𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐟 (𝖯𝖺𝗌𝗌𝗂𝗈𝗇 𝗑 𝖡𝗎𝗇𝗇𝗒)

[Passion]

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"Crafted with Passion, Rooted in Gold." ​

 

[Passion]

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Ava Wells The deeper the passion, the richer the wine.    Diligent     //   26   //     Office    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 piece of 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 – 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.​

 

[Bunny]

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Miray Morrow hide your eyes darlin', people can see your heart through them    Nervous     //   20   //     Ava's Office    Making a deal with the devil was one way to taint your soul so deeply there was no coming back from it. Miray knew this and yet when her father came to her and offered her the money to take care of her mother? There was no way she could decline. her father was a right bastard, there was no other way to put it. When her mother fell ill, he ran off with the flavor of the week. It had broken her mother's heart. Miray may not have understood how her mother could love a man like him. It was the verbal and sometimes physical abuse. The clear contempt he had for her. She'd been pretty and young and fallen for his smooth talk and charming almost roguish demeanor. He had been a bad boy, her mother had said and at first, he'd been kind. It hadn't lasted though. Yet, her mother loved him still. Dropping out of school hadn't so much been a choice. Her father was not a favored member of the clan Morrow and hadn't been since shortly after her birth. By extension, she'd not not been included in the family. A distant relation at best. Her father though had a chance to ingratiate himself within the family once more and the key? The daughter he’d never wanted. Miray wasn’t a fool, she knew he didn’t love her and when his sweet words had fallen on deaf ears, he’d switched tactics. He’d provide for her mother. Her mother was the world to Miray. She was kind and sweet. A gentle soul. Miray would do anything for her. Even sell her soul. Maybe that was a touch dramatic. She was told to apply for a job with Ava Wells. When she got the job and her father was certain she would get the job, all she needed to do was spy a little on her new employer. Nothing too dangerous. Just keep tabs and let him know about the layout of the house. It was a known maze and she would have unprecedented access. It didn’t sit well with Miray but she wasn’t able to pay for her mom’s bills. She was broke as hell and her accounts were all in bad standings. Really, she didn’t have a choice. So she’d applied. In truth, Miray had doubted she’d get a call, no matter what her father said. She was a Morrow and even she, an unloved child of a despised member of the family knew the history between their families. And yet.. She’d gotten a call back. Butterflies? No she had birds swooping in her stomach as she rang the bell to the house. She’d dressed up, naturally. Always put your best foot forward baby. Her mother’s voice echoing in her mind. The skirt was perhaps a touch short, but it was respectable as it fell in soft ruffles along her thighs. The smart little tweed coat was cream, with a velvet collar and cuffs. The four golden buttons fastened tight. Beneath it, a smart black tank top was tucked into her skirt. A chain belt of gold rested across her hips and her slender legs were covered in cream thigh highs. A pair of velvet heels with little bows at each ankle completed the look. She looked posh, with her dark hair pulled into an elegant knot. Her face was mostly makeup free. A bit of eye liner and a red lip. Her skin was icy, almost porcelain in color and her cheeks held a natural blush. The woman who opened the door smile and she echoed it, finding her easy nature relaxing her nerves. “Hello Beth, Thank you.” Her voice was soft and husky. Slipping past Beth she made her way a few steps further into the foyer. “Oh?” So that was true then. Laughing with Beth she nodded. “Noted.” More of the tension leaked from her as the maid offered advice. “That shouldn’t be too hard,” at least in theory, she supposed. A few steps behind Beth, both women came to a stop at the door and Beth knocked. Pausing, she smiled at Beth once more. “Thank you Beth.” before stepping into the office. The woman behind the desk was breathtaking, there was no doubt. It was easy to see why she had a reputation of being charming. Though, it took more than a pretty face to have such a reputation. Taking her hand, Miray shook it. “It is a pleasure, Miss Wells. I am Miray Morrow.” Her smile was shy and when asked to sit, she did. Rather than cross her legs, Miray crossed her ankles and tucked her legs to the side, hands in her lap. With her full focus on her, Miray found the nerves returning. Lies were not her forte and Miray had already decided to stick as close to the truth as she could. “I was in school for microbiology when my mother got sick,” she smiled some, “So I had to drop out. A lot of people hear my name and make assumptions.” She felt that Ava would understand this, at least on some level. “So finding a job that will treat me fairly has been.. A tough sell.” A shoulder lifted some. “I saw your advert and know I am a hard worker. I know how to cook and clean.” Risking another shy smile, Miray offered. “I know I am not likely the best qualified, but I will not let you down if you give me a chance.” There was an earnestness to her eyes and while there was an ulterior motive, it was clear that Miray honestly thought she’d be able to prove herself if given the chance. She’d not been lying either. Finding a job that wanted her for her skills and not her name had been damned hard and working at McDonalds wouldn’t have been tolerated. In truth, this job wouldn't have been either, if they had not wanted her to do so. She wouldn’t beg though and while she’d offered what amounted to a sob story, she’d not had anything else to offer. She’d no real work history and she had in fact dropped out of school.​

