Chapter 98: Choice—Life Long Choices 1
Hours later, a blacked-out luxury SUV rolled up to the gates. The woman who stepped out was as sharp as the lines of the mansion itself—tailored navy suit, a professional air that practically screamed control.
Her name was Victoria Langley. Mid-thirties, former estate manager for tech billionaires in Silicon Valley, known for her discretion and results.
From the moment the mansion's grand gate recognized her face and permitted entry, she had been assessing—calculating. Every step through the stone-paved driveway was silent, her heels muffled against the textured surface as she approached the main entrance. The towering glass doors parted smoothly, the biometric system scanning her pre-registered credentials with a soft chime.
But that was the only thing functioning correctly in her view.
The mansion's beauty was undeniable—clean, modern, yet... neglected. The kind of neglect that only revealed itself to a trained eye. Victoria had handled properties of similar stature before, and they all shared the same weakness: the illusion of perfection.
Parker met her at the entrance, Ere perched on his shoulder, as always.
"Mr. Black," she greeted, tone formal but respectful. "I've familiarized myself with the property details you provided. My team is on standby for a full maintenance overhaul, should you choose to proceed."
Parker gave a curt nod. "You understand the level of privacy I expect here?"
"Of course. Non-disclosure agreements will be signed by all personnel under my supervision. No one enters this estate without clearance. No exceptions."
Her professionalism pleased him.
"Good. I'll authorize your team for a probationary period. Full control over maintenance, security oversight, and scheduling. If you perform as promised, we'll discuss long-term terms."
Victoria inclined her head. "You won't be disappointed, Mr. Black."
And just like that, the mansion will become a machine again—streamlined, efficient, and flawless.
Because Parker didn't just live here.
He owned every inch of it.
Victoria Langley was thorough. No, relentless would be the better word as she observed everything.
A faint scent of stale air lingered, a sign the air filtration hadn't cycled recently. She paused near the grand living room where sunlight poured in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, streaking through faint dust particles lingering in the air. The rooftop garden, visible from the glass walls, had wild vines beginning to press against the structure—untrimmed for weeks.
Beautiful... but not maintained.
She adjusted the slim leather binder tucked under her arm, flipping it open as she began her initial assessment. One hand traced along the Italian marble of the kitchen countertop. Immaculate, but unused for far too long. The fridge hummed softly—no fresh stock.
No sign of regular care.
Victoria pressed her earpiece, already issuing orders into the calm void.
"Rooftop garden requires immediate trimming and landscaping. Full crew, licensed. No freelancers. Now."
Her pen glided across the checklist.
"Central air system. Have an HVAC specialist here before sunset. Must clear dust buildup. Ensure the entire ventilation system is rechecked for maintenance gaps."
She made her way up the floating staircase, her sharp gaze flicking over the subtle design imperfections—the artwork slightly tilted, a sheer curtain left unbalanced. Minor, but in a property like this? Unacceptable.
In Parker's private wing, the luxury was more personal—monochrome themes, the kind of curated minimalism tailored to someone who didn't seek comfort, only efficiency. It spoke volumes about him. A man who valued control above all else. Yet, even here, the unused scent lingered, and the linen sets needed a refresh.
Victoria was already dialing.
"Full luxury linen replacement, Egyptian cotton preferred. Replacing all bedsheets, towels, and textiles. Deliver tonight or by morning at the latest."
No one questioned her. They never did.
Cleaning teams were already en route. She had arranged for a temporary groundskeeper to begin the exterior work before evening, though the real staff would arrive tomorrow.
It was well past midday when Victoria finally crossed paths with Parker again. He had remained mostly unseen since her arrival, quietly sequestered in his study—where she presumed he worked or rested.
When he did finally emerge, it was just as a delivery service dropped off the meals she had ordered and she called him.
Victoria had chosen simplicity—sushi, assorted high-end salads, and sparkling water—nothing excessive but quality-driven. They ate in the sleek, sunlit dining room, seated across from one another at a table far too large for just two people.
