The voice belonged to Nora Bennett, one of the estate’s housekeepers.

“If she appears in front of my guests, you’ll be unemployed before she can reach the staircase.”

“Please. I need this job.”

“Then learn to follow instructions.”

Graham stood beside the door, listening through the ringing. He had heard Vanessa speak sharply to employees before; he’d told himself she was demanding because she organized expensive events where one mistake could destroy a reputation.

But this was different. This was not professional impatience. It was cruelty delivered in a calm voice.