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Chapter 6 - THE SABOTAGE

The peaceful connection from the library lasted for several days. Cinder felt a new confidence, and even Clovis seemed less distant, sometimes pausing in the kitchen doorway to ask about her day. The mansion began to feel like a home.

This fragile peace was shattered when Lucy and Darla returned. This time, they didn't bother with fake smiles or pretended concern. They stood at the grand entrance with determined, angry faces.

"We're here to see Mr. Blackwood," Lucy announced, her voice sharp.

Cinder's heart sank. "He's very busy," she said, trying to block the doorway.

"Not too busy for us," Darla snapped, pushing past her. "We're practically family."

As if on cue, Clovis descended the staircase, his eyes narrowing at the unwelcome scene. "What is the meaning of this?" he asked, his voice dangerously calm.

Lucy stepped forward. "Mr. Blackwood, we're here out of concern. Cinder is a sweet girl, but this job is too much for her. We think it would be better for everyone if our Darla worked for you instead. She's more... refined."

Clovis didn't even glance at Darla. His cold gaze was fixed on Lucy. "The answer is no," he stated flatly. "Cinder stays. Now, leave." He turned and walked away, leaving them fuming.

Lucy's face turned a blotchy red. She grabbed Cinder's arm, her nails digging in. "You think you've won? You're nothing! We'll make sure he sees you for the worthless girl you are."

Later that afternoon, Cinder was focused on preparing for a crucial dinner. Clovis was hosting two important business partners, and she was making her most impressive dish: beef Wellington with a rich red wine sauce. The kitchen was a whirlwind of activity.

As the sauce simmered, Darla slipped into the kitchen, a fake smile plastered on her face. "Cinder! Your stepmother is outside, and she's furious! She says it's an emergency and you need to come right now!"

Fear gripped Cinder's heart. Had something happened? Without a second thought, she rushed outside to find Lucy. The moment the kitchen was empty, Darla's smile vanished. She grabbed the container of salt and poured the entire contents into the simmering sauce, stirring it quickly before darting out.

When Cinder returned, confused because Lucy had simply scowled and walked away, she finished the meal, unaware of the sabotage. She carefully plated the beautiful, golden-brown pastry, proud of her work.

In the dining room, Clovis and his guests took their first bites. There was a moment of strained silence. One guest subtly reached for his water glass. The other coughed into his napkin.

"Clovis," one man said, his voice tight, "this is certainly... a unique flavor."

Confused, Clovis tasted the sauce. It was violently, inedibly salty. A hot wave of humiliation washed over him. His reputation was being ruined at his own table. He stood up so quickly his chair scraped loudly against the floor.

"Cinder!" he roared, his voice echoing through the mansion.

She came running in, her eyes wide with alarm.

"What is this?" he demanded, his voice shaking with a cold, controlled rage. "You have ruined this dinner. You have embarrassed me in front of my most important partners."

Tears sprang to Cinder's eyes. "I... I don't understand! I tasted it, it was perfect!"

"I don't want to hear your excuses!" he shouted, the cold man from the first day fully returned. "You're suspended. Get out of my kitchen. Now."

Heart shattered, Cinder turned and fled from the room, the dream she had built crumbling around her.

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