request
Caroline knew Teresa wouldn’t just play along with Helen’s games. Her tone stayed composed at the Then what do you want me to do, Teresa?”
Teresa looked at her and said. “Just come cook for a few days. While you’re there, I’ll find the right momer to bring her in for the test. Once that’s done, it’s over.”
Caroline lowered her gaze, thinking quietly. Teresa had always been close to her mother–and that alone was reason enough to help.
And Teresa had offered her help more than once in the past. Caroline hadn’t forgotten that either.
But still, her gut told her it wouldn’t go as smoothly as Teresa hoped–not with Helen in the mix.
When Caroline didn’t respond right away, Teresa spoke again, her voice a little softer. “I know your place can’t run without you, but I’ll make it worth your while. I’ll pay you double whatever you make each day.
the place running.”
Caroline quickly waved her off.”
that’s not it. You’re taking this the wrong way. It’s not about keeping
Shutting down for a few days wasn’t going to break her. The loss wasn’t the issue.
What really unsettled her was the sense that Helen was behind all of this–and that there was a trap waiting
Teresa frowned, confused. “Then what’s the problem?”
Caroline hesitated, then finally conveyed what she’d been thinking the whole time.
But Teresa didn’t seem the least bit concerned. “Don’t worry about that. You’ll be at my house. Helen wouldn’t dare pull anything while I’m around. Just come and cook, alright? Think of it as a favor for a friend.”
Faced with that look in her eyes–genuine, pleading–Caroline couldn’t say no. She gave a quiet nod.
As for Helen and her schemes, she’d just have to stay sharp so she wouldn’t fall into them.
The second Caroline agreed, Teresa smiled and reached into her bag. She pulled out a thick wad of cash- red bills crisp and clean–and slid it across the table. “Here. This is for you. Your pay, plus whatever your restaurant will lose while you’re gone.”
Caroline stared at the stack. Just a quick estimate told her there was no less than 25 grand there.
She immediately nudged the cash back toward Teresa. “Teresa, this is too much. I can’t take it.”
Teresa pushed it right back, firm but kind. “Don’t be silly. You’ve earned every cent.” Then she stood up and grabbed her purse. “I’ve got a few things to take care of, but I’ll be at your place first thing in the morning to pick you up.”
Before Caroline could protest again, she turned and walked out the door.
That’s when Maia finally–emerged from the kitchen.
The moment her eyes landed on the cash, they widened. “Damn. I didn’t think Mrs. Grayson was that generous. That’s almost what we pull in for an entire month.”
Chapter 265 Request
She had been wiping down the back counters and didn’t want to interrupt the convert
heard every word from where she stood.
After just a few days of cooking, Caroline was walking away with more than she usually made so through shifts day after day.
As for whatever was putting Caroline on edge, Maia was confident she could handle it.
Caroline smiled at her. “That’s why you’re getting a few days off. Go and let your hair down. You’re still getting paid, don’t worry.”
To her, the money felt like a lot. But for the Graysons, it probably wasn’t even a dent.
If she refused it again, she risked insulting Teresa. So she kept it.
Maia let out a cheer and spun on her heel. “That’s awesome–thanks, Caroline!”
The next morning, Caroline rode with Teresa to the Grayson Residence. Heleni was already standing at the entrance, waiting for them.
Caroline didn’t say a word as she passed her–she just gave her a cold, distant look and walked right inside.
As Caroline brushed past her, she didn’t say a word–just shot Helen a blank, icy look and made her way to the entrance.
Helen reached out and yanked her back, her voice rising. “What the hell’s your problem? I went out of my way to get you a gig that pays big, and not only do you not thank me, but you’re giving me attitude? You’ve got zero gratitude.”
Caroline’s mouth curved into a smile, sharp and cold. “You wanna talk gratitude? Maybe ask yourself why you really wanted me here. You sure it wasn’t all about you?”
She already knew the answer.
Helen’s gaze shifted. “What’s that supposed to mean? You already got the money.”
She’d caught wind of it last night–two of the maids chatting in the hallway. Caroline had gotten 40 grand from Mrs. Grayson already. And apparently, that wasn’t even the full amount. There was more to come once she started the job.
The jealousy gnawed at her.
Caroline was just a cook. Even a few thousand a month would’ve been more than fair. Why was she getting handed a small fortune?
And worse, that money was supposed to be hers. The idea that it ended up in the hands of someone hated made her sick.
she
Caroline had no patience for this. She jerked her arm free and met Helen’s eyes. “You might want to dial back whatever scheme you’re running. You mess around too much, it’ll blow up in your face–just like it did back at the Somertons‘, when you and Jamie ended up in bed.”
She left her with a loaded grin, then turned and walked off without a glance back.
Helen stood frozen, fists clenched, furious. What the hell was Caroline trying to pull?
Chapter 255 Request
Was she planning to use that against her?
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