SHE WAS JUST THE MAID NO ONE NOTICED—UNTIL SHE TOOK THE SLAP MEANT FOR A LITTLE GIRL, AND THE MOST FEARED MAN IN THE HOUSE SAW EVERYTHING

the contract back. “This is too much.”

Alejandro didn’t touch it. “No. What you had before was too little.”

“I’m not qualified for this.”

“You know my children’s fears, routines, safe foods, nightmares, their mother’s name, and the difference between silence and peace. That is more qualification than anyone else here had.”

Her eyes burned. “People will continue reading …