iet and efficient busyness. Maids and footmen shuttled through

arefully carried away a jagged, neon-pink metal sculpture-that thing had been ruining the flow of the entire room for months. They rolled

sically breathe a sigh of relief. The original elegant mahogany furniture and the cream-colored cl

sekeeper's posture was visibly more relax

s have been completely cleared," Eleanor repo

s the physical evidence symbolizing her toxic rebellion vani

Arthur walked in. His suit remained spotless, looki

ing over a dozen massive, heavy-duty moving boxes. The

oxes. A deep sense of satis

during the recovery pro

. "Ms. Parsons was highly uncooperative, Madam. Until I dialed the first tw

This laughter somewhat surprised Arthur, who w

layan crocodile Birkin bag. She inspected the hardware and was very satisfied that Ja

usted off her hands.

. "I want every single item in these boxes liquidated for cash before the weekend.

ast pocket, ready to execute the order. But he

ly lowered his phone and looked at Audrey. His eyes were a

e, Madam, but I cannot arrange the consig

ted instantly. "Why? Is there a logi

ht. He announced the devas

d. "Your biometric access at the main gates has been deleted. Furthermore, no ve

d into her like a massive boulder. She was completely grounded. S

tionally, your personal bank accounts and black cards have

er old instincts-to scream, to smash the Birkin bag against th

ully pushing the burning anger back down into her stomach. She reminded herself that Barre

on smoothed out into calm accept

udrey said softly. "Thank

y braced his body for a violent outburst of rage. He thought she wou

of luxury goods. She realized sh

main vault," Audrey instructed.

w that her external resources were completely severed. Since she couldn't l

the hall. It was late afternoon. She decided to l

e professional kitchen, determined to use tonight