HELP WANTED (BWWM)

Okay, so maybe what I did was cruel, but it was also necessary.

I didn't expect Bernardi's associate to show up at my door, causing a scene. I know for a fact that Parker saw something.

The man was shouting at the top of his lungs, and Parker was a terrible liar. The obviously nervous hair chewing was a clear sign, and I can't just let that go.

It was either that or I kill her.

Plus, keeping her around proved to be convenient, so as long as she does her job, she'll be in my favor. That's something people would kill for.

Anything her or her family needs will be taken care of as long as the contract is open. After that, she'll be able to leave with just a bit less freedom.

See? Win-win.

It seems I'm the only person who understands that because she's been especially silent and scarce these days.

3 days of only seeing her blank face during meals. Even then, she doesn't greet us.

Hell, she has Mia delivering my tea.

I grab the tea from my little sister's hands.

"There's no point in her being here if you're gonna do her job. Make her bring it next time."

Mia gives me a reluctant look.

"Parker really isn't well, Aldo. I haven't seen her in the garden in days, and she barely speaks. That's not a good idea."

It's a perfect idea. She needs to learn that life doesn't work how she wants it to and that she needs to deal with it.

It could've been way worse than this.

"Have her deliver the next one," I repeat, leaving no room for argument. Mia scoffs and exits, closing the door behind her.

I return to my chair and continue working and figuring out what to do about the rats in my compound.

As of now, I am staying in the North House because I need to appear at 3 events in this part of town, and I have other affairs to handle. All of which will take me no longer than a year to complete.

Why am I making Parker stay for five? I don't know.

Looking for good help is hard. Maybe I'll make her move to my main estate up East for the remaining time.

I am at my desk when I hear a knock at the door and announce for them to enter.

It's Milo.

"Parker is bringing in your second tea."

I nod and lean back, watching the short angry woman make her way to me with a mug in hand. I take it, and she glares at me.

"You had no right to do what you did that day. My mother was on the line, and you played me."

I frown, a bit taken back by her directness. Especially after so long of fake smiles and 'yes sir's

"I did not play you."

She hisses, "You did."

"Playing would imply I lied. I did not lie."

"You deceived me."

"I told you your mother would be fine as long as you did your job. I had to make sure you'd do your job."

She bangs her fists on my desk and shouts, "I never had any intention of staying here for five fucking years!"

Her actions makes me glare and I stand up, towering over her.

"Watch yourself, Smith. You signed the contract, and you can not leave."

She narrows her gaze.

"Says who?"

I lean into her and stare directly into her pupils.

"I will hunt you down."

For a moment, her hardened exterior breaks, and I see a flash of sadness and disappointment. Parker steps back and clears her throat.

"And I assume that includes my family too, huh?"

I do not respond.

I do not need to.

"Well, now I realize what type of man you are, so I will act accordingly. I will do my job to the best of my ability just as I've always done, but you will not dictate how I do it. We will interact as scarcely as possible."

I tilt my head and watch her try not to look at me.

"I am dismissed," she calls right before walking her agitating ass out of my office.

Hm.

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Okay, ik.

This chapter was a bit cheap and overtelling on his part, but I felt like it was needed.

We'll see what the next chapter has. ;]