Chapter 5 - THE VINTAGE WATCH
The air in the office suddenly felt too thin to breathe.
I tightened my grip on the shredded boarding pass.
“What did you say about my mother?”
Victoria walked toward David’s desk.
She ran a perfectly manicured finger along the polished wood.
“Your mother, Maria Bennett,” Victoria said smoothly. “She’s receiving experimental physical therapy at the Sterling Institute. A clinic owned by my brother.”
My heart plummeted.
I knew the clinic was privately owned, but I had never connected the name.
Sterling.
“She’s on a heavily subsidized charity program, Clara,” Victoria continued. “A program my brother controls entirely. One phone call from me, and her treatment is terminated. She’ll be paralyzed within six months.”
I felt physically sick.
“You wouldn't.”
“I absolutely would,” Victoria said, turning to face me. “I have worked too hard, for too long, to let a little maid ruin my payout.”
She held out her hand.
“Give me the ticket.”
My hands were shaking.
My mother was my entire world.
I couldn't lose her.
Slowly, agonizingly, I handed the torn boarding pass to Victoria.
She snatched it from my hand.
“Good girl,” she sneered. “Now, you are going to keep your mouth shut. You are going to tell David you were mistaken about the necklace. You are going to act completely miserable until he fires you himself.”
She unlocked the office door and walked out.
I stood there for a long time, trying not to sob.
For the next two days, I did exactly what she commanded.
I kept my head down.
I didn't smile at Sam.
I handed Leo over to the other nannies whenever possible.
I was breaking my own heart to save my mother’s life.
On Friday evening, I was cleaning the dining room when David walked in.
He looked tired.
The strain of the delayed wedding and Victoria’s constant complaining was wearing on him.
He walked up to me and held out a small velvet box.
“Clara.”
I looked at the box.
“Sir?”
“I never formally thanked you for saving Leo on the stairs.”
He opened the box.
Inside sat a beautiful, delicate vintage watch.
Silver, with a cracked leather band.
“It belonged to my grandmother,” David said softly. “She wore it every day. I want you to have it.”
I felt tears prick my eyes.
“Mr. Vance, I can't accept this. It’s too valuable.”
“You saved my son’s life,” David said. “Please. Take it.”
I took the box with trembling hands.
“Thank you, sir.”
I hurried back to my small room in the staff quarters.
I sat on my bed, feeling like the worst person in the world.
David was a good man.
He didn't deserve to be robbed by a woman who didn't love him.
I opened the velvet box to look at the watch again.
As I lifted it from the cushion, a small, folded piece of paper fluttered into my lap.
I frowned.
I picked it up and unfolded it.
It was a note.
May you like
Written in David’s sharp, decisive handwriting.
I know she threatened you. I know she is lying. Meet me in the greenhouse at midnight.
