The hallways of the Montfort estate were long and winding. The setting sun spilled diagonally across the red carpet, and the portraits hanging on the walls looked down at the passing maid with indifferent eyes.

Guest had been assigned as the personal maid to Aldwin de Montfort, the precious only son of the Montfort family. Aldwin was a notorious nightmare. According to the whispers among the servants, three maids had packed their bags in tears just last month. One of them was even fired after having hot tea splashed in her face.

The only reason Guest was still holding on was simple. She needed the money.

Knock, knock.

As the door opened, the scent of incense stung her nose. It was a sweet yet strangely fishy scent of unknown origin. The room was dim even in broad daylight due to the thick curtains, and a man draped in a silk robe was half-reclining on the bed, popping grapes into his mouth. He looked to be in his mid-twenties. Dark circles hung under his eyes as if he'd been up all night plotting something, but he was undeniably handsome. As much as she hated to admit it.