Reiner strode into his office with firm steps, his tie slightly loosened after a long morning meeting. Hanna, his always neat and efficient secretary, knocked before entering with a folder in hand."Mr. Reiner, this is the marketing team's report for the last quarter."Reiner took the folder without looking at it. "Put it on the desk. What's next on my schedule?"Hanna opened her tablet and quickly scanned the schedule. "There's a meeting with the finance team at three in the afternoon, followed by a discussion with a partner company client at five."Reiner nodded, sat in his chair, and opened the report. "Make sure everyone is on time. I don't want any delays."Hanna hesitated for a moment before speaking softly. "Additionally, there's an invitation from Mr. Alex Robinson for an art gallery event tonight. It was delivered personally this morning."Reiner stopped reading, raising an eyebrow at Hanna. "Alex Robinson? How
The fading twilight was welcomed by the glow of crystal chandeliers hanging majestically from the ceiling of the art gallery. Elise walked slowly behind Reiner, trying to adjust to the elegant atmosphere around her. The soft scent of roses mixed with expensive perfume filled the air. Small groups of people stood in circles, conversing in refined and polite tones, some of them casting glances at Elise as if she were an intruder who didn't belong.Her gaze dropped to the plain dress she wore, making her feel even smaller among the women draped in luxurious evening gowns and sparkling jewelry. Unconsciously, Elise took a step back, trying to make herself invisible.Noticing the growing distance between them, Reiner stopped and turned to her with a sharp gaze. "What are you doing, Elise?"Elise gasped. Her fingers gripped the hem of her dress, feeling as if all eyes were now on her. "I’m sorry, sir… I don’t want to make you uncomfortable. This is not my p
Reiner pulled Elise away from Padma, his steps quick and firm until they reached a quieter corner of the room. Once he was sure they were far enough from the crowd, he released his grip. His gaze was sharp, almost intimidating.Reiner: “Don’t talk to anyone without my permission. And remember… never, ever say that you’re my servant. Understand?”Elise bit her lip, holding back the urge to respond with more than just a nod. But Reiner’s piercing stare was enough to keep her from arguing.The atmosphere in the art gallery was still buzzing with the chatter of the elite guests. Elise resumed following Reiner’s steps, though her gaze was distracted by Padma’s sharp eyes, still watching her with a sneer.In her heart, Elise thought, I remember her. She’s the woman from the photo in Mr. Reiner’s room.Trying to distract herself, Elise started observing the paintings hanging on the walls. Most were abstract, their confusing colors making her feel out of place. But as she shifted slightly to
"I'm sorry, Sir. I ruined your event."Reiner merely glanced at Elise, his eyes briefly sweeping over the red stains on her clothes. She looked messy, yet she remained composed as if the incident hadn't affected her much.The car stopped in a well-lit area. Several stores lined the street, and the atmosphere was much quieter, far from the event's previous commotion."Wait here."Without waiting for Elise’s response, Reiner swiftly opened the door and stepped out, striding into one of the nearby stores. Elise sat still, lost in her thoughts. Guilt filled her heart."So careless..."She muttered under her breath, smacking her thighs alternately, cursing herself. Anxiety took over, making her feel even worse about the disaster she had caused.The car door suddenly swung open again, startling her. Reiner returned, holding a paper bag whose contents were still unknown. He tossed it onto the seat beside her without a wor
Elise walked slowly toward the large sofa in the middle of the room. She felt confused and nervous as she realized how silent the hotel room had become. But her thoughts were interrupted when she heard the sound of water running in the bathroom. Reiner was still in there, probably washing his face after stepping out onto the balcony ten minutes ago.Feeling safe, Elise sat at the edge of the sofa, the satin robe wrapped around her moving slightly with her anxious breaths. She kept thinking, "Why did he have to choose this outfit? Why not just buy regular pajamas instead?" Occasionally, she glanced at the bathroom door, hoping Reiner wouldn’t come out suddenly.But without her realizing it, the bathroom door slowly creaked open. Elise, who had been only stealing glances, now turned her head fully and instantly froze. In front of her, Reiner stood with slightly damp hair and his shirt sleeves rolled up to his elbows."Why are you sitting there like a frighte
The banquet hall was filled with opulence, reflecting the wealth of the social elites. The crystal chandelier sparkled, casting a soft glow across the expansive room. Yet, the chosen venue wasn’t entirely open to the public eye.Guests, impeccably dressed in evening gowns and expensive suits, engaged in conversations while sipping champagne from crystal glasses. The light hum of laughter blended seamlessly with the delicate notes of the orchestra playing in the corner.But the moment seemed to pause as Reiner Barack entered the room.His tailored black suit framed his tall, well-built figure perfectly. His hair was slicked back neatly, save for one stray strand falling onto his forehead, giving him an effortlessly captivating look. His face bore a cold expression, yet his charisma was undeniable. Each step he took exuded a confidence so commanding that all heads turned toward him.The women whispered amongst themselves, some hiding shy smiles behind their fans. One of them, a young so