 

[Passion]

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Ava Wells The deeper the passion, the richer the wine.   Hopeful   //   26   //     Office    Seated at her desk with a sprawling view of the vineyard behind her, Ava listened as Miray explained her background. It was far from impressive, mostly because she did not present herself well. A sick mother might suggest that her maid would need more personal time, and she had even admitted that she was not the most qualified candidate. Yet three aspects kept Ava interested. First, Miray was a Morrow. Having a Morrow as a maid would send a clear message that the Morrows had accepted their defeat to the Wells and have moved on. Second, she was oozing with desperation, which meant she would likely work hard and remain loyal as long as she was fairly compensated. Third, Miray was attractive. It would be a pleasure to have her around the manor, something Ava was growing more certain of with each second. Ava was often so busy with her business that she didn't get out as much as one might think. Seeing her out somewhere other than her winery was like spotting a unicorn. Leaning back in her chair, Ava ran her fingers through her vivid hair. “From studying microbiology to becoming a maid, life is often unfair,” she sighed. The Morrow family knew that better than most. “I will allow you personal time within reason, but if you are hired, you should expect to be working long hours. In fact, I offer room and board with the position because of that. That is an option you should keep in mind if I hire you." She then fell into silence, allowing the tension to build. It also gave her a moment to quietly observe the woman before her. “Working at Goldleaf has its easy days and its difficult ones. The harder days usually come during events I host, and at times, my guests can be a bit rowdy. Otherwise, I keep things relatively clean. Aside from some light maintenance and cooking, I may ask you to run errands or assist me with various tasks.” Ava glanced down at the sheet in front of her; Miray’s application. “However, I am not naive. While I am not personally involved in our parents' affairs, I am well aware of our families’ history. I will not tolerate betrayal—I will sue you and defame you. You will never work in or outside this region again." She paused to add weight to her threat. Someone like Ava Wells had the power and influence to do exactly that. "I believe that working for me could finally put our families’ drama to rest so I will entertain this.” Of the two families, it seemed the Wells were the ones who wanted to wash their hands of history. This was their land, their business, their wealth. That should be the end of it. “If you are up for it, I would like you to work for me for a week as a trial run. I want to see how well you clean, cook, and listen.” A wider smile curled along her lips. “We need to make sure we get along too, don’t we? We will be seeing a lot of each other.” She also had to be able to trust the stranger would steal from her as her home had plenty of luxuries tucked away in it. She tilted her head slightly, her naturally intense gaze settling on Miray’s doll-like features. “I will pay you twenty dollars an hour. If you work hard and prove yourself, I will increase it over time. I'll possibly give bonuses if you do well for events." Giving the girl another once-over, Ava could not resist adding, “I quite like your outfit. You should wear something comfortable for work, but I would love to see you dressed up for my VIP events.” The thought alone had her momentarily biting the inside of her cheek... “So, how does that sound? Do you have any questions for me?” Ava fell silent, giving Miray the floor to speak.​