The Goldleaf Winery was known for producing some of the finest wines on the West Coast for the last several decades. Aged to perfection over the decades, the Wells family took pride in the lush vineyard that they had acquired through a deal. Many believed the land was blessed; the soil was so rich that even an untrained eye could see the health of the land by the dark soil and lavish greenery. Even those who didn't have taste buds accustomed to the taste of bittersweet fine wine could enjoy taking in the sight of the rolling fields of vines with a basket filled with grapes. There was no doubt to many that the Wells' property was a little piece of heaven. A heaven that everyone wanted to claim as their own.
Originally, the land used to be owned by another renowned family, the Morrows. A deal was made with the Wells, who bought the land many years ago and managed to turn it into a mini-empire. Rumor has it that the Morrows were forced to sell the land to the Wells after threats and extortion. The Wells would say the Morrows simply didn't see the value of the land back in the day. Nonetheless, the Morrow family would eventually try to get the land back as the original owners, but it didn't hold up in court due to lack of evidence.
A deal was a deal.
A new deal was almost made between the families about twenty years back. Eric Wells, a single father, had almost sold the land back to the Morrows. It was too difficult running the property after losing his wife, Laura. However, Eric wouldn't show up for the signing after the initial agreement. He realized that Goldleaf gave him more purpose in his life and decided he wanted to hand over something his daughter Ava would be proud of.
The Morrows haven't forgotten how close they were to securing the deal for a land that was rightfully theirs worth immense fame and fortune.
~ ~ ~
Ava Wells, daughter of Eric Wells, stepped up as the owner of the Goldleaf after her father moved and retired. It would have seemed like there was a good chance that things would finally flounder; the Wells would have to sell. After all, all that was left was some young woman who probably had no idea what the hell she was doing. Without her now feeling father there, without having siblings or anyone to count on, she would surely fail... but she didn't. Vines continued to spread. Grapes continued to ripen. Sales continued to rise.
Ava had not only been paying close attention to the business since she was a child, but she also had the personality to pull it off. She was confident when pitching her wine to businesses, self-disciplined enough to learn the ins and outs, and she was firm with her employees, whom she expected the best from. Ava also knew how to play societal chess and often hosted VIP events and parties for the elites but also welcomed the public for seasonal tours.
The Goldleaf Winery was booming, and it made those who disliked the small family business all the more bitter. ~ ~ ~
Ava well lived in a quaint mansion on the property. It basked in earthly hues in an attempt to blend in with the natural beauty around it. Next to the home was the production building connected to a highly guarded and locked-away cellar. Then on the other side of the manor was a building known as the exclusive Golden Lounge, which was where parties and events were hosted. There was also a garage storing two timeless cars that Ava liked to cruise in.
With how busy Ava was, she rarely had time for the little things, especially mundane tasks like cooking and cleaning. She had the same maid as her father, but now, with the maid ready to retire, Ava needed someone new. Such a task was easier said than done. She had to be able to trust someone in her personal space, which was difficult to do. Already, Ava had plenty of security guards stationed throughout her estate and vineyard to try to protect her land and herself. Nonetheless, it didn't change the fact she needed someone, and she had to start somewhere...
Maid Wanted β Goldleaf
Goldleaf Winery, located 45 minutes outside the city, is hiring a personal maid for Ava Wells.
Responsibilities include cleaning surfaces and floors, washing dishes, laundry, wardrobe management, Running errands as needed, meal preparation, and helping set up for events.
Benefits Include:
- Optional room and board available
- Regular meals provided
- Access to the winery's amenities
- Performance-based bonuses
Pay & Schedule: To be discussed.
Everyone knew that Goldleaf was a profitable business, it could be assumed the pay would be handsome. Ava's inbox blew up with applications. It was hard to know where to start, and who she should let in her home filled with luxury and secrets.
A friend of a friend, who was secretly aligned with the Morrow family, gave her a nudge to take a look at Miray's application. Secretly a Morrow, or maybe the Morrows were trying to play nice by offering their daughter and Ava saw the opportunity to make a statement, either way, it was Miray who could get a call to stop by Goldleaf the next day at 10 am for an interview.
~ ~ ~
At the front door, a woman with a gray ponytail wearing a soft blue dress welcomed Miray into the manor with a sweet smile on her face. "Welcome to Goldleaf, dear. I am Beth, the retiring maid of the house."
She would step to the side to allow her in. "Please come in; Miss Wells is expecting you." She would lead the young woman deeper inside the Wells' home and into the foyer. "I will take you to her office. This building is a bit of a maze, but there are only a few rooms you will need to worry about."
They would first ascend a flight of stairs before they were to walk down a polished hall. "Working for Miss Wells isn't too bad once you get to know her. Word of advice: don't trust her in the kitchen or you will have a hurricane to clean up after." The aged maid laughed.
"I'd also stay clear of her if she is angry or conducting business." Her laugh fizzled into a more serious tone for those warnings.
The home was well maintained throughout the generations, but it had a hollowness. Many doors were locked tight as they made their way to the last room. Beth would knock on the door, and lean in to listen for the voice of the mistress of home.
"You may enter."
Opening the door, Beth would step into Ava's office with a smile. "I am here with your applicant, Miss Wells. She is right on time."
"Great, Welcome to my office." There Ava was in the flesh. Well known for her wealth, wine, family history, and fiery appearance, she was a minor celebrity of sorts.
She sat with a large window behind her, which gave a breathtaking view of the sprawling vineyard and the fields beyond it. Despite the brightness outside, Ava's office was shadowed by the rich oak of her decor. Standing up, Ava would walk over. She was dressed in a purposely oversized black blazer, a red shirt that complemented her hair, and black dress pants held up with a black belt with a gold buckle. She finished her outside with a pair of heeled boots that added a few inches to her already 5'6" height.
She would extend a hand, offering to shake. "Nice to meet you. I'm Ava Wells." A smile ran across her red-glossed lips as she offered the young woman a firm handshake. "Please, take a seat." Ava would return to her own seat across a desk that had a computer and neatly stacked piles of paperwork and files.
Leaning forward, Ava propped up her elbows on her desk, her chin resting upon her laced fingers. "Now tell me about yourself and why you think you are a good fit for the job." Her golden brown eyes traced the shape of her face, neck⦠pausing to take in the delicate beauty before her. After a long second or two, her naturally assertive gaze flickered back up to her face.
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