Chapter 6

The trip to the jewellery store felt surreal. She could hardly breathe as she walked into the most exclusive boutique in town, her eyes scanning displays of glittering gems. After what felt like hours, she settled on a stunning diamond necklace—delicate, shimmering stones that cascaded like droplets of water, each one catching the light in the most magnificent way. It was perfect, the kind of piece a woman like Mrs. Harrington should have.

By the time Lila returned to the estate, her nerves were frayed. She had done everything right. The necklace was elegant, expensive, and flawless. Surely, this is what Mr. Harrington had in mind?

Later that evening, Lila was summoned to Mrs. Harrington’s room. Stepping in, she immediately felt the tension in the air. Mrs. Harrington sat propped up on pillows, her face pale and flushed from the cold she’d caught. Despite her illness, her expression was as sharp as ever.

“Well, if it isn’t the girl who probably gave me this cold,” Mrs. Harrington sneered. Her eyes were cold, scanning Lila from head to toe. “You always look sickly. Perhaps it’s contagious.”

Lila forced a polite smile, trying not to let the insult show. “I’m sorry to hear you’re unwell, my lady.”

Before she could say anything more, Mr. Harrington entered the room, his presence commanding as always. “I wanted to lift your spirits, love,” he said, walking over to his wife’s bedside. “So I sent Lila out to get you a gift. The best necklace she could find.”

Lila swallowed, stepping forward with the jewellery box in hand. Her palms were damp with anxiety as she opened the box, revealing the necklace inside. For a moment, the room was silent, the diamonds catching the soft light like a constellation of stars.

Mrs. Harrington regarded the necklace with icy contempt. “This was the best you could find?” Her voice dripped with disdain.

Lila felt a knot tighten in her chest. “It’s a fine piece, my lady, I—”

“How much did you give her, darling?” Mrs. Harrington interrupted, her gaze flickering over to her husband.

“Five million dollars,” Alexander replied evenly.

Mrs. Harrington’s lips curled into a cruel smile. “Five million dollars,” she repeated slowly, as if savouring the absurdity of it. Then, with a swift, careless motion, she threw the necklace across the room. It clattered to the floor like discarded glass. “And this is the best you could find? You’ve wasted my husband’s money, you rat!”

Lila’s heart plummeted as she watched the expensive necklace land in a crumpled heap on the carpet. That piece alone could feed my family for generations. Her ears burned as Mrs. Harrington’s words lashed at her.

“Darling, calm down,” Mr. Harrington said, his tone soothing. “We don’t want your fever getting worse.”

Mrs. Harrington scowled, but there was a slight tremor in her voice when she spoke again. “Lila is incompetent. She makes too many mistakes, and if we let her get away with this one, it will make us look like fools.”

“Don’t worry, love. You rest. I’ll see to the punishment.”

Mrs. Harrington’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. “Are you sure, sweetheart? I could use some company,” she said, her voice taking on a suggestive tone that made Lila’s stomach twist uncomfortably.

“My office needs organizing,” Alexander said, his voice dismissive but with a smile, “and I’ll be back before you know it.”

Mrs. Harrington huffed but relented, sinking back into her pillows.

Lila bent to pick up the discarded necklace, her fingers trembling as she placed it back into the box. She turned to leave, but before she could slip out, she forced herself to look back. “I hope you feel better soon, my lady.”

“Get out!” Mrs. Harrington snapped, making Lila flinch. She hurried out of the room, her heart racing as she followed Alexander down the hallway.

They walked in silence until they reached the corner. Just as Lila was about to turn, Alexander stopped abruptly. She nearly ran into him but caught herself just in time.

“I will send for you when I’m ready,” he said quietly, his voice low and full of intent. “Don’t be late.”

Her breath caught in her throat. Before she could respond, he moved down the hall, leaving her standing there, her pulse thudding in her ears.

Back in her room, Lila paced, her mind spinning. What had I done wrong? She knew good taste—she’d worked at a wedding boutique for years and had a knack for accessories. The necklace was exquisite, but clearly, it hadn’t been enough. Or was this just another test?

Or was she overthinking this?

Lila sighed in frustration. Alexander was getting into her head, she was overanalysing everything.

Alexander’s words echoed in her mind. He was going to punish her for her actions. The concept made her feel a certain way she wasn’t proud of. Since when was she so dirty?

Besides, she was about to spend hours organising his office.

As the hours passed, her anxiety only grew. Finally, a soft knock came at her door. It was Clara.

“Mr. Harrington is sending for you,” Clara said, her eyes holding sympathy. “Best not keep him waiting.”

Lila nodded, her legs feeling like lead as she made her way down the hall. She stopped at his office door and knocked.

“Come in.”

She opened the door and stepped inside. The room was dimly lit by the soft glow of candles. Mr. Harrington sat in the centre, lounging in a leather chair, the flickering light casting shadows across his sharp features.

“Shut the door behind you,” he commanded, his voice firm.

Lila obeyed, her breath shallow as she stood in the doorway, unsure of what to expect.

She took a hesitant step forward, but his next words stopped her in her tracks.

“Crawl to me.”