My Ambition 27

 

Chapter 2 

After moving into the penthouse, life got pretty chill for a while. 

The only thing I had to do was sneak back to the villa three times a day to cook Gabriel’s meals-with the butler helping me dodge Sera’s radar, of course. Other than that? Pure bliss. 

While I was looking healthier by the day, the butler was visibly falling apart. 

During one of our covert meal exchanges, I finally had to ask: 

‘Hey, is work at the villa really that crazy lately? You look like you haven’t slept in weeks.” 

He let out this long, defeated sigh: 

Don’t even get me started. Miss Sera is literally driving me insane.” 

Day one in the villa, she demands Mr. Stone fire me. Because apparently I was supposed to tell her she’s the first woman he’s e >rought home.” 

Then the next day she’s all ‘Did Gabriel stop smiling for ten years after I left?’ So I showed her a photo from his interview two go where he’s literally grinning, and she completely loses it and smashes my phone!” 

The poor guy had clearly been bottling this up, because he just went off about everything Sera had put him through that week 

Watching him vent like his life depended on it, I felt this wave of relief. 

hank God I got out of there on day one. Living with Sera’s soap opera antics would’ve taken years off my 

But apparently I celebrated too soon. 

life. 

ust two days into my peaceful existence, someone started hammering on my doorbell like the building was on fire. 

he second I opened the door, Sera shoved past me and stormed inside. 

he strutted around like some territorial peacock, then struck this whole dramatic pose: 

Well, well, well! No wonder you bounced so easily that day. Gabe’s got you set up in his secret love nest!” 

My eye started twitching hard. I just wanted this queen out of my space: 

Miss Sera, I swear I’m just the chef. Here, look at my actual work contract if you don’t believe me.” 

pulled out the paperwork, and when her eyes hit the salary line, they went totally huge: 

Eight hundred thousand?!” 

he snatched the contract with this bitter laugh and slammed it on the coffee table. 

What chef makes that kind of money? This has gotta be your sugar baby allowance!” 

Okay, that crossed a line. 

work my ass off for this job, and she’s basically calling me a kept woman. 

I’d had enough. I whipped out my phone and called Gabriel: 

“Mr. Stone, can you please control your first love!” 

I heard this heavy sigh on the other end. “She tracked you down? Put her on.” 

Sera started the call all smug and dismissive, but her face totally changed as she listened. 

Finally she shot me this death glare, muttered “Fine, whatever” into the phone, and hung up. 

She lifted her chin, back to full princess mode: 

“You got lucky today! But don’t think I’m done with you. Gabe’s just blinded by your little act right now. Soon he’ll realize you’re nothing but a cheap knockoff!” 

She stomped out, slamming the door so hard I thought it might fall off its hinges. I was seriously considering asking Gabriel for hazard pay. 

To avoid more Sera drama, I even stayed away from the villa for the next few days. 

I’d just cook everything and have the butler take it over in takeout containers. 

Then one day he showed up with more than just empty containers-he had this fancy gold invitation. 

I stared at that over-the-top welcome-Sera-home party invite, feeling my temples start pounding like a drum. 

I was about to pass when he added: 

‘Mr. Stone’s pretty desperate. Says if you show up, he’ll pay you ten times overtime.” 

He gave me this look like ‘damn girl, you’re living the dream.’ 

My tune also changed real quick: 

What overtime pay? If Mr. Stone needs me there, I’m totally on board!” 

The welcome party was at Gabriel’s villa. When I arrived, Sera was at the piano. 

soft spotlights were hitting her just right, and for once she actually looked the part of the ethereal first love. 

All these elite socialites and business bigshots at the party spotted me and immediately came over to schmooze: 

Did Chef Summer cater tonight? We’re so lucky!” 

Miss Summer, any chance you’re looking to switch jobs? My mom’s been dying to poach you.” 

The piano music stopped dead. Everyone automatically looked over at Sera. 

She grabbed the mic, eyes blazing as she stared at the crowd around me: 

‘Let me introduce myself. I’M Gabriel Stone’s first love. That person you’re all sucking up to? She’s just some pathetic wannabe.” 

“You wanna kiss ass, go ahead, but maybe pick the right person next time. Just saying!” 

Chapter 2 

Everyone exchanged these confused looks and went right back to chatting with me. 

Sera was totally convinced I’d bought everyone off while she was gone. 

She was fuming, but then something clicked and this nasty smile spread across her face. 

She glided over, suddenly all sweet and fake: 

“My piano playing was pretty good just now, but I heard Chef Summer’s even more talented. How about you play som things up? I mean, unless you think we’re all beneath you.”