The days leading up to Saturday passed in a blur. Elena worked at her mother's side during the day, threading needles and cutting fabric, all while her thoughts drifted back to the shortlist. Every night, she lay awake staring at the ceiling, imagining the mansion she would soon be stepping into.
By Friday evening, she had packed her small bag three times, fussing over what to take. There wasn't much—just two neatly pressed dresses, a plain skirt, and a blouse. She borrowed one of her mother's shawls and folded it carefully. The others would probably bring expensive perfumes and designer clothes, but she had no such luxury.
"Stop worrying," Agnes said, watching her fuss with the bag again. "Just be yourself. That's more than enough."
Elena nodded, though her stomach churned. "I just… I don't want to disappoint you."
Her mother smiled faintly. "You could never."
---
Saturday morning came faster than Elena expected. A sleek black car pulled up outside their modest apartment building, its polished surface gleaming beneath the rising sun. Neighbors peeked from their windows as the driver stepped out, crisp in his uniform, and rang their bell.
"Elena Carter?" he asked.
Elena clutched the strap of her bag. "Yes, that's me."
Agnes stood beside her, worry clouding her features. She smoothed her daughter's hair one last time. "Be careful, my girl. And remember—you're stronger than you think."
Elena hugged her tightly before following the driver to the car. The leather seats smelled faintly of cedarwood, and her reflection stared back at her from the tinted glass.
The ride was quiet, but her nerves grew with every passing mile.
---
They arrived at a wrought-iron gate that stretched tall and imposing, guarded by two men in black suits. As the car rolled forward, Elena's breath caught. Beyond the gates lay a sprawling estate, acres of manicured gardens that seemed to stretch forever, and in the distance—
The mansion.
It rose like something out of a dream, grand and intimidating, with white stone walls and towering windows that glimmered in the morning light. A fountain sparkled at the entrance, water cascading in graceful arcs.
The car stopped, and as Elena stepped out, she saw the others already there. Clara waved when their eyes met, her face breaking into a relieved smile. Rachel, on the other hand, glanced at her before whispering something to Olivia, who gave only the slightest smirk. Daniel stood quietly to the side, hands in his pockets, his gaze fixed on the mansion as though memorizing every detail.
Before anyone could speak, a tall man in a black suit approached. His expression was severe, his movements precise.
"Welcome to the Knight residence," he said. His voice carried the weight of authority. "My name is Mr. Lewis. I am the head butler, and during your stay, you will answer directly to me. Consider this your first test—punctuality, discipline, and respect are expected from this moment forward."
He looked each of them over, his gaze sharp. When his eyes landed on Elena, she straightened her back instinctively, heat rushing to her cheeks.
"Your trial begins today," Mr. Lewis continued. "Follow me."
He turned briskly, leading them toward the mansion's entrance. The heavy double doors swung open, revealing marble floors that gleamed under the chandeliers. The air smelled faintly of lavender and polished wood.
Elena stepped inside, her heart pounding. Every corner of the grand hall screamed of wealth and power. She felt small, out of place—but beneath her fear flickered determination.
This was the world of Adrian Knight.
And she had just crossed its threshold.
The sound of their footsteps echoed softly against the marble floors as Mr. Lewis led the group deeper into the mansion. Chandeliers glittered above them, their light reflecting against polished wood and golden frames that lined the hallway. Elena's eyes darted from one magnificent detail to another, but she quickly lowered her gaze, afraid of seeming out of place.
"You will not be staying in the main halls," Mr. Lewis said sharply, as though reading their thoughts. "Candidates are housed in the servants' wing. There, you will sleep, eat, and prepare yourselves for duty. You will remain on this estate until the trial is complete. If you leave without permission, you are automatically disqualified."
Rachel raised her hand slightly, her voice dripping with disdain. "So we're… locked in here?"
Mr. Lewis gave her a cool glance. "If that is how you wish to interpret it."
Elena pressed her lips together, hiding the small smile tugging at them. Clara, standing beside her, leaned in and whispered, "At least the rooms might be better than my flat."
Finally, Mr. Lewis stopped before a narrow corridor. The atmosphere shifted instantly—here the grandeur gave way to simpler, practical design. The walls were plain, the air quieter, carrying faint traces of soap and linen.
"These are your quarters," he said. He handed each candidate a small brass key with a number etched on it. "Keep it safe. You will be held responsible for the condition of your room. Breakfast is served at six sharp, and your duties begin immediately after. Latecomers will not be tolerated."
Elena's hands trembled slightly as she accepted her key—Room 5. She followed the hallway until she found the door, unlocking it to reveal a modest space: a single bed with crisp white sheets, a wooden desk, and a narrow wardrobe. Sunlight filtered through the small window, illuminating dust motes that floated lazily in the air.
It wasn't grand, but it was hers—for now.
Elena sat on the edge of the bed, exhaling a shaky breath. For the first time, the weight of it all settled on her shoulders. She wasn't just a visitor anymore. She was inside Adrian Knight's world.
A sharp knock at the door startled her. She opened it to find Clara standing there, her face flushed with excitement.
"Can you believe this place?" Clara whispered. "It's like living in a palace. I almost fainted when I saw the chandeliers."
Elena chuckled softly. "It doesn't feel real."
Before they could say more, Mr. Lewis's voice rang down the corridor. "All candidates, report to the main hall immediately. Your first assignments await."
Elena's stomach twisted, but she stood tall, smoothing her skirt. This was it—the beginning of the trial that could change everything.