Part 2The Barack family's mansion stood grandly on a sprawling two-hectare estate, surrounded by gardens designed by a renowned architect. A towering gate engraved with the family crest was guarded by two security officers, while hidden cameras monitored every corner. Inside, marble hallways echoed with the steps of servants diligently ensuring every inch of the house remained impeccable. The Barack family was not just wealthy—they were a symbol of power and prestige in the city.In the expansive dining room, morning light streamed through velvet drapes, illuminating a long dining table set with exquisite porcelain dinnerware. At one end of the table, Mrs. Barbra Barack poured tea while speaking sharply, her voice dripping with discontent.“I simply cannot believe you, Reiner!” Barbra’s voice rang out, her sharp eyes narrowing at her son. “You left the party without a word, abandoning Eva. Her parents must think our family has no manners!”Reiner, seated across from her in a casual y
Part 3At ten in the morning, the kitchen in the Barack family's grand house was quiet and still. The only sound was the faint creak of the ceiling as the wind outside brushed against it. Reiner sat at the long wooden table, holding a glass of water, but his eyes seemed far more interested in the tranquility surrounding him.He had just left the dining room after a tense conversation with his mother. The irritation lingered on his lips, but he didn't care. It would pass, just like everything else that had ever happened in his life. However, something managed to catch his attention.When Elise stepped in quietly, there was something different about her presence—something simple yet strong. There were no words of hospitality exchanged, just a brief and cautious greeting. Reiner felt her presence before he even heard her footsteps.Elise moved slowly, angling her body slightly as if to avoid disturbing him. Reiner knew she would never speak first, and Elise, as usual, didn't force hersel
Elise walked slowly toward the large sofa in the middle of the room. She felt confused and nervous as she realized how silent the hotel room had become. But her thoughts were interrupted when she heard the sound of water running in the bathroom. Reiner was still in there, probably washing his face after stepping out onto the balcony ten minutes ago.Feeling safe, Elise sat at the edge of the sofa, the satin robe wrapped around her moving slightly with her anxious breaths. She kept thinking, "Why did he have to choose this outfit? Why not just buy regular pajamas instead?" Occasionally, she glanced at the bathroom door, hoping Reiner wouldn’t come out suddenly.But without her realizing it, the bathroom door slowly creaked open. Elise, who had been only stealing glances, now turned her head fully and instantly froze. In front of her, Reiner stood with slightly damp hair and his shirt sleeves rolled up to his elbows."Why are you sitting there like a frighte
"I'm sorry, Sir. I ruined your event."Reiner merely glanced at Elise, his eyes briefly sweeping over the red stains on her clothes. She looked messy, yet she remained composed as if the incident hadn't affected her much.The car stopped in a well-lit area. Several stores lined the street, and the atmosphere was much quieter, far from the event's previous commotion."Wait here."Without waiting for Elise’s response, Reiner swiftly opened the door and stepped out, striding into one of the nearby stores. Elise sat still, lost in her thoughts. Guilt filled her heart."So careless..."She muttered under her breath, smacking her thighs alternately, cursing herself. Anxiety took over, making her feel even worse about the disaster she had caused.The car door suddenly swung open again, startling her. Reiner returned, holding a paper bag whose contents were still unknown. He tossed it onto the seat beside her without a wor
Reiner pulled Elise away from Padma, his steps quick and firm until they reached a quieter corner of the room. Once he was sure they were far enough from the crowd, he released his grip. His gaze was sharp, almost intimidating.Reiner: “Don’t talk to anyone without my permission. And remember… never, ever say that you’re my servant. Understand?”Elise bit her lip, holding back the urge to respond with more than just a nod. But Reiner’s piercing stare was enough to keep her from arguing.The atmosphere in the art gallery was still buzzing with the chatter of the elite guests. Elise resumed following Reiner’s steps, though her gaze was distracted by Padma’s sharp eyes, still watching her with a sneer.In her heart, Elise thought, I remember her. She’s the woman from the photo in Mr. Reiner’s room.Trying to distract herself, Elise started observing the paintings hanging on the walls. Most were abstract, their confusing colors making her feel out of place. But as she shifted slightly to
