“Oh, my girl, I finally have a grandson! I thought I’d die without ever becoming a grandma,” Linda said, overjoyed.
“Yeah, Mom. You’ll have a helper in your old age. Here’s some money for diapers and clothes,” Emily said, handing over part of the cash from her scheme with Owen’s wife.
“What, you’re leaving already? Stay a while, have some coffee, catch up. Why are you alone, sweetheart? Where’s your husband?” Linda asked, already sensing her daughter’s answer.
“Husband? He’s out of the picture, Mom. I’ve got to go. I’ll be back soon, I promise. Just need to sort some things out,” Emily said casually, avoiding her mother’s gaze.
Of course, she didn’t return as promised. A mother’s heart isn’t easily fooled. Linda knew her daughter was a restless soul, always chasing a better life.
And indeed, Emily set off to find her fortune, this time in the capital.
In the big city, she didn’t hesitate. Like a born predator, she set her trap where the wealthy men gathered—she got a job as a waitress in an upscale restaurant.
There, she flashed seductive smiles at anyone with a fat wallet.
Luck didn’t favor the bold adventuress for a while, until one day she received an order from a distinguished, silver-haired man in his mid-sixties.
Glancing at the menu, she realized—this was her mark.
The old man knew his way around fine wines from nearly every country.
Emily, plastering on a mask of warm delight, sashayed over with his tray.
He stole a glance at her figure but said nothing, digging into his risotto.
“Don’t worry, old man, I’ll reel you in,” Emily thought, undeterred.
While pouring wine into his glass, she “accidentally” splashed some on his shirt.
He shot her an annoyed look, but she put on an innocent face and gushed apologies. “Oh, I’m so sorry, I’m so clumsy!” she said, feigning embarrassment.
“It’s fine, I’ll survive. I’ll toss it in the washer tonight, five minutes and done,” he replied good-naturedly.
“What, you don’t have a housekeeper? At my last job, I was a maid. I love keeping things in order, you can count on me,” Emily said demurely.
“Why don’t you come work for me? The pay’s no worse than here, and I’m generous with tips,” he said, winking at her.
“I’m in! When can I start?” Emily asked, her voice brimming with excitement.
“How about right now? Name’s Henry Samuel, by the way,” he chuckled.
The attention of a young woman, far beneath him in age and status, thrilled him. The wine warmed his blood, and he suddenly craved love and affection. What did he have at home? A perpetually ill wife and her endless pills?
Here was a chance to feel young again, tossing out jokes and savoring every moment.
Emily, with her seasoned eye, knew he was hooked.
They drove to Henry’s home together.
She hung up her waitress apron, thinking it was for good.
Henry’s driver, Steven, opened the Mercedes door for her. Tall and athletic, he immediately caught Emily’s eye.
She knew men, and this one was a real catch—she could sense it from a distance.
On the drive, Henry was the picture of charm, reciting Whitman and quoting lines from Gone with the Wind.
Emily laughed at every joke, whether it landed or not.
Finally, Steven pulled up to a massive mansion nestled by a pine grove.
“Wow, what a palace,” Emily said, her tone exaggerated.
Inside, it was even grander—plush carpets, handcrafted furniture, and Renaissance paintings on the walls. The old man was clearly loaded.
“Darling, you’re back?” a frail female voice rasped.
“Yes, Clara, I’m home,” Henry replied, watching his wife’s reaction.
“Who’s with you?” Clara Jane asked weakly.
“This is our new housekeeper, Emily. Straight out of a Jane Austen novel,” he laughed.
The introductions ended, and everyone retired to their rooms. Emily was given a lavish suite with a wall-sized TV and a plush sofa.
Late that evening, she slipped into Henry’s room.
“Henry Samuel, can you show me where the washing machine is? You’ll probably need that shirt clean by morning,” she said, standing before him in a sheer negligee.
Suddenly, Henry felt twenty years younger. His mood soared, and his blood pressure hit new heights.
They talked late into the night. Laundry was the last thing on their minds.
Henry was a captivating conversationalist, and they had plenty to discuss.
From then on, Henry’s evenings were spent solely with Emily. Whether it was love was hard to say, but he couldn’t imagine life without her.