The Ashford Estate overlooked the rolling hills outside Aspen, Colorado, where towering glass walls reflected the snow-covered mountains beyond. Inside, polished white marble floors, priceless artwork, and elegant modern furniture created an atmosphere of quiet luxury.
For most visitors, the mansion represented success.
For twenty-one-year-old Mia Hernandez...
It represented her chance to start over.
After losing both parents in a car accident and struggling to support her younger brother through college, Mia had accepted a housekeeping position at the Ashford Estate. It wasn't glamorous work, but the pay was enough to help keep her family together.
She had only been employed there for three days.
That morning, while serving drinks in the main foyer, Mia accidentally dropped a crystal wine glass.
Deep red wine spread across the white marble floor.
Before she could apologize, Vanessa Brooks—the owner's glamorous girlfriend—exploded with anger.
"You useless girl!"
The shattered glass had cut Mia's nose as she hurried to clean the mess.
Blood mixed with the spilled wine.
Still, Vanessa showed no concern.
"Get on your knees and clean every drop."
Ashamed and terrified of losing her new job, Mia silently obeyed.
She knelt on the cold marble floor, tears falling as she scrubbed the growing stain.
Then the front doors opened.
Heavy footsteps echoed across the foyer.
A deep voice broke the silence.
"What's going on here?"
Mia slowly looked up.
Standing in the doorway was Daniel Ashford.
The owner of the mansion.