Chapter 12
Elena tried to resign.
Of course.
People with the strongest loyalty often believe they caused the most trouble.
She stood in my office holding a folded letter.
“I think it’s better.”
“For who?”
She hesitated.
“Everyone.”
“No.”
She looked surprised.
“You were injured.”
“Barely.”
“You were targeted for removal.”
“I know.”
“You spent your money on my daughter.”
Her cheeks reddened.
“I didn’t want her feet hurting.”
Exactly.
“Why resign?”
Elena looked toward the window.
“Because Lily depends on me too much.”
Interesting.
Not fear.
Responsibility.
“What do you mean?”
“She should depend on family.”
I leaned back.
“Why are you not included in the people she can depend on?”
Her eyes filled.
“I’m staff.”
There.
Celeste’s hierarchy had reached her too.
I looked at her.
“Lily does not organize trust by payroll.”
Elena almost smiled.
“She’s three.”
“Exactly.”
I continued.
“You don’t become her mother.”
Her face changed.
“I know.”
“You don’t replace Sofia.”
“I would never.”
“I know.”
That mattered.
“But you are allowed to be someone she loves.”
Elena started crying quietly.
Good.
Not because I wanted it.
Because she needed permission she should never have required.
She stayed.
Different role.
Still maid by title if she wanted it.
But with direct authority to interrupt me on anything involving Lily.
No intermediary.
No household office.
No Celeste.
Then I repaid the forty-five dollars.
Elena refused.
I put the cash inside the shoebox anyway.
She returned it to my desk.
I put it back.
This continued for three days.
Finally Lily found the money.
“What this?”
“Elena’s shoe money.”
She looked at Elena.
“You buy shoes?”
“Yes.”
Lily pushed the bills toward her.
“Buy ice cream.”
Elena laughed.
May you like
Problem solved.
Three-year-olds remain superior negotiators.
