Chapter 2: Punishment

At the doorway, the bathroom door swung open, held by a maid named Lvy. Outside, the other maids lined up on either side, while the butler Mr. Bailey stood a few steps away, awaiting instructions. Zack turned suddenly, his sharp gaze landing on Amy. His voice, cold and cutting, resonated through the space. “Don’t ever try a cheap trick like that again.” The maids immediately lifted their heads, their eyes like daggers piercing through Amy. They scrutinized her face and her soaked body, the fabric clinging uncomfortably to her curves. “You, come here!” Mr. Bailey shouted. Amy looked at Zack in shock. She couldn't believe what she just heard. The meaning in his words was so obvious that it was a warning to her not to seduce him again. But she clearly explained everything. She could swear to the heavens if needed. Besides, he wasn’t the one who had taken her first kiss so forcefully and without a word? How could someone be so shameless? As she felt the searing gazes of the other maids, Amy quickly understood—this was intentional. Mr. Bailey, noticing her frozen stance, glanced at Zack’s impassive face. Irritated, he raised his voice. "Amy!" Amy snapped back to reality and lowered her gaze, meekly stepping toward Mr. Bailey. “Who gave you the audacity to seduce Master Johnson? Pack your things and leave.” Her heart clenched. She wanted to protest, but Mr. Bailey’s anger and the gleeful expressions of Lvy and the others made it clear—no one would believe her, no matter what she said. But she couldn't lose this job. Just as Amy was about to speak, she heard Zack coughing softly. Mr. Bailey’s tone shifted slightly. “Do you understand your mistake?” Amy hesitated, unsure of the sudden change in direction. But seeing a sliver of hope, she quickly nodded. “Yes, I understand.” “Since you’re new and unfamiliar with the rules, your wages will be docked for half a month. If it happens again, pack up and leave.” Mr. Bailey glanced at Zack, who was already walking away. Only after he left did Mr. Bailey breathe a sigh of relief, unconsciously wiping sweat from his brow. The same scene has been seen by Mr. Bailey many times over the years. Zack, the only son of the chairman of the Eastern Province Business Association, was known as the “Crown Prince.” Talented, wealthy, and exceptionally handsome. Over the years, the number of women who had tried to climb into his bed was countless. Yet, none had ever walked away unscathed like Amy. So... Mr. Bailey cast another discreet glance at Amy. She was indeed pretty, but compared to the women typically orbiting Zack, she wasn’t remarkable. “Know your place, don’t think a pretty face will help you climb the ladder.” Mr. Bailey's cold reprimand landed squarely, leaving Amy's face flushed as red as an apple. Satisfied, he gave a curt nod and turned to leave. The moment he disappeared, Lvy approached with a sneer. “Mr. Bailey is right. Some people really don’t know their limits. Do you honestly think someone like Master Johnson would be interested in you?” Amy clenched her fists tightly. She had tolerated Zack’s accusations, but who was Lvy to mock her? “No matter how bad I might be, I’m still better than some people who only know how to backbite. If you’ve got the guts, try saying it to Master Johnson himself.” Lvy’s face twisted in anger. Did Amy just call her a dog? She raised her hand to slap Amy, but before the slap could land, Amy caught her wrist. “Lvy,” Amy said, her tone calm but firm, “my patience doesn’t mean I’m afraid of you. If you try this again, let’s take it up with Master Johnson. You wouldn’t want to lose your job, would you?” After saying that, Amy shook Lvy's hand away. Lvy’s face burned with fury as she hissed through clenched teeth, "You’ll regret this!" Throwing down her threat, she stormed off, followed by the other maids, leaving only Sal behind. "You’ve really provoked her this time. What if she tries to get back at you?" Sal asked worriedly. "Let her try." She didn’t believe in starting fights, but if someone came for her, she wasn’t going to let herself be trampled.