Eve really regretted employing this good-for-nothing woman whose mouth was her only asset. But right now, that honeyed mouth was definitely rinsed with vinegar; otherwise, she wouldn't be bent on destroying her!
"Where are the guards?!" Eve roared questioningly, and the woman jested at Leila and Maya once again.
"Shameless women, don't think our Madam will accept you just because you refuse to stand up! You are dead today."
"Drag her out, now!" Eve pointed at the sharp-tongued woman who was confused as the guards got hold of her arms.
"You bastards! What are you doing?!" Since she couldn't struggle free, she turned her attention to Eve.
"Madam! Tell this b*stards to leave me alone!"
Eve glared at her slightly, this damn woman...
The servant finally realized something was wrong and she couldn't help but panic and increased her struggle but realized in the hands of the two well-trained guards, she couldn't escape.
"Let go of me! Please! Madam, help! You have to save me, Madam, please!"
"Can't you shut her mouth?" Eve snapped at the guards, who hurriedly stuffed a handkerchief into the servant's mouth.
All the other servants stood frozen in their places, not daring to move an inch as they watched the woman being dragged away.
"No wonder this woman lacks manners; turns out she had only one master," Leila said meaningfully.
Eve froze, but then her never-fading smile appeared again. "Leila, I am really sorry, I've wronged you."
Leila nodded in agreement, saying languidly, "You are right, stepmother."
Eve was speechless.
Isn't this girl too impolite?
Not paying attention to her anymore, Leila finally turned to everyone.
"Anyone who disobeys will face consequences. I understand you have families to support, but let this be the last time we test each other's patience."
The servants felt overwhelmed by Leila's kindness as they nodded in determination.
They weren't as stupid as the now ex-worker whom even Eve failed to save. The real person with power was clearly shown at this moment.
Satisfied by this, Leila turned to Eve, whose face held no expression.
"Step Mother, I am quite afraid of leaving the house management in your hands. Your management skills seem questionable. You wouldn't mind if we hand it back to Maya, right?"
Eve's smile froze upon registering what Leila had just said.
She had been responsible for the funds in the house, but now, Leila was passing it to the old butler. What the hell was she doing?!
She frowned slightly, her tone full of dissatisfaction.
"Leila, look, Maya is already this old. How can you make her take up stressful work again? Aren't you afraid of tiring her?"
Leila didn't reply but instead turned to Maya and asked what she thought.
Maya gave an assuring smile. "I will definitely not disappoint the Young Lady."
Leila's lips curled into a smile, stunning the servants as she appeared even more radiant.
"I am sure you wouldn't."
Then she shot Eve a glance and said languidly, "Step Mother, thanks for all your hard work. It must have been hard on you."
Eve's eyes were cold, a hint of realization flashing in her brown eyes as a gentle smile hung on her lips. "I am reassured then."
"Then Madam Eve, please provide the account book soon."
Eve nodded and elegantly walked away with Julianne hurriedly following after her.
Leila's smile disappeared. She turned to Maya, feeling slightly guilty.
"Actually, Maya, you can just hand over this job to Mara if it is too stressful. I would have taken it up, but you know she wouldn't hand it over if it was me."
Maya patted her head gently, a doting smile on her lips.
"Not stressful at all, Young Lady. I had been feeling too bored recently that I thought boredom would be the one to send me to my grave. It just so happened that you brought this offer. So don't feel guilty, okay?"
Leila finally felt relieved.
"Then do you want the maids to prepare something for you?"
Leila wasn't interested anymore, so she just waved her hand casually.
"No need, I will just make do with some snacks."
Maya's eyes darkened slightly, but she nodded.
After Leila left, she proceeded to order her personal maid.
"Have the kitchen prepare the Young Lady's favorite meal tomorrow."
The young maid, who had been under her for years, nodded. "Right away."
*****
Leila had some snacks as she finally had the time to navigate her phone.
Logging into her WhatsApp, she realized she had some unread messages.
She first tapped on Aditi's profile and saw that she had been sent a video.
Curious, she tapped to watch and was surprised to see her face.
"Wait, isn't this two days ago when I went to eat with Justin?"
Aditi: [Wow, turns out my girlfriend is so popular now]
Leila: [Popular?]
She received no reply and it was only then that she realized Aditi wasn't online. She finally had time to read other messages.
She tapped on her father's profile, which was as blank as always, but his profile picture was one she didn't even realize when it was taken.
Sighing to herself, she updated her status with her sitting on her bed [Back Home]
She was sure he'd definitely have seen it.
Finally, she decided to start working on her dream.
She grabbed the mathematics textbook on the table and decided to work on it seriously, but as she went through it, she realized she had no idea of any basic concepts.
Her memory... was all blank.
She scribbled some workings on her notebook more but eventually gave up when she understood nothing. She had to buy Grade 10 textbooks first and maybe she would be familiar.
Left with nothing to do, Leila fell asleep.
The next morning came quickly and Julianne was already waiting downstairs in her school uniform, looking cute and bubbly as she waved cheerily at Leila, as if what happened yesterday was nothing but a small farce.
"Good morning, Sister."
Leila nodded in reply as they had breakfast.
Quickly after, they went to school.
Upon being dropped together at the school gate, once again, they successfully garnered attention.
Julianne felt exceptionally good, especially when she heard the students asking who she was and how beautiful she looked.
Until they heard an angry yell.
"B*tch, stay right there!"