chapter770

Grace's eyes widened the second Lydia reached for her phone. I have way more experience than Tina. I promise, I'll take really good care of you."

She realized she sounded a little too desperate and tried to play it off with a nervous laugh. Actually, I was just hoping to use this chance to take care of you for a couple of days."

Lydia didn't fall for it. She was smiling, but her eyes stayed cool. "You're basically the most senior member of the Norwood staff, and Lucinda's personal nanny. I don't think I could ever afford you."

Grace felt her blood boil. Was Lydia doing this on purpose? If Lydia called Tina now, everyone would find out what Lucinda did to the staff that day. Mr. Norwood, Mrs. Norwood, and Blake would never let it go. She could not let Lucinda's image as the sweet, innocent girl get ruined.

Lydia, you're being too nice. It's just a couple of days, really. Just give me a minute, I'll go grab your milk from the kitchen."

She tried to make a quick escape, but Lydia stopped her. "If you insist, I'll let you help. But I still don't get why Tina would take time off without telling me. I think I should call her and see what's going on."

Grace's feet froze before she could take another step.

"Lydia..."

"You keep stopping me from calling her. What's going on? Are you hiding something?" Lydia's calm gaze suddenly turned icy.

Kylie and Cameron exchanged a look. They could tell something wasn't right.

"Grace, what really happened to Tina? And what about Judy and Alexis?" Kylie asked. These people worked for the family, and their well-being mattered, too.

Grace stammered, looking more and more uncomfortable.

Blake's eyes were dark as he stared at the maids standing there with their heads down. His voice was cold. "Someone tell me what happened today."

No one said a word. You could practically hear them holding their breath.

Blake gave a dry, humorless laugh. "Looks like you all forgot who's in charge of this house."

The staff stayed silent, hands clenched tight, clearly torn. Lucinda had threatened them. If they said a word, they'd be out of a job. But if they told the truth, would the mister and missus, especially Mr. Norwood, really go after Lucinda just for Tina's sake?

Lucinda's heart was racing. She cursed herself inwardly. If she hadn't lost her

temper in front of the staff, she wouldn't be in this mess now.

Blake let out another cold laugh. "Dad, Mom, the staff here are getting bolder by the day. They don't even listen to me anymore."

Elliot's expression was stormy. "Don't bother talking to them. Just fire them all."

Kylie hadn't realized things had

gotten this bad. She always treated the staff kindly, but that didn't mean

they could disrespect her or the family. It was obvious they were all Seared of someone.

"Mom, they're clearly too scared to talk. Someone must be threatening them. I wonder who that could be, Lydia said, her tone light but her meaning clear.

Lucinda jumped in, trying to sound

reasonable. "Lydia, you're

overthinking this. They're quiet

because there's nothing to say. You

don't need to turn the whole house

upside down over one maid."

Lydia's smile deepened as she glanced at Lucinda, but she didn't say another word.