The commotion in the house spread quickly, reaching every corner of the staff quarters, yet it stayed contained within the family home. The Wolfes had always taken great care in hiring highly efficient and reliable individuals, and Emma Anderson, Nancy's mother, was no exception. Her work had been impeccable for years, earning her the trust and respect of the family. But the recent episode with her daughter's breakdown left a stain on her otherwise spotless record—one that, though not her fault, still weighed heavily on her.
Emma was mortified, apologizing profusely for what had happened, even though she knew in her heart that there was little she could have done to prevent it. Her daughter's emotions were beyond her control, and as a mother, Emma could only watch helplessly as the girl she raised spiraled into anger and resentment. The shame of Nancy's outburst gnawed at Emma, even as she reminded herself that she had always done her best to instill kindness and humility in her child.
In the days following the incident, Emma worked tirelessly to maintain her professionalism. She kept her head down, focusing on her duties, scrubbing and tidying with a quiet determination that masked the storm brewing in her heart. Yet, in the solitude of her quarters, Emma allowed herself moments of vulnerability. She would sit by the window, staring at the sprawling gardens, and wonder where she had gone wrong. The years had changed Nancy; the once-bright and cheerful girl had grown bitter and resentful. Emma couldn't pinpoint the moment when everything shifted, but she knew that living under the shadow of wealth and privilege had taken its toll.
The Wolfes had been generous, giving Nancy opportunities she could never have dreamed of. But those opportunities came at a cost. Nancy had seen a life she could never truly belong to, and that knowledge had festered into something ugly. Emma thought of the nights Nancy had cried out in frustration, the subtle ways she tried to prove herself better than she was, and the quiet, unspoken jealousy that seemed to consume her daughter.
Emma feared the worst. What Nancy had done was terrible—there was no denying it. The betrayal, the lies, and the public spectacle it created could not be ignored. Though Emma wasn't directly responsible, she knew how these things worked. In households as prestigious as the Wolfes, the staff were expected to maintain not only excellent service but also impeccable decorum. Any misstep, even one beyond her control, could cost her everything.
When the madam summoned her to the study, Emma's hands trembled as she smoothed down her apron. Her mind raced with what she might say in her defense, though she knew words alone would not be enough. The madam's tone had been calm but firm when she requested Emma's presence, and that, more than anything, filled her with dread. She had seen others dismissed from their posts over far lesser infractions.
Entering the study, Emma felt the weight of the room press down on her. The madam sat behind the massive oak desk, her expression unreadable as she gestured for Emma to take a seat. Emma hesitated for a moment before obeying, clutching her hands tightly in her lap.
"Emma," the madam began, her voice steady but carrying an edge of finality. "You've served this household for many years, and your work has been exceptional. I want to acknowledge that before anything else."
Emma's throat felt dry, and she nodded, not trusting herself to speak.
"What happened with your daughter, however…" The madam paused, her gaze sharp and assessing. "It cannot be overlooked. You understand that, don't you?"
"Yes, Madam," Emma whispered, her voice trembling. "I take full responsibility. I—I failed to raise her properly. I am so, so sorry for the trouble she caused."
The madam leaned back in her chair, her hands steepled as she studied Emma. "You are not entirely at fault. This was a complicated situation, one that involved more than just poor parenting. However, the events have caused a disturbance in the household, and steps must be taken to address it."
Emma's heart sank. This was it. She was going to lose her job, her livelihood. She thought of Nancy, of how this would affect her daughter's already fragile state. But then the madam said something she hadn't expected.
"You will not be dismissed," the madam said firmly.
Emma blinked, stunned. "Madam?"
"However," the madam continued, her tone leaving no room for argument, "you will need to relocate. Remaining here is no longer an option, for you or for your daughter."
Emma nodded quickly, relief and apprehension flooding her at once. "I understand. I'll go wherever you need me to."
"I've already made arrangements," the madam said. "You will be transferred to one of our branches in other countries. It's a lesser position, but it's a chance for you to start anew. Your daughter, in particular, will benefit from the change. She has made mistakes here, and starting fresh in a different environment may give her the opportunity to rebuild her life."
Tears welled up in Emma's eyes. She hadn't expected this kindness, not after everything that had happened. "Thank you, Madam. Thank you for your generosity."
The madam nodded, her expression softening slightly. "You've been loyal to this family, Emma. I don't take that lightly. But this is the best course of action for everyone involved. I've also given you options for which branch you'd prefer to be assigned to. You'll find the details here." She slid a folder across the desk.
Emma opened it with trembling hands, scanning the list of locations. After a moment's thought, she made her decision. "Asia," she said quietly. "My daughter will have a better chance to start over there."
"Very well," the madam said, standing and extending her hand. "I wish you and your daughter the best."
Emma rose, shaking the madam's hand with a mixture of gratitude and sorrow. As she left the study, the weight on her shoulders was both heavier and lighter than before. She had not lost everything, but the path forward would not be easy. For her daughter's sake, however, she was willing to face it.
That night, Emma returned to her quarters, holding the folder close to her chest. She sat by the window, looking out at the gardens one last time, and allowed herself a moment to grieve. The life she had built here was over, but a new chapter awaited. And with it, she hoped, redemption for her daughter—and perhaps, for herself.