“How dare you disrespect me in front of a maid? That girl is in my kitchen. You told her she can enter anywhere!”
Jeff looked at her calmly. “Mabel, she’s doing her job. Someone is finally doing what you refuse to do. Aren’t you supposed to be happy?”
Mabel froze. “Did you just call me lazy?”
Jeff’s voice didn’t soften. “If the shoe fits.”
Mabel’s pride turned into a vow. “I will make sure that girl doesn’t last in this house.”
Jeff stepped closer, eyes cold. “You won’t dare. If you try anything with Angela, you’ll see a side of me you won’t like.”
Mabel went quiet, humiliated.
And Angela, unaware of the exact shape of the storm gathering, continued cooking for Papa James, humming softly like peace could be summoned with melody.
That evening, Angela returned home smiling.
Her mother sat up weakly. “My daughter, welcome. How was your first day?”
“It was good, Mama,” Angela said, eyes shining. “And Mama… my salary is five hundred thousand naira every month.”
Her mother covered her mouth in shock. “Five… what?”
Angela nodded. “Yes, Mama. Sir Jeff added more because of you.”
Her mother cried quietly. “God will bless that young man.”
Angela leaned closer, voice dropping like it carried wonder. “Mama, remember the old man I told you about? The one I gave my last money?”
Her mother nodded.
“Mama,” Angela said, laughing through tears, “he is my boss’s father.”
Her mother shook her head in awe. “God works in ways that make humans quiet.”
Angela squeezed her mother’s hand. “With this salary, Mama, we can save for your surgery.”
Her mother’s eyes softened. “My child, you are my blessing.”
Angela hesitated, then confessed, “My only problem is Jeff’s fiancée. She doesn’t like me.”
Her mother frowned. “Be careful with her. Some people hate light because it shows their darkness.”
Angela nodded. “I will ignore her. I’m there to work, not to fight.”
