Chapter 3 W

Whispers and Shadows

The next morning dawned bright and quiet, the kind of morning that usually promised peace-but for Emmanuella, it marked the beginning of her subtle conquest.

She had spent the night memorizing the floorplan, observing the household staff's routines, and noting Alfred's usual departure time. Everything had to move in stages-slowly, carefully, unnoticed.

Downstairs, Williams met Alfred at the front door with a tablet in hand.

"Sir, today's update: The Singapore investors confirmed the final terms, and the press wants a statement about the green tech partnership."

"Draft something. Make it sharp. Competitive." Alfred adjusted his cufflinks, his expression unreadable.

Williams hesitated. "And... the new house assistant? I believe she arrived yesterday."

Alfred gave a brief nod. "Gloria handled that. I haven't met her yet."

"She's-different," Williams said cautiously. "Young. Sharp. Just... thought I should mention it."

Alfred gave a light chuckle. "Are you suggesting I should be worried about the help?"

Williams shook his head, but there was a flicker of unease. "Just... keeping you informed."

Later that evening, Emmanuella was setting the dinner table with the ease of someone who had lived in luxury all her life. As she placed the last wine glass, Alfred stepped into the room.

Their eyes met for the first time.

There was a pause-brief, but charged. Emmanuella dipped her head respectfully.

"Good evening, sir."

Alfred blinked once, surprised by the softness of her voice. "You must be Emmanuella."

"Yes, sir. I hope everything has been to your satisfaction so far."

Gloria entered, holding a tray of appetizers. "There you are, darling. Emmanuella has been amazing already. I think she's going to make our lives so much easier."

Alfred nodded, though his gaze lingered a little longer on the young woman standing so politely near the fireplace. Something about her unsettled him-not in an obvious way, but in the way one notices a painting slightly askew in a room otherwise perfect.

That night, while Gloria slept beside him, Alfred tossed and turned. Vague dreams chased him-images of fire, velvet, and a whisper calling his name.

In her room across the house, Emmanuella knelt on the floor before a small candle. She chanted softly in a language long forgotten, feeding the flame with herbs and ash.

From the shadows, a man stepped forward, his face hidden under a hood.

Gabriel Peter.

"She's in," he said. "Now all you have to do is win him."

Emmanuella opened her eyes, now glowing faintly under the flicker of the flame.

"I will," she whispered. "Even if I have to burn his world down to do it."