Elena stood frozen for several seconds as she stared at the new lock on the archive room door.
Yesterday, the lock had been old bronze.
Today, it was black.
New.
Stronger.
Someone had changed it overnight.
A strange chill slid down her spine.
Slowly, Elena stepped closer, pretending to continue dusting the hallway while her eyes carefully studied the door. The metal looked expensive. Recently installed.
Which meant someone knew the archive room mattered.
Or someone wanted to keep people out.
Her fingers tightened around the cloth.
Suddenly—
A faint sound echoed behind her.
Footsteps.
Elena turned quickly.
Nothing.
The hallway remained empty beneath the dim golden lights.
Still—
That strange feeling returned again.
Like eyes watching her from somewhere unseen.
Her breathing slowed carefully.
"Who's there?" she asked quietly.
Silence answered.
A soft breeze moved through the corridor windows.
Then nothing.
Elena swallowed slightly before forcing herself to continue cleaning.
But deep inside—
She knew she was not alone.
That evening, the Cole Mansion became unusually busy.
Luxury vehicles lined outside the estate while servants hurried around preparing outfits, jewelry, and last-minute arrangements.
Madam Vivian was attending one of the largest charity galas in the city.
And surprisingly—
Several maids were chosen to accompany the family.
"Elena."
She looked up immediately.
Madam Martha stood near the servant staircase holding a garment bag.
"You're coming with us tonight."
Elena blinked in surprise.
"Me?"
"Yes. One of the girls fell sick."
Madam Martha handed her the bag calmly.
"Wear this uniform. Stay close to the staff section and avoid attracting attention."
"Yes, Madam."
But before Madam Martha walked away—
She paused briefly.
"And Elena…"
Elena looked at her.
"Do not wander alone tonight."
Her voice sounded unusually serious.
Elena frowned slightly.
Before she could ask why—
Madam Martha had already left.
An hour later, Elena stood quietly beside the other staff members near the entrance of the mansion.
The black maid uniform fit her perfectly.
Simple.
Elegant.
Clean.
Vanessa descended the grand staircase moments later wearing a silver designer gown that sparkled beneath the chandelier lights.
Several people immediately praised her beauty.
Vanessa smiled proudly.
Then her eyes landed on Elena.
The smile faded instantly.
"What is she doing here?" Vanessa asked coldly.
Madam Vivian adjusted her gloves lazily.
"Martha selected her."
Vanessa looked annoyed.
"She looks too noticeable."
Elena lowered her gaze silently.
But before Vanessa could continue—
Another voice interrupted.
"Then perhaps your insecurity is showing."
Everyone turned immediately.
Adrian.
He descended the staircase slowly in a black tailored suit, his expression calm and unreadable.
The entire entrance became quieter instantly.
Vanessa's face stiffened.
"Adrian, I was joking."
But Adrian never answered her.
His eyes had already moved toward Elena.
And for a brief moment—
They locked eyes again.
Cold.
Silent.
Dangerously intense.
Elena's chest tightened unexpectedly.
There was no warmth in his gaze.
Yet something still lingered there.
Something neither of them fully understood.
Adrian finally looked away first.
"Let's go," he said flatly.
The gala was held inside one of the city's largest luxury hotels.
Crystal chandeliers illuminated the massive ballroom while soft classical music floated through the air.
Famous business figures, politicians, and wealthy families filled the venue.
Elena followed the other maids quietly while carrying trays between tables.
But even surrounded by hundreds of people—
She still felt it.
That same sensation.
Someone watching her.
Several times throughout the evening, Elena caught glimpses of a dark figure standing near distant corners of the ballroom.
Every time she looked carefully—
The person disappeared.
Her unease slowly grew.
Meanwhile, Vanessa remained the center of attention.
Laughing loudly.
Showing off.
Clinging possessively to Adrian whenever reporters approached.
But Adrian looked uninterested the entire evening.
Cold.
Detached.
His gaze occasionally drifted across the ballroom.
Toward Elena.
And every single time—
Vanessa noticed.
