Sydney burst into the house, frustration written all over her face. "Come on, figure something out. I need to get out of here, pronto."
The new maid hesitated, "Madam, the master has strictly ordered that no one is to assist you. He's even replaced the entire staff and security."
"Why wasn't I told about this immediately?" Sydney's anger boiled over, and she slapped the maid.
Holding her cheek, the maid replied, "The master told me not to say anything."
"And you just went along with it? Don’t forget, it's me who pays you!"
"Madam, the master said he's taking over the payroll now."
Sydney was speechless, her frustration getting the better of her as she hurled a glass across the room, shattering it.
Pacing her room, she suddenly dropped into a chair, pulling out her phone to call Dominic. "Dominic, your dad has me locked up here. I need you to handle a few things. Call him and tell him to let me out."
"What's going on with you and Dominic? What secrets are you keeping from me?" Rowan's voice crackled through the phone, laced with anger.
"What are you three plotting? After my estate, are you?"
Sydney panicked, "Rowan, you've got it all wrong. Let me explain."
"Go ahead. I'm curious to hear how you're planning to keep deceiving me."
Sydney felt even more flustered, unsure of what Rowan knew or what he intended.
Trying to stay calm, she spoke softly, "Rowan, how can you doubt my feelings? Don’t you know how much I care about you?"
"Honestly, I don't. I can't tell if you're just faking it or if there's some real affection in there."
"Dominic, there are things best left between adults."
Dominic fell silent, worried his dad might ask him to pause his work projects.
"Dad, please forgive her this once. Whatever she did, it was probably for the best. Some rumors are just people trying to tarnish her reputation."
"Dominic, you're too young to get it. Focus on your work. Let's not talk about your mom's issues anymore."
Dominic nodded, staying quiet.
Rowan stood, his voice cold, "For now, keep your distance from her. She needs time to think things over."
As Rowan walked away, Dominic watched, a hint of displeasure in his eyes.

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