Parker remained composed, his gaze sharp as he reviewed something on his phone. He wasn't ignoring her—but he was clearly elsewhere mentally.
Victoria respected that. She kept their conversation minimal, reporting key details:
"The landscaping crew has begun work. Interior textile replacements are scheduled for tomorrow morning. Security and HVAC systems will be rechecked by tonight. Full house readiness by the time your live-in staff arrives."
Parker simply nodded, his approval silent but evident. Read exclusive chapters at My Virtual Library Empire
They finished their meal in quiet efficiency—just the way both preferred.
****
By sunset, the mansion had already shifted.
The scent of fresh air filled the space as the HVAC system roared back to life. The gardens had been restored—vines trimmed, exotic plants realigned, and the pool cleaned to a mirror-like shine.
Victoria stood by the main lounge, watching the property settle as the hired hands finished their work. Outside, the golden hues of the sinking sun reflected across the water features, restoring the mansion's sense of prestige.
Satisfied but never complacent, she made one final call.
"Caretaker staff will arrive tomorrow. Ensure they are background-checked, trained, and sign non-disclosure contracts before entry. I want perfection here."
And so, the mansion will soon be ready.
Victoria stood near the grand windows, tablet in hand, as the last traces of sunlight faded behind the mansion's sculpted gardens. The subtle glow from the recessed ceiling lights reflected off the screen as she scrolled through a detailed list of candidates, pausing only when Parker emerged from the hallway.
His expression remained unreadable, calm, but his mind was already weighing every choice presented to him.
"I'm finalizing the staffing arrangements," Victoria began, her voice professional yet softened by the quiet ambiance of the house. "Do you have any preferences regarding the caretaker or maids, Mr. Black?"
Parker tilted his head slightly, considering. His gaze drifted to the silent expanse of the mansion around him—the kind of space that, despite its beauty, could feel hollow without the right hands maintaining its perfection.
"A live-out caretaker," he decided, voice even, firm. "No need for someone constantly hovering here. I want the estate maintained, but I don't need a big crowd in my space full-time."
Victoria nodded, making a note on her tablet. "Understood. And for the maids I assume you might need some?"
"Five at the start. Two live-in," he specified, shifting his weight slightly, "the head maid and someone to handle the kitchen, groceries, fridge, drinks—everything food-related." His tone was decisive, but not micromanaging. "The rest can be live-out. I don't need a crowd and after sometime I will cut some off so it's better that the live-out maids are informed sooner."
Victoria scrolled further, tapping a few selections before tilting the screen toward him. "These are the candidates I've shortlisted. Would you prefer to make the final decision, or should I handle it?"
Parker scanned the profiles briefly, eyes narrowing as he processed their credentials. The head maid—a woman named Elena—stood out with years of luxury estate experience and glowing recommendations for discretion and professionalism. The second, Naomi, specialized in culinary services and had formal training in nutrition and dietary management even at such young age.
"They'll do." He handed the tablet back with a flick of his fingers, dismissive but not careless. "You handle the others. Just make sure they're competent."
"Of course." Victoria noted the selections before adding, "Both of them also have driving experience, as you requested. Will they need a vehicle for errands?"
Parker's lips curled into a thoughtful smirk. "Yes. I'll be getting one tomorrow. Something practical. I'll let you know when it's done."
She nodded, voice all business again. "I'll ensure the paperwork is ready. I'll stay until everything is finalized and operational. If that's acceptable?"
He gave a slight nod of approval, his focus already drifting as he turned toward the massive windows.
The night air seemed calmer here, far from the chaotic pulse of the city. Victoria's presence was efficient, professional—exactly what he needed. No unnecessary chatter, no emotional baggage.
Ere padded silently across the marble floor, curling at his feet as the silence stretched. This space was his now. Perfect, untouched, and finally beginning to reflect his standards.