Page 22 of The Princess and the Fraud

He made an affirmative noise. “Jacqueline called off this morning.”

“I haven’t done housekeeping in months. I—I don’t even think I remember how to clean rooms?—”

“I’m sure it’ll be muscle memory.” Mr. Roberts threw me a knowing smile. “But don’t stress too much. I made sure your schedule was only stay-overs. No full room cleans. And when you finish, you can head out for the day. Sounds like a great opportunity to me!”

An early day after a nine-day stretch of shiftsdidsound nice, especially since I finally had a day off tomorrow, but still. Cleaning rooms was the worst.

“Mr. Roberts,” Paige called to him before he ducked into the hallway. “Lovey wanted to talk to you about something.”

I shot her a look, horrified. “Paige?—”

“I need to get to my station.” She glanced at me, giving a subtle nod.You’ve got this.

And to that, I mentally sent all the curse words her way.

The door to the employee lounge fell shut, sealing me in with my boss.Okay. I could do this. I could be an adult about this. “Mr. Roberts,” I began. “I—I heard the Christmas bonuses were sent out.”

“They were.”

“I didn’t… get an email.”

Mr. Roberts’s demeanor shifted. As someone trained to pick up even the slightest change, I saw it immediately. He lifted his chin, the fingers on his tablet tightening. “Based on your performance review, you, unfortunately, were not eligible for a bonus this time.”

My lips parted as if I were exhaling, but no air came out. No air drew in, either. I just stood there, like a gaping little fish. “My performance? I’ve… I’ve been working my tail off. It wasn’t… good enough?”

“What happened this past Saturday, unfortunately, is the issue.” To his credit, he sounded remorseful. “Spilling a tray is serious, let alone spilling it on an esteemed guest. Staff have been dismissed for less.”

It was strange—at first, the meaning of his words didn’t sink in. A dull ringing began building in my ears, momentarily drowning them out.Spilling a tray on a guest.

The biggest mistake to my name, and I hadn’t even made it.

My voice shook when I spoke, and I wasn’t sure if it was from embarrassment or rage. “One accident undid months of hard work?”

“Around here, it can.” Mr. Roberts spoke gently. “Alderton-Du Ponte doesn’t tolerate mistakes. You know that.”

Now a soft, disbelieving breath escaped me. The entire moment felt surreal, borderline ridiculous. In the grand scheme of things, missing out on the bonus wasn’tthatdetrimental. One grand wouldn’t bring the dream house within reach, but it was a slap in the face. “So much for being the Princess of Alderton-Du Ponte, then, huh?”

“You are not untouchable, Lovisa.” Once more, Mr. Roberts hesitated on the threshold, something else weighing on him. “I understand you’re close with Ms. Holland and Mrs. Huntsly outside of the estate, but while you’re working, it’s important to maintain boundaries. It’s about professionalism, Lovey. For the members. For your coworkers. I might recommend you be more mindful of personal relationships while on the estate.”

“Did someone say something?”

Mr. Roberts hesitated. “No.”

So someone had. “Who?”

“Lovey—”

“Trisha? Brett?” I could’ve scoffed. “Mrs. Pine?”

“It’s my own advice to you.” He pressed his lips together. “You’re not new to this world, Lovey. You’ve seen what happens when people make mistakes.”

I thought of Margot Massey, disowned by her parents, cast out by everyone else.

It wasn’t like I neglected my duties to hang out with my friends. Yesterday, I’d spent probably five minutes chatting with Caroline and Annalise at the water station. And on Saturday, Caroline had only been in the kitchen for a few minutes while I’d filled mimosas. “I’ve been friends with them since I started working here, and it’s only just now an issue?”

“Tensions are high right now with the charity takeover. It would be a good idea if you just lie low.” Mr. Roberts turned and looked at me over his shoulder. “I’m only trying to help you, Lovisa. It’s best to create a divide. In time, you’ll see that.”

The condescending words nearly sent me over the edge.

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