I frown at her suggestion. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, he was standing there long enough to hear that you need money. He might not know the details, but he picked up on the financial stress.”
The possibility sends heat flooding my cheeks. The last thing I want is for Radmir to think I’m some charity case who can’t manage her finances. “Even if he did, it doesn’t matter. I’ll do the work and earn the money.”
Carmen crosses her arms. “Just be careful working around him while he’s preparing for dinner guests.”
“Why would I need to be careful?”
She gives me a look that suggests I’m being naïve on purpose. “Because he’s attractive, powerful, and you already have complicated feelings about him since he resembles your baby daddy. Adding work pressure with his business associates arriving soon seems like asking for trouble.”
I straighten my shoulders. “I can handle myself around my employer, Carmen. I need this money.”
“I know you do. Just promise me you’ll call if you need backup childcare. I can pick up Leo from school and keep him until you’re finished if necessary.”
“My aunt will get him, but…” Warmth constricts my chest. “You’d do that?”
Carmen’s expression softens. “Of course. We look out for each other, remember?”
Having Leo settled means I can focus entirely on the work without worrying about pickup times. My aunt is already set, but I appreciate her offer. “Thank you. I owe you dinner when this is all sorted out.”
She waves me off. “You don’t owe me anything. Just be smart about this afternoon.”
The rest of the afternoon passes in a blur of urgent preparation. I call Leo’s school to confirm I’ll have payment by tomorrow, then text Carmen the details about picking him up. The time pressure adds intensity to every task as I race against the clock to prepare the dining room before Radmir’s guests arrive.
Mrs. Yranda meets me at the formal dining room with detailed instructions and barely contained stress about the evening’s timeline.
“Mr. Vetrov is very particular about table settings,” she explains, handing me a folder with photos showing exact placement specifications. “The china pattern, the silver arrangement, even the way the napkins are folded. Everything must be perfect, and we have less than four hours.”
I nod and take the folder, trying to project confidence despite the time crunch. “I understand. Perfection is the standard.”
Mrs. Yranda checks her watch nervously. “The cleaning supplies you’ll need are already in the dining room. Work as quickly as you can without sacrificing quality. The guests arrive at six sharp.”
After Mrs. Yranda hurries away to handle her own preparations, I dive into the formal dining room. It’s a stunning space with panoramic windows overlooking the ocean, but today, the grandeur feels intimidating rather than beautiful. The mahogany table could seat twelve people comfortably, and every surface needs to gleam with polish that requires meticulous attention.
I start with the deep cleaning, working faster than usual but maintaining my standards. The sounds of preparation echo throughout the house as other staff members handle their own urgent tasks. It’s organized chaos in service of Radmir’s business dinner. I’m polishing the table when I hear his footsteps in the hallway. My pulse jumps, but I keep working, acutely aware of the time pressure and the importance of this evening for his business.
“How’s the progress?”
Radmir’s voice makes me look up from the table. He’s still in his business suit, but there’s an energy about him that speaks to the importance of tonight’s meeting.
I focus on the wood grain beneath my cloth, using the task to avoid meeting his gaze. “The deep cleaning is finished. I’m starting on the table polish now. I’ll have everything ready well before six.”
He steps into the room, and I sense him watching me work. “Good. Tonight’s dinner is particularly important, though I suspect your eager accommodation has more to do with financial necessity than professional dedication.”
Heat floods my cheeks at the subtle criticism. “My personal situation doesn’t affect my work quality.”
“No, it doesn’t, but it does explain your willingness to work under such tight time constraints.” His voice carries no judgment, I realize. It’s just matter-of-fact observation. “Whatever it is you need money for must be urgent.”
I stop polishing and straighten, finally meeting his gaze. “I manage my finances responsibly, Mr. Vetrov.”
“I’m sure you do, but everyone faces unexpected expenses.” Something shifts in his expression. “You could have asked for an advance on your salary.”
I shake my head firmly. “I don’t make a habit of asking employers for financial favors.”
His brow creases with a deep frown. “Even when the alternative is clearly causing you stress?”
The question hits closer to home than I’m comfortable with. “Especially then.”
