Chapter 3 - Fired Through the Servants’ Door
Arthur dismissed Maya before the police arrived, calling it a temporary decision while the family “investigated.”
Maya knew what temporary meant when spoken by people with power.
It meant her paycheck stopped immediately, her reputation remained stained indefinitely, and the wealthy family could decide later whether she deserved to survive.
Vanessa stood beside Arthur, pretending to plead for mercy while carefully suggesting that Maya be searched before leaving.
Two male security guards emptied Maya’s canvas bag onto the kitchen island in front of the staff.
A cheap phone, bus card, pain reliever, hand cream, and a folded photograph of her late mother in a nurse’s uniform fell onto the counter.
Nothing stolen appeared, yet no one apologized.
A silver serving spoon rolled from beneath a napkin, and Vanessa loudly asked whether Maya had hidden it.
The housekeeper, Rosa, quietly said the spoon belonged to the kitchen, but Arthur still looked unconvinced.
Maya was escorted through the servants’ entrance so the guests arriving for Vanessa’s charity dinner would not see “a scene.”
They saw her anyway.
Women wearing diamonds watched from beneath umbrellas as Maya stepped into the rain carrying her belongings in a grocery bag.
One guest asked whether she was the thief.
Another answered, “You can never be too careful with hired help.”
Maya’s face burned, but she refused to cry where they could enjoy it.
Just before the door closed, Eleanor rolled herself into the corridor and pressed a small brass key into Maya’s palm.
“Your mother once had the same key,” she whispered.
Maya stared at the old woman, stunned.
Her mother had died insisting that the Harrington family had destroyed her career with a false accusation.
May you like
Before Maya could demand the truth, Vanessa appeared behind Eleanor and smiled.
“Give me the key,” she said softly, “or I’ll make sure no hospital in this state ever hires you again.”
