chapter228

"We really need this job," one of them cried softly, her voice trembling.

They didn't come from fancy families, didn't have connections or impressive degrees. What they did have was grit. They worked hard, didn't complain, always finished their tasks on time. Life at the Norwood estate was as good as it got. The food was amazing, the rooms were comfortable, the pay was fair, and the family treated them well. Except for Lucinda, who was a handful sometimes, there was nothing to complain about. None of them wanted to leave.

Grace, though, didn't even blink at their tears. She just stood there, chin lifted, acting like she was above it all.

"You should blame Tina. She stole the food, and now she's dragging you both down with her. Idiots!"

"Grace, what are you talking about?" Tina shot back, her voice tight with anger. Judy and Alexis have been working under me since they started. I treat them like family. Why would I ever hurt them?"

Tina knew Grace had been out to get her ever since Mrs. Norwood put her in charge of Lydia's care. She'd tried to ignore the pettiness, to keep her head down and not make waves. But this? This was too much. This morning, Grace had seen the ginseng tea and chicken soup that Lydia gave her last night, and immediately accused her of stealing. In the service world, stealing food or jewelry was the biggest taboo. If word got out, they'd never work in a household again.

Grace really was ruthless.

Oh please, Tina. The evidence is right here and you still want to argue? Should I call Lucinda down to throw you all out herself? Maybe then you'd finally leave."

Tina was shaking, her fists clenched. Judy and Alexis huddled close, pale and terrified. All this, over a simple bowl of soup? They couldn't bear the thought of leaving. What could they do?

Suddenly, a clear voice floated down from upstairs, cool and calm.

"What evidence?"

At the sound of Lydia's voice, Tina felt hope flicker inside her. But before she could say a word, Grace jumped in, turning eagerly to Lydia as she came down the stairs.

"Miss, it's these cheap servants. They stole the ginseng tea and chicken soup. Can you believe it? They should pay double, pack up, and leave. And they should never be allowed to come back."

Lydia listened to Grace's dramatic accusations, then fixed her with a steady took. "If I'm not mistaken, you work here just like they do. If they're so beneath you, what does that make you?"

Grace's face froze. There was a flash of anger in her eyes, but she forced herself to stay polite. "Miss you just got back. Maybe you don't know i'm nothing like them. I've been Lucinda's nanny since the day she was born. I've been part of this household for eighteen years."

The more she spoke, the more self-important she sounded. If you didn't know better, you'd think she owned the place. Or maybe she thought she was Lucinda's real mother.

Lydia let out a soft, cold laugh. "So what? You think that means you're better than everyone else? Tina was handpicked by my mother to take care of me. Why do you call her a cheap servant and not yourself?"

take

Lydia's eyes were sharp, and the way she carried herself made it impossible to look away. Grace suddenly seemed smaller.

"No, that's not what I meant. I just meant... she stole "

"I told her to have the soup and the ginseng tea. Do you have a problem with that?