After a tense first encounter with Duke Cassius Valtier, Mr. Albern escorted me into the depths of the mansion.

It felt as though I had stepped into another world—grand staircases draped in rich red carpets, walls adorned with gilded mirrors, and towering ceilings illuminated by glittering crystal chandeliers. The opulence of it all nearly took my breath away.

My steps faltered as we reached a large, well-lit room. Standing at its center was a middle-aged woman with a stern expression. Her hair was meticulously pinned up, not a single strand out of place, and her pristine black uniform and white apron looked like they'd been pressed moments ago. But what caught my attention first was how she snapped her fingers at a young maid who was dusting a side table.

"Margaret! The grain of the wood goes horizontal, not vertical. Start over." The maid's face crumpled, but she immediately began wiping the table again, her movements frantic and careful.

The woman's sharp eyes then turned to me, boring into me with unsettling coldness. Her desk—perfectly organized, every paper stacked at precise right angles, a single pen placed exactly parallel to the edge—told me everything I needed to know about her before she even spoke.

I shivered inwardly.

"I am Madam Veronica," she introduced herself without preamble, her voice crisp and commanding. "I am the head housekeeper here. Everything within this mansion falls under my supervision."

I dipped my head slightly in respect. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Madam. My name is Lana."

"I know who you are," she replied curtly, her tone devoid of warmth. "And I know your family background. I don't care why you're here, so long as you obey the rules and perform your duties flawlessly."

Her bluntness caught me off guard, but of course, she had every right to be strict.

With a sharp gesture, Veronica motioned for me to follow her. She led me to a dedicated training room for new staff. Inside, a large blackboard covered with neatly written rules awaited—working hours, speaking etiquette, even dress codes. The handwriting was so uniform it looked like it had been done with a ruler.

"Pay close attention and memorize these," she instructed, tapping the board with a finger. "The Valtier mansion is unlike any other workplace. Here, confidentiality is everything. Whatever you see, hear, or experience must never leave these walls. Not even your family can know. Understand this clearly."

I nodded slowly. "I understand, Madam."

"Good," she said, though her piercing gaze remained unyielding. "And one more thing. Avoid any trouble with Duke Cassius Valtier. He is the head of this household and does not tolerate people getting too close to him. You might find him cold and arrogant, but he holds all the power here. If you make a mistake, you'll face the consequences directly."

My heart raced as memories of my brief encounter with the duke flared in my mind—his icy smile and penetrating gaze left a lasting impression that was difficult to shake.

"Other than the Duke," Veronica continued, "you should also be mindful of Lord Rael, his personal aide. He often acts as an intermediary for matters involving the Duke. But don't be fooled—if the Duke disapproves of you, not even Lord Rael can help."

After her long and nerve-wracking briefing, I was handed a black-and-white maid's uniform and directed to a modest room in the western wing where the staff resided. As I made my way there, Veronica's warnings echoed in my mind.

"Why does everyone seem so afraid of Duke Cassius Valtier?" I murmured to myself. The question lingered, a mix of fear and curiosity stirring inside me.

"Lana."

I froze at the sound of Madam Veronica's voice behind me. Turning, I saw her watching me with a stern, almost foreboding expression.

"Remember what I said. If you don't want to regret coming here, follow the mansion's rules and stay out of the Duke's way. He won't hesitate to crush anyone who dares cross him."

I nodded silently, lowering my head. Avoiding the Duke, she said? I knew that would be easier said than done. How could I avoid a man who had already made my heart race with just one look?

*

After settling into my room, I decided to visit the kitchen, thinking I might as well start working instead of sitting idly. But on my way there, I nearly collided with someone—another man, tall and poised, his presence exuding authority.

"Hello, are you Lana?"

His voice was smooth, polite yet firm. I quickly straightened myself, lowering my head slightly in respect.

"Yes, sir," I replied, keeping my tone as composed as possible.

"I'm Lord Rael, the Duke's personal aide," he introduced himself, his sharp eyes studying me briefly before his lips curved into a surprisingly warm smile.

