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