Sienna sat on the couch and darted a gaze, observing the people in the living room.
Three hours had passed since the police came and enquired about the trespassers. Without holding back, Sienna relayed all that had happened and even cooperated with them by handing over the surveillance.
It was evident that the young woman tried to slap Agnes and even threw an expensive vase at her feet. Although Agnes wasn't injured much, the intent to harm was clear and the police filed the complaint right away.
Intent to harm, threatening, vandalizing, and trespassing - Sienna made sure to add all that she could to the complaint before the police finally departed. She ensured that the second branch would be in a hell of a nightmare for a few days at least.
"Are they all, Frank?"
"Yes, Miss. They are the guards and servants working here for more than two years."
"Good." Sienna nodded and stood up. "Please look at me. You have done nothing wrong to have your heads lowered," She softened her tone and spoke to them as if she were speaking to a friend rather than her employees and the crowd raised their heads to look at her.
"I don't think the rules in the estate have changed. My grandfather's words will prevail. Don't ever lower your head unless you have committed a sin." Sienna smiled at them, making them loosen up and smile back.
"I have called you all here to make an announcement." Sienna's eyes were clouded with sadness and she let out a deep breath. "You all know what happened four days ago. My family was shot in cold blood and no one survived."
Sienna's eyes welled up. It was becoming difficult for her to speak. But she had to convey what she had in mind. After all, everything had changed, not just for her but for the servants as well.
"The murderer is still at large and there is a high chance that they will come for me next." Sienna didn't hide the truth and laid it before them openly. She never made false promises.
"Although I don't know what they want and why they murdered my family, since I belong to the Lawerence family as well, legally, they'll try to kill me too. There is danger everywhere around me and if anyone intends to leave and protect yourself, you may do so now. No one will stop you."
"Miss..." Frank stepped forward and objected to her decision. But Sienna raised her hand and compelled him to halt in his place.
"You have my word. No one will stop you nor will you be considered traitors. You are free to find a job anywhere in the world."
Some of the servants were tempted. It was true that they had served the Lawrence family all these years. But it was also true that danger was lurking everywhere around and there were chances that they would be implicated in the end.
"If you wish to leave, you may do so now. You'll get three months' salary in addition to what you are owed this month," Sienna promised and the next instant, three servants stepped forward.
"Miss, will we not face any problems once we leave?" One of the servants asked boldly. Although the offer was tempting, it was undoubtedly risky too. What if they didn't find any job elsewhere? What if people condemned them for leaving the Lawrence estate at their lowest moment?
"No. You have my word."
"I would like to leave. Please forgive me, Miss. I'm the only breadwinner of my family. I cannot put my life in jeopardy," The man expressed his concern and apologized for his decision.
"I understand." Sienna nodded at him, assuring him through her eyes.
On seeing that she wasn't angry and was actually allowing him to leave, a few more people joined the group and Frank noted down all their names. In no time, eleven people had left the mansion.
"Anyone else?"
No one stepped forward this time and Sienna nodded to herself.
"Since you all decided to remain behind, I expect absolute loyalty. However, if you wish to leave in the future, you may inform Frank. I will never stop you from leaving."
This time, no one spoke a word as they waited for Sienna to finish speaking.
"You must already know what happened to the guards who allowed the people inside the estate in the morning." Sienna's tone was stern and commanding, forcing everyone to listen to her attentively.
No one in the living room was a stranger to what Sienna was referring to. The word had already spread the moment the three guards had been fired. Their mistake was not trivial. They had allowed the three people to enter after accepting bribes from them and this alone was enough to sack them.
"If a similar situation repeats, you may say goodbye to your jobs and your future as well," Sienna warned. "Loyalty is of utmost importance to me. Betray me and I'll show you hell."
Some of the weaker ones in the crowd were frightened out of their wits when they felt her anger. The suppression was so intense that many broke out into a cold sweat.
"I know it's difficult to accept me as the new master of the house. But it is what it is. Deny as much you may, I'm a Lawrence and no one can change the truth, not even the law," Sienna declared, making her point clear. "Remember this before you think of betraying me."
"We pledge our loyalty to you, Miss." Frank was the first to bow his head followed by Agnes and one by one, the remaining guards and servants followed suit.
Sienna smiled mysteriously. She believed none but Frank and Agnes. The couple would never betray her. She was certain about it. But she couldn't say the same about the others. Otherwise, her family wouldn't have been shot to death.
Although the incident had occurred when they were out of the estate, attending a public event, that didn't mean the servants or the guards weren't involved. There has to be some sort of deception. Otherwise, it was impossible that they couldn't save anyone among the six once the firing started.
'Once I find out who you are, I'll chop to pieces and feed you to wolves. Mark my words.' Sienna thought, silently wondering who in the crowd was the traitor.
The trap had been set. Now, it was time to wait.