Chapter 2: Humiliation in Paradise
Azure Sands was breathtaking—floating villas, marble walkways, warm ocean air.
At reception, the staff greeted us. Julian, the manager, met my eyes. I gave a slight shake of my head.
He understood.
“Welcome, Mr. Vance,” he said smoothly.
Mark stood taller. “Nice place. Put my bags in the best villa. Get my father a drink.”
They relaxed. I worked.
For two days, I ran errands. Beatrice sent me for magazines. Frank complained about everything. Mark made me take photos of him posing.
“Higher angle, Clara!”
On the third night, we ate at the underwater restaurant. Fish drifted past glass walls.
Beatrice smirked. “Still drawing little pictures?”
“I’m an illustrator.”
She laughed. “Same thing.”
Frank added, “Mark needs someone ambitious. Not someone so… provincial.”
The word lingered.
Then Beatrice slammed her glass down. “This wine is bad.”
It wasn’t.
“It’s fine,” I said.
She snapped her fingers. “Go fix it.”
Mark didn’t defend me. “Just go.”
I walked away under watching eyes.
When I returned with another bottle, she sipped… then poured it onto the floor.
“Better,” she said. “Clean it.”
Chapter 3: The Breaking Point
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