Page 16 of Man of the Year

Julien studies me a bit longer. A barely audible “hmm” escapes him.

“Ready to start?” he asks.

Well, goddamn, ask me again.

I bring the tip of my right hand to the side of my forehead in a military salute. “Yes, boss.”

For a moment, Julien’s gaze softens, and the skin in the corners of his eyes crinkles in a teeny-tiny sign of a smile, which never makes it to his lips.

“Did you bring a change of clothes?” he asks.

I shake my head. Not a big deal, right? It’s my first day. I’m thinking they’ll have me organize the kitchen, count the silverware and glassware, decorate the party room. Despite the catering service, there’s still a lot of work to do.

My phone pings, and by reflex, I pull it out of the pocket and see a message from Nick.

Nick: How is it going, doll?

I can’t wait to chat with him. Maybe he’ll give me pointers on how to deal with this grumpy house manager.

“Your phone has to go into the locker,” Julien reminds me in his cold-as-steel voice.

His eyes are on my phone screen. He slowly blinks up, his gaze on me hardening.

“Right,” I blurt, tucking the phone into my pocket. “What do you want me to start with for the party?”

He turns and starts walking away, throwing over his shoulder, “You start with cleaning all the bathrooms.”

Asshole.

TEN

ANONYMOUS

Welcome to The Splendors Mansion. Did you know you’d be watched? No. And here you are, in a gilded cage, as we speak.

You’re careful, playing naive. Way over your head, though you’ve yet to realize that.

I can tell you’re used to working with people. You’re good with the staff. You don’t like being told what to do, especially when your superior is a man who isn’t falling for your charms, but you handle it well.

Pretty, too. Observant. While you’re given a tour, you study everything with the diligence of a spy.

You think you know what you’re doing. I’d say, “Good for you,” but that won’t work at The Splendors.

And then you spot the first camera.

For a second, your expression stiffens. You look straight at me from the screen. I rewatch this part several times—the look of surprise on your face is priceless.

You drop your gaze and ask about the camera.

Does it bother you that you’re being watched? I’ll be watching you at all times. I’ll know your every step.

The Splendors Mansion is a trap. This place swallows people and spits them out—all chewed up. Or dead.

You shouldn’t have come here,Na-ta-lie.

ELEVEN

NATALIE

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