Chapter 3 - Six O’Clock Sharp
At exactly six the next morning, the mansion’s service bell rang.
Tabitha opened her bedroom door in a silk robe.
Taylor stood in the hallway, fully dressed.
Her burgundy gown was gone.
She wore a navy business suit, low heels, and a calm expression.
“What are you doing?” Tabitha demanded.
“Following Rule Seven.”
Taylor opened the black notebook.
“All household members must be seated for breakfast at six sharp. Late arrivals are not served.”
Tabitha stared at her.
“That rule is for staff.”
“The notebook says household members.”
“You know what it means.”
“I know what it says.”
Downstairs, Colin entered the dining room, sleepy and confused.
The long table had been set beautifully.
Coffee steamed in silver pots.
Fresh fruit, eggs, pastries, and toast filled the serving platters.
But every chair was empty.
Taylor checked her watch.
Six o’clock passed.
Then six-oh-one.
She began clearing the table.
Colin rushed toward her.
“Wait. What are you doing?”
“Breakfast ended.”
“My mother isn’t even downstairs.”
“She was informed.”
“You can’t throw everything away.”
“I’m not.”
Taylor packed the food into containers.
“I’m taking it to the women’s shelter on Madison.”
Tabitha appeared on the staircase.
“You will put that food back.”
Taylor closed the final container.
“Rule Twelve. No food may remain after a formal meal.”
Tabitha’s face reddened.
Colin looked between them.
For the first time, he seemed to understand that Taylor’s obedience was not submission.
It was precision.
Taylor lifted her briefcase.
“I’ll be at work until seven.”
Tabitha folded her arms.
“You are expected to prepare dinner.”
Taylor opened the notebook again.
“Rule Nineteen. The youngest woman may not enter the kitchen after completing outside employment.”
Tabitha snatched the book from her.
“That is not what I intended!”
Taylor met her eyes.
May you like
“Then perhaps you should never have written it.”
👉 Taylor had found contradictions in Tabitha’s rules—but the most dangerous page was still hidden near the back.
