r hair into a neat bun. The suit she'd bought from a thrift store lo
y from Brooklyn to Long Island felt like crossing two different countries. The crowded, g
een replaced by neatly manicured lawns and multi-million dollar mansions. This was a world w
vate country club and followed the directions on her pho
leaming brass plaque was inlaid on the stone pillars, beari
coincidence. It's a very common surname in the cit
the intercom. A clear fema
control her trembling voice, "I have an
vy iron gate swung silently
ed by perfect gardens. The main house was a mansi
s Rosa-greeted her at the heavy door. Rosa's gaze quickly swept over Eleanor's
g from the ceiling, casting countless dazzling rainbows onto
iture and lush greenery. "Please wait here for a moment," she said
again. This coincidence was becoming i
ot to wrinkle the pristine white cushions. The room was eer
t, curved staircase in the foyer. Each step felt like a blow to Eleanor's
ly defined in the bright light of the foyer. Before Eleanor could even make
with a professiona
froze, the
was
ing trousers. He held a cup of black coffee in his hand, looking completely at ease. A hin
ed from her fingers, and the papers scatter
audibly. She took a step back, her shin bumping against the glass c
is my home, Ms. Hayes," he said, a hint of feigne
e perfect combination of timing, location, and connections-it wasn't a miracle,
r knelt down, frantically picking up the scat
led with anger. She wouldn't play this gam
urned to run away, but
sue you for breach of contract. I believe you can't afford the pena
nding Eleanor's ankles and immobili
do you want from me?" Eleanor demanded, her voice trembling. "Is this so
r a job, and I need to find a tutor for my sister. It's a simple transaction." He paused, his gaze sweeping cont
herself. She walked back to the coffee table, tidied up the me
rom Columbia University with first-class honors. And for the past three years, I
. He leaned back in the wicker chair ,
ding. "You can audit a class. We'll see
des, her nails digging deep into her palms. She knew she was making a deal wit
r said through
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