It was as if she got him hooked and then suddenly declared, ‘You can't have it anymore!’
Raymond marveled at the sheer cunningness!
How could it be? Did Raymond, a man who had abstained for thirty years and never once strayed, become addicted to Paige just because of an unforeseen night of passion?
He could go without it. Separate bedrooms? So be it. Let's see who lasts longer!
His gaze shifted as he coolly stated, "That's exactly what I was thinking."
With that, he wheeled himself into the master bedroom and abruptly shut the door with a loud 'thump.'
Lucky for Paige, she was quick on her feet. Otherwise, the closing door might have cracked her right in the forehead.
Paige took a deep sigh, muttering under her breath, "He's not angry, is he?" But then again, for a lifelong bachelor to finally secure a wife, only to have her suggest they sleep separately, that's no easy pill to swallow.
She could understand the frustration but was really at a loss to accommodate it.
If he's going to be angry, so be it. Maybe she could just whip up something tasty tonight to cheer him up.
Meanwhile, Raymond was lingering by the bedroom door, clearly peeved.
He couldn't fathom what games this woman was trying to play with him!
For dinner, Paige made a simple home-cooked meal, but she poured her heart into it. She was a deft hand in the kitchen and her dishes were as appealing to the eyes as they were to the palate.
Yet, Raymond couldn't help but feel disdain the moment he laid eyes on the simple meal.
Whether it was the ingredients or the style of cooking, it was the exact type of food he would never touch.
If it weren't for maintaining his cover, he would've dumped the food she served him straight into the trash.
Approaching his meal as if it were a death sentence, he reluctantly shoved the food into his mouth.
The next instant, he glanced at Paige. He suspected the meal wasn't even her own work; it must have been catered and delivered.
Could a woman set on ensnaring him actually cook such a decent meal? What a joke.
The following morning when Raymond heard Paige stirring and opening her door, he immediately opened his and wheeled himself into the kitchen to watch her make breakfast.
After tasting the food, he had to admit that this manipulative woman had indeed put in some effort to get close to him!
Having finished breakfast, Paige swiftly cleaned up the dishes and glanced at the clock before rolling Raymond out the door in his wheelchair.
"What are you up to?" Raymond asked.
"You're not exactly mobile right now, so I thought I'd give you a lift to work. You didn't call out today, did you?" Paige said.
Raymond was silent. He didn't actually need to work, but if he didn't go, his cover would be blown. Still, he quickly applied the brakes to his wheelchair, "Not necessary, my cousin's picking me up for the office. Don't you have your job hunt to focus on? Don't worry about me; go handle your business."
With a slight 'OK', Paige acknowledged.
Raymond hurried back to his room to call Charles for a ride.
On Paige's end, Bradley called, saying he'd come over to check on them. As Raymond 'headed off to work', Bradley arrived, bearing a bounty of snacks and fruit.
Setting everything down, Bradley noticed a job ad on the table. He did a double-take as he recognized a photo of his own mansion in the flyer.
Picking up the ad, Bradley turned to Paige, "What's this?"
As Paige returned with the washed fruit, sporting a smile she said, "I'm still jobless. They're hiring a maid here, and I'm considering giving it a shot. The pay's pretty good, six thousand dollars. Raymond only has about a thousand left after the mortgage each month. I need to find a job fast to keep us afloat."
Bradley blinked, stunned. Was Raymond that ruthless, leaving only a grand after housing costs? That wasn't a challenge; it was outright making life tough!
He felt a pang of sympathy for his daughter-in-law.
Without hesitation, he offered, "What a coincidence, huh? A good buddy of mine happens to work in that mansion as butler. I'll write you a recommendation letter. Just take it to him when you apply. He'll be able to get you some easy work."
A smile flickered on Paige's face, but inwardly, she felt the pressure mount. How could this be happening? Using Bradley's letter felt wrong given what she planned to do. Yet, she couldn't afford not to pursue the job at the mansion.
Oblivious to Paige's inner turmoil, Bradley just asked, "Paige, why not look for some other type of job instead of a maid?"
Yanked from her thoughts, she replied with a faint smile, "I don't have much in the way of education. Jobs like this pay better for someone with my qualifications."
Bradley looked at her, the picture of quiet intelligence and capability. She had kept the house spotless and well-managed. He could see life wasn't easy for her and felt a protective fondness stir within him.
"Paige, you're still young, have you thought about going back to school and furthering your education?"
Paige turned away, "Let's talk about that when I've got money." She couldn't bear to look at Bradley.
Her lies, spoken despite Bradley's caring nature, left her with a pang of guilt.
She lacked formal education, true, but that didn't mean she lacked knowledge or culture. Further education was unnecessary for her!
Bradley nodded, "Sounds good. There's no rush, we’ve got time. Hand me some paper and a pen, I’ll write you a recommendation... You know what, I’ll just call my buddy. You can head straight to the interview in a bit."
The guilt in Paige expanded, unspoken, only silently whispering an apology to Bradley in her heart.
To make up for her remorse, Paige even prepared a lavish lunch to treat Bradley.
In the afternoon, Paige went to Mid-hill Villa for the job interview.
Bradley had already given Sean the heads-up. The other staff at the villa, directed by Sean, tucked away every photo of the Carnegie family, replacing them with some decorations.
By the time Paige arrived, Sean was waiting at the door, ten minutes early.
With a beaming smile, Sean observed the new lady of the Carnegie family, his attitude deferent and eager.
As he nodded, Paige nodded even deeper, "Sean, please, there’s no need for such formality. I'm here to apply for a job. You'll be my superior, so I’ll be the one needing guidance."
Sean inhaled sharply, and nodded along while cautious not to reveal too much, maintaining polite courtesy, "Ms. Sackler, you’re obviously sharp as a tack, a perfect fit for our requirements. Your resume says you’re skilled in gardening, is that right?"
"Yes," Paige nodded, "my foster parents were gardeners. I learned from them as a child."
Quick to adapt, Sean continued, "That's why there's been a small change in the job we're offering you. Your main task will be to arrange the flowers cut by gardeners in the villa every day. How does that sound?"
"Ah?" Paige was taken aback. Wasn't she applying for a maid’s job? Now it shifted to a florist? Such a grand, opulent villa usually hired professional florists, didn't they?
Catching her surprise, Sean quickly added, "Yes, the position has been adjusted, and so has the salary. How does ten thousand a month sound to you?"
Paige stood there, stunned. Ten thousand?
It was while she was still processing this information in the villa’s foyer that Charles came downstairs, ready to fetch something for Raymond, and caught sight of Paige, nearly tripping down the stairs in shock.
Charles made sure he was out of Paige's line of sight before he spun on his heel, dashing back to inform Raymond of her arrival.
"Raymond, the lady has arrived," panted Charles, out of breath.