uiet, efficient activity. Maids and footmen moved swiftly throu

n carefully carried out a jagged, neon-pink metal sculpture that had ruined the flow of the room for months. They rolled u

cally breathe a sigh of relief. The original, elegant mahogany furniture and cream-color

ekeeper's posture was noticeably mo

of the requested items, Madam," Eleanor repo

" She felt a sense of peace settling over her as the phys

epped inside. His suit was immaculate, and he look

er a dozen large, heavy-duty moving boxes. They stac

e boxes. Her eyes gleame

s during the collecti

al. "Ms. Parsons was highly uncooperative, Madam. Until I dialed the firs

h. The sound surprised Arthur, who w

malayan crocodile leather Birkin bag. She inspected the hardware, satisfied that J

ting off her hands.

ant every single item in these boxes liquidated for cash by the end of the week. I inten

st pocket, ready to execute the order. But he pa

the phone slowly and looked at Audrey. His eyes held a m

ze, Madam, but I cannot arrange the cons

d instantly. "Why not? Is there a log

. His voice was flat as he de

ed. "Your biometric access to the main gates has been deleted. Furthermore, no

ed down on her like a physical weight. She was completel

nally, your personal bank accounts and black cards have

old instinct-to scream, to throw the Birkin bag at the wa

the hot anger down into her stomach. She reminded herself that Barrett's pa

on smoothed out into calm accept

Audrey said quietly. "Th

had braced his entire body for a violent tantrum. He expec

of luxury goods. She realiz

main vault," Audrey instructed.

now that her external resources were completely cut off. If she couldn't l

the hall. It was late afternoon. She decided to

professional kitchen, determined to use the evenin