Chapter 8 - CLEANING HOUSE
The next few weeks saw a brutal restructuring of Gabriel Mercer’s empire. The criminal underworld whispered in hushed, terrified tones about what had happened to Dean Holloway and Madeline Shaw. Gabriel purged his organization with ruthless efficiency, eliminating anyone who had ever shown loyalty to Dean.
He consolidated his power, striking fear into the hearts of his enemies. But while the streets saw the wrath of a mafia king, the estate in Westchester saw a man trying to rebuild his soul.
Gabriel hired a team of private contractors to remodel the entire west wing of the mansion. The dark, brooding architecture was replaced with massive windows that let the sunlight pour in.
He fired the old head housekeeper who had treated Claire with disdain.
He didn't fire Claire. Instead, he called her into his newly renovated study.
Claire sat nervously in the leather chair across from his desk. She wore her usual simple clothes, her hands folded tightly in her lap.
Gabriel looked across the desk at her.
“I owe you my daughter's life,” Gabriel said quietly. “There is no amount of money, no favor in this world, that can repay what you did for Abigail.”
“I didn't do it for a reward, Mr. Mercer,” Claire replied earnestly. “Abigail is a sweet girl. She and Lucy are... they're sisters now.”
Gabriel smiled, a genuine, warm expression that changed his entire face. “Yes. They are.”
He slid a thick folder across the desk.
“I am setting up a trust fund for Lucy,” Gabriel stated. “Her medical bills, her future surgeries, her college tuition—it is all covered. You will never have to worry about money again. Furthermore, you are no longer the housekeeper, Claire.”
Claire blinked, confused. “Are you firing me?”
“I am promoting you,” Gabriel corrected. “I need someone I trust to run this estate. To manage the staff, oversee security from the inside, and most importantly, to be a permanent guardian to Abigail if anything ever happens to me. The position comes with a salary that matches my top executives. And you will move out of the servant’s quarters. The master suite next to Abigail’s room is yours.”
Claire stared at the documents, completely overwhelmed. She covered her mouth as a sob escaped her throat. The terror of poverty, the sleepless nights worrying about Lucy’s heart, vanished in an instant.
“Gabriel... I don't know what to say.”
“Say yes,” he replied simply.
“Yes. Thank you.”
Gabriel stood up, walking around the desk. He offered her his hand. Claire took it, and as he helped her up, he held her hand for just a moment longer than necessary.
May you like
“No, Claire,” Gabriel said softly. “Thank you.”
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