Aisha was bewildered. “Security cameras?”

“Yes,” Elena continued, looking slightly embarrassed. “We have cameras in nearly every room for insurance reasons. They’re not usually monitored unless there’s an incident.”

Aisha’s pulse quickened. “And?”

Elena hesitated, glancing back toward the mansion as if gathering courage. “I wanted to see for myself. And I did.”

Inside, a large screen displayed the footage. Aisha could see herself moving through the rooms, meticulously cleaning, touching nothing she shouldn’t. And then, clear as day, the camera in the office revealed Margaret entering the room, glancing around furtively before slipping the envelope into her own pocket.

Aisha watched in stunned silence, a mix of relief and anger bubbling up inside her. “Why would she…?” she started, but the answer seemed obvious. Margaret had wanted to pin the theft on her, perhaps out of jealousy or resentment.

Elena sighed, a weary look in her eyes. “I… I don’t know what to say. This is unacceptable. Margaret will be dealt with immediately.”

Aisha felt a glimmer of hope but also a surge of exhaustion. “And me?”

Elena placed a gentle hand on Aisha’s arm. “I want you to stay. We value your work, and what happened today was a grave mistake.”

Aisha nodded, her mind racing with the implications of what had just unfolded. Part of her wanted to walk away, to leave behind the humiliation and hurt, but another part knew she needed this job — needed the stability it provided her and her son.

“Thank you,” Aisha said finally, her voice steady despite the turmoil in her heart. “But things need to change.”

Elena seemed to understand. “Absolutely. We’ll implement better practices to ensure this never happens again. And I’ll make sure you’re compensated for today’s ordeal.”

As Aisha left the house once more, she felt slightly lighter, though the burn of injustice lingered. The truth had been revealed, but the scars of prejudice and false accusation would not fade easily.

Yet, walking back up the driveway, Aisha felt a renewed determination. She would continue to move forward, not just for herself, but for her son — to show him that dignity and truth could prevail, even in the face of adversity.