The sun had barely risen when Suzzy, the maid, quietly stepped out of her small quarters at the Decastro estate. Her heart thumped in her chest as she held the envelope containing the note she had written for Melissa. She knew the risks of going against Jeremy and Sonia, but the guilt of keeping silent weighed heavily on her.Her mission was simple: deliver the note to Melissa’s apartment without being seen. Clutching the envelope tightly, she hurried through the corridors to prepare Master Decastro’s bath. After finishing her morning duties, she made her way to the staff entrance and slipped out of the estate, heading toward Melissa’s building.Just as Suzzy slid the envelope under the door of Melissa’s apartment, she heard a voice behind her.“Suzzy, what are you doing here?”Her body stiffened. She turned slowly to see Jeremy standing a few steps away, his sharp eyes narrowing in suspicion.“I-I was just out for some air,” she stammered, clutching her hands behind her back.Jeremy’

Jack returned home after his long day at the Thompson estate, only to find Melissa hunched over her laptop, her fingers trembling as she scrolled through job postings. Her eyes were puffy and red, a telltale sign she had been crying again. He closed the door softly and walked toward her.“What are you doing, Melissa?” he asked gently.Melissa turned to face him, her expression a mix of exhaustion and determination. “I’m applying for jobs,” she said, her voice cracking slightly. “We only have until the end of the week before Master Decastro kicks us out. I need to find something, anything, to make sure we have a roof over our heads.”Jack froze, his chest tightening. “He said what?”Melissa sighed and lowered her gaze. “He’s evicting us, Jack. After everything I’ve done for him, for this family, this is how I’m repaid.”Jack clenched his fists, anger bubbling within him. “I’m going to talk to him,” he said firmly, moving toward the door.Melissa grabbed his arm, shaking her head. “No,

Cindy sat by the large bay window in Master Decastro’s mansion, staring out at the garden that stretched endlessly. The roses were in full bloom, but the sight did little to brighten her spirits. Her thoughts were miles away, with her daughter Melissa. Living under her father’s roof again was stifling, but she felt she had no choice. Staying meant keeping her position at Decastro Enterprises—a necessity now that her husband, Dimitri, needed her financial support.She sighed, guilt twisting in her chest. Cindy had left Melissa behind in the department, knowing the eviction was imminent. She told herself it was for Melissa’s good, but the truth was harder to face—she didn’t want to be caught in the crossfire and risk being sacked like her daughter. It felt cowardly, and it gnawed at her constantly.Lost in thought, Cindy’s phone buzzed on the table, pulling her from her reverie. The screen lit up with Melissa’s name.Her heart leapt. “Melissa?” she said, her voice trembling as she answe

Suzzy sighed as she tied her scarf, completing her nightly rituals. She had always been a creature of habit—saying her prayers, organizing her room, and ensuring everything was in its place before slipping under her blanket. Tonight was no different. She dimmed the lights, leaving a faint glow from her bedside lamp, and laid down.The weight of the day tugged her into slumber quickly, but her rest was short-lived.The soft creak of her door jolted her slightly. She groaned, assuming it was the wind or her imagination, and turned on her side. But then she felt it—a hand clamping over her mouth.Her eyes shot open, and her muffled scream was swallowed by the darkness. Panic flooded her chest until she recognized the face looming over her.It was Jeremy.“Shh,” he whispered harshly, his hand firm on her mouth. “Don’t scream. I’m here to propose a deal.”Suzzy froze, her heart pounding. Jeremy slowly released her mouth, holding a finger to his lips as if warning her to stay quiet.She gas

The warm sun greeted Melissa and Jack as they left the courthouse, both radiating a mix of joy and relief. Melissa felt as though the weight of the world had been lifted from her shoulders. Jack walked beside her, his face lit with pride, his hand protectively resting on her back.“I still can’t believe it,” Melissa said, her voice trembling with emotion. “I’m free, Jack. It’s finally over.”Jack smiled down at her. “Of course, you’re free. I knew you were innocent. All we needed was for the truth to come out.”She stopped walking and turned to face him. “Jack, thank you for everything. For standing by me, for believing in me when no one else did.”“Melissa, you don’t have to thank me,” he said softly. “You’ve always been my priority.”Overcome with gratitude and affection, Melissa leaned in and kissed him—a deep, passionate kiss that surprised even herself. Jack froze for a moment before kissing her back, his face turning a deep shade of red when they finally pulled apart.Melissa gi