Chapter 8 - The Promotion
The next morning, Arthur called Clara into his formal office. She entered with her usual quiet respect, her hands folded neatly in front of her.
"Sir, you asked to see me?" she asked softly.
"Clara, please, sit down," Arthur insisted, gesturing to the plush leather chair opposite his desk. "I owe you an apology. A massive one. I let that woman's poison make me doubt the best thing that ever happened to this household."
"You don't owe me an apology, Mr. Pendelton," Clara said gently. "You were being manipulated. I only cared about keeping the girls safe."
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"And you did. When I failed, you stood as their shield," Arthur said, sliding a thick folder across the desk. "Effective immediately, you are no longer just the nanny. I am promoting you to Head of Household. You will oversee all staff, manage the house's operations, and yes, continue to guide my daughters. Your salary is being tripled, and I've set up a fully funded trust in your name. You are family, Clara. I want you to know you are safe here, permanently."
Clara stared at the paperwork, tears welling in her eyes. For the first time, the invisible servant let her guard down and wept openly, overwhelmed by the sudden, massive shift in her life's trajectory.
