Damian reached down beside the desk and lifted a small suitcase.He rolled his chair forward slightly and set it on the desk.The maid’s eyes widened when he opened it.Stacks of money.Neatly arranged.Her breath caught.“This is for your cooperation,” Damian said calmly.“For making the situation believable.”Her hands flew to her mouth.“Sir.. this is...”“Payment.”Her eyes filled with excitement.“I... I don’t know how to thank you...”“You already did.”She bowed quickly.“Thank you, sir. Truly.”Damian’s expression remained calm.But his tone hardened slightly.“However.”She immediately straightened.“Yes, sir.”“You will never repeat tonight’s story.”Her smile faded into seriousness.“No one must know the snakes were fictional.”“Yes, sir.”“No staff.”“No security.”“No one.”“I swear, sir.”“If this story reaches the wrong ears…” His voice lowered. “…you will wish the snakes had been real.”The maid swallowed quickly.“Yes, sir. I understand.”He nodded once.“You may go.”
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