The fading twilight was welcomed by the glow of crystal chandeliers hanging majestically from the ceiling of the art gallery. Elise walked slowly behind Reiner, trying to adjust to the elegant atmosphere around her. The soft scent of roses mixed with expensive perfume filled the air. Small groups of people stood in circles, conversing in refined and polite tones, some of them casting glances at Elise as if she were an intruder who didn't belong.Her gaze dropped to the plain dress she wore, making her feel even smaller among the women draped in luxurious evening gowns and sparkling jewelry. Unconsciously, Elise took a step back, trying to make herself invisible.Noticing the growing distance between them, Reiner stopped and turned to her with a sharp gaze. "What are you doing, Elise?"Elise gasped. Her fingers gripped the hem of her dress, feeling as if all eyes were now on her. "I’m sorry, sir… I don’t want to make you uncomfortable. This is not my p
Reiner strode into his office with firm steps, his tie slightly loosened after a long morning meeting. Hanna, his always neat and efficient secretary, knocked before entering with a folder in hand."Mr. Reiner, this is the marketing team's report for the last quarter."Reiner took the folder without looking at it. "Put it on the desk. What's next on my schedule?"Hanna opened her tablet and quickly scanned the schedule. "There's a meeting with the finance team at three in the afternoon, followed by a discussion with a partner company client at five."Reiner nodded, sat in his chair, and opened the report. "Make sure everyone is on time. I don't want any delays."Hanna hesitated for a moment before speaking softly. "Additionally, there's an invitation from Mr. Alex Robinson for an art gallery event tonight. It was delivered personally this morning."Reiner stopped reading, raising an eyebrow at Hanna. "Alex Robinson? How
"Elise, stop daydreaming! There are still plenty of dishes!" Greta's sharp voice rang out from the dining table.That morning, the kitchen was filled with the clatter of plates, the sound of running water from the sink, and the hurried footsteps of servants busy with their tasks. Elise stood in the corner of the kitchen, her hands occupied with washing dishes, but her mind drifted to the events of the previous night. Greta’s words and Reiner’s attitude continued to haunt her.She quickly shook her head and moved faster, trying to shake off the unease. But the awkwardness remained. She could feel the eyes of the other servants watching her from a distance, their gazes full of suspicion. As always, they all seemed to side with Greta.The tense atmosphere shifted slightly when Will entered the kitchen. He carried his usual relaxed aura. "Morning, Elise," he greeted warmly, grabbing an apple from the fruit basket on the table. "Did you sleep well?"Elise glanced at Will briefly, forcing a
Chapter 27Elise walked briskly down the long corridor, trying to control her thoughts that kept replaying Reiner’s actions in the room earlier. The warmth of his lips on her fingertip still lingered, and every time she thought about it, a shiver ran down her spine.“Focus, Elise,” she muttered to herself, clutching the plastic bag filled with broken glass shards tightly.As she neared the exit leading to the disposal area, a voice called out from behind her.“Elise!”She flinched and turned around, finding Will standing there with his arms crossed. His face held a warm smile, but Elise couldn’t immediately respond—her mind was still adrift.“Oh, sorry, Will,” she said hastily, her voice slightly shaky. “I was lost in thought and didn’t notice you.”Will stepped closer, glancing at the plastic bag she was carrying. “What’s that?”Elise lifted the bag slightly. “Broken glass. Mr. Reiner dropped it earlier.”Will frowned as his eyes accidentally caught a small red scratch beneath her th
While in the room with the other maids, Elise felt a deep unease. She could barely close her eyes to sleep."Where is she going?" Greta asked Sofia as they saw Elise hurriedly leave the room."I don’t know," Sofia replied.Elise stood in front of Reiner’s door, catching her breath after running up the stairs. She tried to calm herself, but the worry in her chest wouldn’t subside. Hesitantly, she knocked.The first knock received no response. She tried again, louder this time, but still, no answer. Instead, the sound of something falling inside the room made her heart sink.Without thinking, Elise pushed the door open and stepped in. The sight before her made her freeze momentarily. A broken wine bottle lay shattered on the floor, its contents spreading like a pool of blood. In the corner, Reiner stood unsteadily, his eyes bloodshot, his face haggard, like a man who had lost his way."Careful, sir!" Elise called out, app
The hotel corridor was silent, with only the echo of shoes clicking against the marble floor. Reiner walked quickly, followed closely by Hanna, who was busy scribbling notes in her planner. As Reiner turned a corner, his body collided with a woman.“Ouch!” the woman exclaimed, trying to steady herself.Reiner frowned, his sharp gaze fixed on her. “Aren’t you watching where you’re going?” he asked coldly, his voice low yet weighted with authority.The woman looked up, her eyes meeting his. Her expression shifted immediately as she recognized the man before her. “Reiner…” she whispered, disbelief lacing her tone.Reiner tensed for a moment but quickly masked it. His eyes narrowed as though analyzing her. “Padma,” he stated flatly. There was no warmth in his voice, only her name uttered like a gust of cold wind.Padma tried to smile, though his frosty demeanor left her feeling uneasy. “It’s been so long. I didn’t expect to run into