Chapter 3: Bargaining with the Devil

I always kept to the shadows in the back wing, never daring to speak up. The heir’s study felt as off-limits as Fort Knox, but today, I forced myself to walk straight to that heavy door, palms slick with sweat. I rehearsed the words in my head—please, just this once, let him listen.

His assistant let me in without a word, maybe because I looked like a mess, maybe because everyone knew not to get in the way of a desperate woman.

The heir sat behind a massive oak desk, book in hand, eyes cold and appraising. The room smelled like leather and expensive cologne.

I was terrified, but Tanya needed me. I clung to the only hope I had. “Mr. Montgomery, Tanya’s been fired!” My voice trembled, but I kept going. “I never ask for anything, but please—help me get her back. I’ll pay whatever it takes, I’ll do anything.”

He watched me for a long moment, his face unreadable. “Sarah…” The way he said my name made my skin prickle.

“So Sarah can get anxious for someone. Can cry too.” He sounded almost curious, as if he’d never seen me as human before.

He put down his book, voice slow and cool. “If you’re begging, you should at least act the part. You want me to risk angering my pregnant wife for a few words?”

I froze. What did he want—groveling?

I was just a girlfriend, an accessory. But I had no other cards to play. I stepped forward, swallowed my pride, and hugged him, heart pounding like I’d jumped off a cliff.

“Mr. Montgomery…” My voice was soft, desperate. It was the first time I’d ever taken the lead with him. His hands hovered, then landed on my back, unsure.

I offered him my lips. “Everything I have is from you. I have nothing left—just a little affection. I only want you to be happy…”

My voice barely made a sound, but the silence in the room caught every word. I let my hands trace his collar, faking confidence I didn’t have.

I did everything I could to please him, using every trick the old housekeeper whispered to me—stuff I’d never imagined doing, not until desperation made me brave.

He seemed to enjoy it. Afterward, a little breathless, he murmured, “People shouldn’t overestimate themselves. When it’s time to show weakness, show weakness; when it’s time to ask for help, ask for help; when you need a backer, find a backer.”

He looked away, jaw clenched, like he was giving advice he wished someone had given him.

I left with my lips tingling, but my mind sharper than ever. Ask for help… In this house, my half-sister wasn’t the only boss. Maybe Grandma Montgomery or the old man could help me.

Just then, Holly came running, breathless with excitement. “Sarah, Tanya’s back!”

My heart leapt. “What did you say?”

She grinned, tears in her eyes. “Mrs. Foster—Grandma Montgomery’s companion—saved her!”

Relief washed over me, my knees nearly buckling. Mrs. Foster had always been a background figure, but now she felt like a lifeline.

To thank Grandma Montgomery, I cut up the only fur coat I owned and made her hand warmers and earmuffs. It wasn’t much, but it was the best I had.

Holly delivered the gifts, and—miracle of miracles—Grandma accepted them.

Tanya couldn’t come back to my wing. After all, my half-sister’s pride was on the line. Instead, Tanya stayed with Grandma Montgomery, supposedly for training. It was enough. The weight in my chest finally eased.

That night, as I sewed, I hummed a tune. I didn’t notice the heir until he spoke: “Are you really that happy?”

I looked up, unable to hide my smile. Maybe he hadn’t done much, but I was grateful. I just smiled at him, too bright for him to handle.

His face twisted with something like jealousy, and he pushed me down into the bed.