Bella immediately drew her attention back to the kitchen. With a deep breath, she forced a smile onto her face. "Let me help you, Mrs. Carter."
Mrs. Carter waved a dismissive hand. "No, no, madam. You shouldn't trouble yourself. Everything is nearly finished. Why don't you join the master in the hall?"
Mrs. Carter's smile remained unfazed. "Very well, then. Perhaps you could brew Mr. Theodore a cup of coffee?"
Bella conceded with a curt nod, the bitterness in her heart mirroring the dark roast she poured into the coffee maker. As the rich aroma filled the air, she carefully transferred the brew to a mug.
Bella walked out of the kitchen with the mug in her hand. Her gaze darted towards the hall, where Theodore sat perched on the sofa, his voice a low murmur as he spoke on the phone.
