Fernandez and Martinez lounged comfortably in the living room, murmuring over business while the television played softly in the background. The house felt calm, too calm until Lily walked past with her apron tied neatly around her waist.
Mario looked up immediately, eyes following her with a lazy grin.
"Hello" he called, leaning back. "Get me a glass of wine?"
She nodded politely. "Of course."
She turned to leave, but Martinez's key slipped from his hand and clattered to the floor. Lily bent to pick it up and, for a moment, Mario's gaze lingered on her in a way that made Martinez raise a brow.
Mario muttered something in Spanish under his breath — "El jefe sí sabe escoger mujeres bonitas."
(The boss sure knows how to get pretty ladies.)
Just then, Thalia entered with silent footsteps, catching a glimpse of the scene. Her gaze sharpened but she said nothing not yet.
She approached with calm poise.
"Good morning, sirs. Do you need anything?"
Lily stepped forward quickly. "I've got it," she said, eager as always.
"Wine for us," Mario added.
"And I'll have water," Fernandez said.
Thalia glanced at Lily.
"Don't worry," she said, taking the tray. "I'll handle it."
Minutes later she returned with two glasses of wine and a glass of water placed neatly before them. She set them down and moved to sit at the far end of the room, crossing her legs lightly.
The men watched her, studying, amused. Thalia met their stare without blinking.
"So you're Thalia, right?" Mario smirked.
"Yep," she answered coolly. "And you're a pervert, right?"
Martinez choked on his drink as Mario sat up.
"Excuse me?"
"Oh, you're excused," she replied sweetly.
Martinez's expression cooled.
"What gives you the right to speak like that? Maids don't talk back. Do you have any idea who we are?"
Thalia tilted her head.
"I don't know who you are…" she paused with intentional theatre, reaching into a small sachet she'd placed beside her chair, playing with it lightly between her fingers.
"…but I do know what you just drank."
Fernandez's eyes widened.
"What did you put in—?" he coughed once, sharply.
Mario followed, clearing his throat aggressively, eyes watering.
"You— you poisoned our drink?"
He stood up in panic. "What did you do?!"
Thalia rose calmly, hands behind her back, voice smooth as silk.
Time is crucial."
Mario stumbled forward, dramatic and loud.
"Am I… am I going to make it?"
Thalia turned to leave with a sly smirk over her shoulder.
"Relax. It's only flour," she said in her thoughts and left
Just then, footsteps thundered down the stairs.
Vicious appeared, eyes sharp.
"What is happening here?"
"They— she poisoned us!" Mario coughed, pointing at her.
Vicious face darkened.
"Thalia? Impossible. She wouldn't—"
"Look at me!" Mario wailed dramatically.
Vicious swore under his breath.
"Thalia! Come here. Now."
Thalia was in the kitchen already, telling Nina and Lily the story all three laughing uncontrollably.
"I only used flour to cloud their throat a bit," she explained. "A tiny lesson for their wandering eyes."
Lily held her stomach laughing. "Are you sure you won't get in trouble?"
Before Thalia could respond, Vicious stormed in, gripping Lily's wrist gently but firmly.
"You think this is funny?" he snapped. "Are you heartless? Poisoning someone, I thought I knew you, Thalia. I'm disappointed."
Thalia's smile faded. She walked past him without fear, grabbed a jug of water gave the two guys and returned to Mario taking him to the washroom.
"Drink this slowly," she said, voice suddenly authoritative.
Mario obeyed, embarrassed as she helped him rinse his mouth. When he calmed down, she spoke low enough for only him to hear.
"Next time you stare at a woman like she's property remember this, scaredy cat it was flour I didn't even put it in the drink, you only bit your tongue
She placed the towel in his hand and stepped away gracefully, leaving