I had expected him to be as cold and intimidating as the Duke, but Lord Rael was nothing like I imagined. His dark hair was neatly styled, his clothes crisp and elegant, and there was something almost disarming about the way he carried himself—welcoming, yet still exuding an air of authority.

"Welcome, Lana," he said kindly, his voice easing some of my nerves. "I've been informed of your arrival. You don't have to worry too much. I'll make sure you adjust well to your responsibilities here."

Relief washed over me. At least not everyone in this mansion was as cold as its master.

"Thank you, My Lord," I said, trying to maintain my composure. "I'll do my best."

Lord Rael gave me a nod of approval before continuing on his way. For the first time since arriving at Valtier Mansion, I felt a small glimmer of reassurance.

But that feeling didn't last long.

An hour later, I received my first task.

Cleaning Duke Cassius Valtier's study.

The very thought sent a chill down my spine.

*

The study was immense, exuding a sense of cold magnificence. Dark wooden walls loomed around me, and towering bookshelves brimmed with heavy tomes on business, power, and the Valtier family's history.

A large desk dominated the center of the room, surrounded by luxurious chairs. It felt less like a workspace and more like a vault for untold secrets.

Taking a steadying breath, I got to work, carefully wiping the desk. My hands were still shaking a little—from nerves or from the memory of those silver eyes, I wasn't sure. But before I could finish, the door swung open with a loud creak, making me jump.

I turned swiftly—and there he was.

Duke Cassius Valtier entered the room with slow, deliberate strides—each step measured, exuding a quiet dominance that sent a chill down my spine. The air shifted with his presence, thick with something unspoken, something dangerous. Dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, his sharp features were carved with effortless precision, and those silver eyes...cold, unreadable, piercing straight through me.

I felt small. Inconsequential. A mere speck in the vastness of his world.

"Y-Your Grace..." My voice barely made it past my lips, trembling under the weight of his silence.

But he didn't acknowledge me. Didn't even glance my way. As if I wasn't even there.

Instead, he moved with practiced ease, undoing the buttons of his jacket one by one, his fingers working with a calm, unhurried precision.

I stilled. My breath caught in my throat like a trapped bird.

Wait.

Was he...?

"Y-Your Grace!" I blurted out, panic surging through me. Heat flooded my cheeks so fast I felt dizzy.

This time, he paused. His gaze flicked toward me, blank, devoid of emotion, before—just as swiftly—he dismissed me altogether.

Like I wasn't worth his time.

Like I wasn't even a presence in his space.

Like I was furniture.

He resumed his task.

The jacket slid off his broad shoulders. Then his shirt.

And then, he didn't stop.

Oh God. Oh God, what do I do? My mind went completely blank, thoughts scattering like startled birds. Should I leave? Should I say something? Should I—

Fabric pooled to the ground, revealing more and more of him with every agonizing second. His movements were controlled, indifferent, but to me, they were anything but. My throat went dry. My skin burned. And yet, I couldn't tear my gaze away.

This is wrong. This is so wrong. Look away, Lana. LOOK AWAY.

But I couldn't.

Lean, taut muscles rippled with every shift, the harsh glow of candlelight tracing over scars long healed. Strength and elegance woven into one. A body that spoke of wars fought, battles survived.

I should have turned away.

I should have.

But my traitorous eyes stayed locked onto him, helpless against the quiet, devastating power that was Duke Cassius Valtier.

He didn't spare me a second glance. Didn't hesitate as he strode toward the bathroom, the last of his clothing falling away as he disappeared behind the door.

Silence.

I remained frozen, pulse thundering in my ears so loud I was sure the entire mansion could hear it. My hands were shaking now—really shaking—and I couldn't decide if what I had just witnessed was some cruel test...or an act of utter disregard.

My fingers clenched around the cleaning cloth in my hand, nails pressing deep into the fabric as if grounding myself to reality. I inhaled sharply, but it did nothing to steady me. The air still smelled like him—something dark and expensive and utterly masculine.

Because he was gone.

And yet—

His presence remained. Thick. Overpowering. Suffocating.

I swallowed hard, gripping the edge of the desk for balance. My legs felt like water.

This job...this mansion...

I wasn't sure if I had stepped into a place of employment.

Or into something far, far more dangerous.