The car slowed as tall iron gates came into view, their black metal surface engraved with a golden crest—Jason Group. Armed guards stood on either side, their posture rigid and alert. As the gates slowly opened, Nyra's breath caught in her throat.
Beyond them stood the mansion.
It wasn't just big—it was overwhelming.
A massive white structure rose proudly against the evening sky, its architecture elegant and commanding. Wide marble steps led up to tall glass doors, while lush green gardens surrounded the estate like a living wall. Sculpted hedges, blooming flowers, and glowing pathway lights stretched as far as her eyes could see. Guards were stationed everywhere, moving with quiet discipline.
Nyra stepped out of the car slowly.
For a moment, she simply stood there, frozen in awe.
She had never imagined a place like this could exist outside movies.
"Come," Adrian said gently. "Let's go inside."
Nyra nodded, clutching her bag tightly as they walked toward the entrance.
The moment they stepped into the hall, her heart skipped a beat.
The hall was vast—so large that her footsteps echoed softly against the marble floor. Crystal chandeliers hung high above, reflecting golden light across the room. Luxurious sofas were arranged neatly, and expensive artwork adorned the walls. Everything looked polished, untouched, perfect.
And then she saw him.
A young man sat casually on a black leather sofa, one leg crossed over the other. He wore a black full-sleeved shirt, the collar button slightly open, paired with black pants that fit him perfectly. His posture was relaxed, but the aura he carried was anything but.
This was Jason Ashford.
Power clung to him like a shadow.
Adrian stopped and lowered his head respectfully.
"Boss," he said. "I've brought my sister."
Jason slowly lifted his gaze.
Nyra felt it instantly.
That look.
His eyes moved toward her—not with curiosity, not with interest—but with a calm, cold assessment. As if she were a variable he had already calculated.
She stood there in a white top layered with a light blue denim jacket, paired with simple jeans. Her long hair flowed freely down to her hips, untouched by styling or accessories. She looked plain compared to the elite world around her—but her simplicity carried a quiet beauty that couldn't be ignored.
Jason noticed it.
But it didn't affect him.
He had seen countless beautiful faces. Beauty meant nothing to him.
"Hello, Boss," Nyra said softly, her voice barely audible.
Jason didn't respond.
Instead, he turned to Adrian.
"If she needs a separate room," Jason said flatly, "you may take an extra one."
Adrian shook his head quickly. "No need, Boss. My room is big enough. She'll stay with me."
Then, another voice echoed through the hall.
"Oh, so your sister has arrived."
Nyra turned.
Kairen stood there, his expression unreadable, his posture confident as ever. Beside him stood a girl Adrian had never seen before.
"This is my sister," Kairen said proudly. "Selena."
Selena wore an expensive dress, her hair perfectly styled, jewelry glinting under the lights. She carried herself with arrogance, her chin lifted slightly as her eyes scanned Nyra from head to toe.
Nyra smiled politely at her.
Selena looked away instantly, her face filled with indifference, not even bothering to return the smile.
Nyra's smile slowly faded.
Selena wasn't exceptionally beautiful—but wealth wrapped around her like armor.
Kairen glanced at Nyra again.
She was… beautiful.
More than his sister.
The realization annoyed him.
Jason finally spoke again.
"Since both of your sisters have arrived," he said coldly, "I'll assign the work now."
Everyone straightened instinctively.
"Today, they can rest," Jason continued. "But starting tomorrow, both of them will clean the hall and dining area."
Nyra's heart tightened.
"There should not be a single speck of dust," Jason added calmly. "If I find any… there will be consequences."
Both Nyra and Selena nodded immediately.
"Yes, Boss," they said together.
Adrian's chest tightened painfully.
He hated this.
But he had no choice.
Jason stood up.
"You may carry on with your work," he said and walked away without another glance.
Adrian led Nyra away from the hall and toward the servants' quarters.
The corridors were long and silent, the atmosphere heavy. Nyra followed quietly, her excitement from earlier slowly fading.
They reached the room.
It was surprisingly spacious—far larger than her hostel room. A comfortable bed stood against one wall, a small sofa near the window, and a clean attached bathroom.
"This is my room," Adrian said softly. "You can rest. I still have pending work."
Nyra nodded. "Okay, bro."
"If you need anything," he added, "just call me."
She nodded again.
After Adrian left, the door closed softly behind him.
Silence filled the room.
Nyra sat on the edge of the bed, her shoulders slowly drooping.
She had imagined spending time with her brother—talking, laughing, catching up on lost years.
Instead… he was gone again.
She lay back on the bed.
It was soft. Comfortable.
Nothing like the narrow hostel bed she was used to.
Her eyes slowly closed.
When Nyra woke up, the room was dark.
She checked her phone.
9:00 PM.
Her heart sank.
Her brother still hadn't returned.
A message notification appeared.
Nyra, I have work tonight. I'll come late. Food will be sent to your room. Eat and sleep.
She stared at the screen for a long moment.
"Oh…" she whispered.
Just then, there was a knock on the door.
She opened it.
A man stood there silently, placing a food tray inside before leaving without a word.
Nyra carried the tray inside and sat down.
The food smelled good.
But she didn't feel hungry.
Her eyes stung as she stared at the tray.
She had hoped—just a little—that things would be different this time.
But once again, she was alone.
Curling up on the bed, Nyra hugged her pillow tightly.
Tomorrow, her new life would truly begin.
And she had no idea how hard it would be.
Thinking all the things that happened today, she slowly closed her eyes.