Her jealousy worsened visibly.
"Elena!"
Elena immediately turned after hearing Madam Martha's voice.
"Yes, Madam?"
"Take these drinks to Table Seven."
Elena nodded quickly before lifting the tray carefully.
But as she approached the crowded table—
Someone suddenly stepped backward directly into her path.
The tray tilted violently.
Red wine spilled across an elegant cream-colored designer gown.
The woman gasped loudly.
The ballroom quieted slightly.
"Oh my God!" the woman shouted.
Elena's eyes widened immediately.
"I'm sorry—"
"Do you know how expensive this dress is?"
The woman looked furious.
Vanessa walked over quickly after hearing the commotion.
"What happened?"
"She ruined my dress!" the woman snapped angrily.
Vanessa immediately glared at Elena.
"Useless."
Elena lowered her head.
"I apologize. It was an accident."
But the woman looked humiliated from the attention surrounding them.
Without warning—
She raised her hand.
SLAP.
The sharp sound echoed across the table area.
Elena's face turned slightly from the impact.
The ballroom became quieter.
Vanessa smirked faintly.
"You should be grateful she only slapped you."
Elena slowly lifted her eyes again.
Her cheek burned painfully.
But before anyone spoke further—
A deep cold voice interrupted.
"That's enough."
Everyone turned instantly.
Adrian stood nearby.
His expression looked darker now.
Dangerously calm.
The woman immediately stiffened.
"She ruined my dress—"
"And embarrassing yourself publicly solves it?" Adrian asked coldly.
The woman's face paled.
Vanessa frowned.
"Adrian, why are you defending a maid?"
He looked at her emotionlessly.
"I'm defending basic decency."
Silence fell again.
Elena stared at him quietly.
And once again—
Their eyes met.
This time the tension felt even heavier.
Because beneath Adrian's cold gaze—
Elena noticed anger.
Real anger.
For her.
The realization unsettled her deeply.
Adrian finally turned away first.
"Handle it privately," he said before walking off.
Vanessa looked furious.
Especially after noticing several guests whispering nearby.
She shot Elena one final hateful glare before leaving with her friend.
Madam Martha exhaled quietly afterward.
"Come with me."
The gala finally ended close to midnight.
Guests slowly exited the hotel while luxury cars lined outside beneath the glowing city lights.
Elena walked beside the other maids toward the parking area.
Her cheek still stung faintly.
But her mind remained distracted.
Because even now—
She still felt watched.
Her steps slowed slightly.
Then suddenly—
Someone rushed past behind her.
Fast.
Too fast.
Elena turned sharply—
And collided directly into another figure.
She nearly lost balance completely.
But strong hands caught her waist immediately.
Her breath stopped.
For one suspended moment—
Everything around them seemed to disappear.
Elena slowly looked up.
Adrian.
His hand remained firmly around her waist.
His face stood far too close to hers now.
Close enough for her to notice the sharp tension in his jaw.
Close enough to feel his breathing.
Their eyes locked again.
Neither moved.
Neither spoke.
The city lights reflected quietly inside his dark eyes.
And for the first time—
Elena noticed something hidden beneath all that coldness.
Something dangerous.
Something painfully human.
Then—
"Careful."
His voice came low and quiet.
Elena's heartbeat stumbled unexpectedly.
Before she could answer—
Another voice interrupted sharply.
"Adrian!"
Vanessa approached immediately, furious eyes landing on Elena.
Adrian slowly released her waist.
The moment vanished instantlyI trust you are doing well. Please see that this is refunded to my nigerian account since you want the wedding on hold. Perhaps I can make it up later, but it needs to be in my nigeria account for now.
Thanks
Coldness returned to his expression again.
Elena stepped back quickly.
"I'm sorry," she whispered softly.
But Adrian never answered.
His eyes lingered on her for one brief second longer before he turned away with Vanessa.
Elena remained standing there silently.
Confused.
Breathless.
And somewhere nearby—
Hidden in the darkness beyond the parking lot—
Someone continued watching her.