Alizeh returns from delivering Miss Huda’s gown to the Lojjan ambassador’s estate exhausted, frozen, and disappointed. After relinquishing the dress, Alizeh counts the purse and discovers the housekeeper has paid only half the agreed amount, claiming the rest will come only if Miss Huda likes the dress.

Alizeh protests that Miss Huda could refuse payment by pretending dissatisfaction, but the housekeeper treats the objection as an insult. When Alizeh slips and touches the doorframe, the housekeeper reacts with revulsion and slams the door in Alizeh’s face, leaving Alizeh with cold, humiliation, and a painful tightness in her chest.

Back at Baz House, Alizeh still has the purse in her apron because the delayed return left no time to secure her earnings. In the kitchen before work, Alizeh stands near the fire and watches the other servants finish breakfast, fascinated by their easy companionship and ordinary customs because Alizeh’s hidden childhood kept her isolated from most people.

Mrs. Amina finds Alizeh lingering in the kitchen and violently shoves Alizeh into the hall, reminding Alizeh that a trial employee does not eat with the servants. When Alizeh politely explains that she was awaiting instruction, Mrs. Amina slaps Alizeh and becomes suspicious of Alizeh’s refined speech and education, questioning who taught Alizeh to read and speak so formally.

Alizeh lowers her eyes and tries to appease Mrs. Amina, terrified of losing the position because returning to the streets feels unbearable. Mrs. Amina threatens dismissal unless Alizeh learns her place, then orders Alizeh to help scrub and polish all 116 rooms of Baz House because Lady Baz wants the entire house made spotless. Mrs. Amina softens only enough to say the other servants will help and that, if Alizeh succeeds and stays silent, permanent employment may be possible.