298.Chapter 298
298.Chapter 298
Just as Jacqueline was about to slip away unnoticed, Eliza’s cool, sharp gaze stopped her dead in her tracks. Jacqueline shrank back, suddenly timid, her head lowered, afraid to speak.
Eliza wasn’t letting her off so easily, but her calm voice held a sharp undertone. “What’s wrong?” she asked. “Has Miss Henderson suddenly become speechless? Can’t even offer a reply?”
Jacqueline suddenly felt transported back to when Eliza visited their home, defending Isabelle. Back then, a single look from Eliza made her feel suffocated, even without any spoken threats. That same suffocating feeling returned, leaving Jacqueline too afraid even to breathe.
Her face went rigid as she forced out a shaky smile. “Y–Yes, Lady Eliza, you’re right.” The words were barely out before she realized her mistake, her face paling as she stammered, “No! I mean–Your Grace! Yes, Your Grace is right!” She looked terrified that Eliza might lash at her for the incorrect title.
Eliza just gave her a cool, dismissive look. “You’ve certainly forgotten how to speak properly.” Then, as if remembering something, Eliza raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t you tell me earlier that I should apologize to your nanny? Are you still demanding that?”
Jacqueline’s former confidence–building approval now meant nothing, the nanny trembled uncontrollably, her face ashen, and she looked lifeless.
“N–No! It’s all that wretched servant’s fault! She’s the blind one! When I return home, she’ll be punished severely!” Jacqueline said.
The nanny wouldn’t dare defend herself, and even if it weren’t her fault, she would have to accept the blame.
Following Jacqueline’s example, the nanny fell to her knees, her forehead striking the floor with loud thuds as she begged,” Yes, yes, it’s all my fault! I understand my mistake now! Please, Your Grace, have mercy!”
Jacqueline shot a nervous glance at Eliza. Eliza offered a faint smile. “There’s no need to be afraid. I’m just a nun, not a
monster.
“Since you’re already here, why not visit the Oriphoenix Building upstairs? I thought you wanted to do some shopping there.” Eliza didn’t explicitly say she’d forgive the nanny, but Jacqueline sensed a warning in her silence. A flicker of worry crossed Jacqueline’s face as she realized the weight of Eliza’s words.
“You are right, Your Grace. I will go upstairs and have a look.” Jacqueline hurried without hesitation and headed straight upstairs.
Eliza glanced at the young attendant lingering by the door. “Why haven’t you seen our guest yet?”
The attendant snapped to attention. “Yes, right away!” he said, quickly getting to his feet.
“Grab lots of expensive things,” Eliza said casually. “Make sure they’re good enough for someone like Miss Henderson.” The quick–witted attendant understood immediately. Smiling, he agreed and hurried upstairs, leaving the rest of the staff, including Roger, kneeling on the ground.
Eliza ignored him at first, sweeping into the main hall to select a seat. Renee, more assured now, was quick to serve her coffee.
“Has Malaki been around lately?” Eliza asked, her gaze sweeping over the staff.
One of the older staff members gathered his courage and nodded. “Your Grace,” he said, “Malaki was indeed here.” “What arrangements had Malaki made, and what was the deal with this manager?” The mere mention made Roger tremble, pressing his forehead harder against the ground.
The older staff member explained, “Malaki has been evaluating everyone’s performance and letting go of those who weren’t meeting expectations. He then brought in some new staff. As for him…” He glanced cautiously at Roger Stevenson, hesitant to continue.
“Renee,” Eliza called.
“Yes, Your Grace!” Renee responded at once, her voice firm.
“Take him outside and watch him closely. Don’t let him run away,” Eliza instructed.
Renee’s training with Tina had yielded remarkable results. While her quiet demeanor was initially perceived as her defining characteristic, it became evident that her strength was anything but ordinary.
Initially, Tina intended to teach assassination techniques, enhancing her innate stealth. However, as training commenced, her raw power became undeniable: bowls cracked within three days, wood splintered after five, and stones shattered by day seven. Her strength visibly increased with each passing day.
Even Eliza felt jealous–Renee was a true martial arts prodigy, effortlessly mastering both traditional techniques and the
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deadly art of assassination.
One punch from her could easily knock out a grown man. She’d held back when confronting Jacqueline’s nanny, but even a single slap would have sent the woman sprawling. Roger, unfortunately, had no idea what kind of force he was facing. When he saw Renee, a petite girl barely reaching his shoulder, he scoffed inwardly, thinking, ‘Does she think she can handle me?‘ He pretended to cooperate, allowing himself to be escorted out of the Oriphoenix Building. But the second he was outside, he ran.
Before he could escape, Renee’s fist connected with a resounding thud, sending him sprawling. “You think you can run away from me?” she barked, her voice sharp and unrelenting.
“Go ahead, try me again–I dare you!” Renee threatened, her small but mighty fist clenched tight, her stare as fierce as a raging storm.
Before he could recover, she grabbed his collar, hauling him aside like a sack of potatoes. “Kneel and stay put! Holy Lady hasn’t permitted you to stand.”
Shaken after his near–death experience, Roger didn’t dare disobey her again. Despair twisted his face as he shakily knelt back down.
Inside the Oriphoenix Building’s main hall, the staff were visibly frightened, their faces pale and trembling. Renee’s imposing presence had cowed them into revealing everything–every last secret and detail.
Malaki had carefully reviewed the Oriphoenix Building’s staff, letting several employees, including Roger, go. Although he hired new staff, he hadn’t found a replacement manager yet. Knowing Eliza’s previous manager excelled in the role, Malaki contacted them about returning.
The previous manager agreed to take the position but needed a few days to finish other tasks. However, despite being let go, Roger heard about the situation and returned to the office. He began misbehaving and threatened the staff to support his reinstatement upon Malaki’s arrival.
Roger’s connection to the Stonor family, his history as Sophie’s trusted manager, and her being the Duke of Mowbray’s favored daughter intimidated the staff into submission. However, no one anticipated Eliza’s ability to challenge Roger today.
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