At 11:30, Mrs. Chen found her dusting the formal dining room. "Sarah, change of plans for lunch. Mr. Blackwood called from the office. He won't be back until late this afternoon, so you're reassigned to help Maria with the guest suites on the second floor."
Relief and disappointment warred in Aria's chest. "Of course. Thank you for letting me know."
"He also left this for you." Mrs. Chen held out a small envelope expensive cream-colored paper with just her name written in bold, masculine handwriting.
Aria's hands were shaking slightly as she took it. "Thank you."
Mrs. Chen's sharp eyes didn't miss the tremor. "Whatever game you two are playing, be careful. Mr. Blackwood always wins."
The older woman left before Aria could formulate a response.
Alone in the dining room, Aria stared at the envelope. She should throw it away. Should refuse to engage. Should maintain professional boundaries.
Instead, she opened it.
Inside was a single card with a handwritten note:
Sarah,
