Mate's Vengeance
"This garden is scheduled to be demolished and redesigned. I've already hired landscapers. Whatever amateur work you're doing here is pointless."
"I'm sorry," Sera said quietly. "I meant no disrespect. I just hate seeing beautiful things die."
Celeste stepped closer, and Sera could smell her expensive perfume-something floral and cloying that probably cost more than Sera's monthly wages.
"What's your name?" Celeste asked, her tone shifting to something more calculating.
"Sera Blackwood, ma'am."
"Sera." Celeste circled her slowly, like a predator assessing prey. "You're new here. Two weeks, is that right?"