THE MOMENT EVERYTHING CHANGED
Jessica was practically glued to Thomas’s side, gesturing around the house proudly.
“This home is a symbol of our hard work,” she gushed. “We value success and class.”
I walked straight into the circle.
Jessica went white.
“Margaret, go back to the kitchen,” she hissed through her teeth. “Mr. Harrison doesn’t need anything.”
I held the empty tray to my chest. “More champagne, sir?”
Her voice sharpened. “She’s just the help. So sorry.”
And then—Thomas turned around.
His glass froze halfway to his lips. His eyes widened.
“Margaret?” he breathed.
Jessica blinked. “Wait… you know her?”
Thomas didn’t reply. He set his drink down and hurried toward me like a child seeing a beloved teacher.
He took my hand in both of his.
“Mrs. Sterling,” he said, loud enough for the entire room to hear. “It’s an honor. We’ve missed you at the board meetings. Your guidance has been invaluable.”
The room fell silent.
Jessica swayed on her feet. David looked like he might faint.
“Board… meetings?” Jessica whispered.
Thomas turned to her, his expression icy. “Mrs. Sterling is the founder and majority shareholder of the Sterling Group. Without her, half the companies represented here wouldn’t exist.”
He looked back at me, confused.
“Why on earth are you serving drinks?”
I looked Jessica directly in the eyes.
“Well, she told me that since I couldn’t afford a housewarming gift, the least I could do was make myself useful.”
A ripple of gasps spread through the room.
“And actually,” I added, turning to David, “I did buy something. This house.”
David blinked rapidly. “What? But the M.S. Trust—”
“M.S. stands for Margaret Sterling,” I said gently. “I bought this house. And I let you live here.”
