Elena stood on the edge of the sprawling estate and took a very deep breath.
The sun washed over the massive stone pillars of the billionaire mansion.
She adjusted her crisp white shirt before walking up the paved front driveway.
Her family had fallen on hard times after her father lost his farm last autumn.
They faced foreclosure on their childhood home unless someone paid the back taxes soon.
Elena dropped out of college to help pay off the mountain of debt.
She answered an urgent help-wanted ad for a private housekeeper in town.
The position promised high weekly pay for someone willing to work long hours.
She walked up the front steps with a heart full of nervous hope.
The heavy oak front door swung open to reveal a giant marble foyer.
A woman named Victoria stood at the base of the winding staircase.
Victoria wore a bright emerald gown that dragged along the polished floor.
Her sharp eyes scanned Elena from head to toe with cold disapproval.
Victoria: You must be the new maid my manager hired yesterday morning.
Elena: Yes, ma'am, my name is Elena and I am ready to work hard.
Victoria: Do not speak unless I ask you a direct question, girl.
Elena swallowed her pride and nodded silently at her strict new boss.
She needed this job more than anything else in the whole world.
Victoria handed her a heavy iron key tied to a piece of string.
Victoria: The servant quarters are around back near the garden sheds.
Elena: Thank you, ma'am, I will head there right away.
Victoria: Put on your uniform and report to the outdoor kitchen immediately.
Elena walked quickly down the quiet stone hallway toward the back garden door.
She knew the work would be tough, but she felt ready for anything.
Her older brother Mark was away serving as a high-ranking military officer.
He had not called the family in almost two full months due to his deployment.
Elena wished her brave brother was there to protect her as always.
She put on the rough grey apron over her clean white shirt.
The fabric felt scratchy, but she refused to complain about small things.
She walked out onto the massive patio where dozens of filthy pots sat.
A giant charity gala was scheduled to take place at the estate that night.
Victoria stood on the upper terrace with her arms crossed over her chest.
Victoria: Scrub every single pot until you can see your reflection.
Elena: I will get straight to work, ma'am.
Elena dropped to her knees on the cold concrete patio surface.
She grabbed a steel wire brush and plunged her hands into ice-cold soapy water.