—-
THIRD PERSON POV
For Charlotte, seeing Lady Andrelise offers a glimmer of hope. Maybe her lady won't believe Hannah's lies. But that moment quickly shifts. Andrelise doesn't even glance at Hannah; instead, she moves directly to her father. Charlotte's heart tightens as Andrelise speaks.
"Father," she says, her voice smooth and steady, "did Charlotte really steal from me?"
The question feels like a knife. Charlotte's breath catches, and dread washes over her.
The Marquis looks at Andrelise but remains silent. Before anyone can respond, Hannah jumps in, eager to seize the moment.
"Yes, Lady Andrelise!" she exclaims, her voice dripping with false anger. "Charlotte betrayed your trust! She's a thief. She stole your jewels and deserves punishment—maybe even jail time! Or worse!" She pauses for dramatic effect, her voice laced with cruelty. "Perhaps we should cut off her hands for such betrayal."
Charlotte flinches, her stomach churning. How can she defend herself against such well-crafted lies? She opens her mouth to plead for a chance to explain, but Hannah's words drown her out.
Finally, Andrelise turns her cold, calculating gaze to Hannah. "Do you have proof?" she asks, her tone neutral.
Hannah beams, confident that she has Andrelise's support. "Of course, my lady," she replies, walking over to the Marquis's desk and gesturing to the forged documents and stolen jewels. "It's all here, the evidence of Charlotte's betrayal."
Andrelise looks at over to the papers expression remains unreadable, heightening Charlotte's anxiety. The silence stretches, and Hannah's triumph grows with each passing moment, convinced that Andrelise is on her side.
The butler returns with two guards, their presence heavy with foreboding. Charlotte's heart sinks; they're here to take her away. She'll be branded a thief- an embzeller, and her life will be ruined the moment the Marquis signals them. But then Andrelise steps closer to Charlotte with a questioning look.
"Charlotte," she says softly, her voice calm yet tinged with something, "Did you really steal from me?"
Charlotte's heart stops. Confusion swirls in her mind. Is Andrelise truly accusing her? She can't accept it. There's something in Andrelise's eyes—a sharpness no one else seems to notice.
"I didn't," Charlotte whispers, desperation coloring her words. She meets Andrelise's gaze, pleading for some sign that this isn't real.
"Please believe me," she says quietly, vulnerability seeping through. Andrelise's gaze softens slightly as she studies Charlotte.
"See, my lady? She can't even defend herself properly! She knows what she's done!" Hannah interjects eagerly.
But Andrelise shifts her focus back to Hannah, her expression icy. "How did you find those, again?" she asks, almost lazily, as if she's bored.
Hannah's confidence surges. "I went to her quarters myself, of course," she responds with a sickly sweet smile that is almost nauseating.
"I'm loyal to this family and couldn't stand by while someone tried to harm it. I did what was necessary to protect you, Lady Andrelise."
Andrelise nods, pretending to ponder Hannah's words. She looks back at the documents and approaches the Marquis. "Father, may I?"
—-
CHARLOTTE
"Hannah," Lady Andrelise begins, her voice sweet and deceptively calm, "could you tell me how you found those documents that supposedly incriminate Charlotte?"
Her tone seems almost playful, as if she's just curious.
"Yes, my lady," Hannah replies quickly. "I was doing a routine check in the maids' quarters, and there they were—the ledgers and some of your jewels, hidden among Charlotte's things." She swallows hard, forcing a tight smile, as if proud of her discovery.
Lady Andrelise leans back, hands folded, her eyes locked on Hannah. "In Charlotte's things? That's... unexpected. She wouldn't even know what to do with a ledger."
"Yes, my lady," Hannah insists, recovering quickly. "Perhaps Charlotte was just storing them for someone. She might not understand the numbers, but that doesn't mean she isn't involved."
An amused smile plays on Lady Andrelise's lips. "So, you think she was keeping them for someone else? When you found the ledgers, were they tucked away or just lying around?"
Hannah hesitates. "They were tucked under the bed frame," she says, grasping for details she can barely believe. "Charlotte could have easily hidden them there."
"Oh, how clever of her," Andrelise muses. "But if she had those ledgers, where did she learn to manage such complex numbers?"
Panic flashes across Hannah's face before she recovers. "Maybe she overheard conversations in the kitchen. People talk, and it's easy to pick up on things."
"Interesting," Andrelise replies, her calmness unsettling. "Did you find anything else of note? Receipts or transactions, perhaps?"
Hannah's composure slips further. "Uh, no, just the ledgers and jewels... nothing else," she stammers.
"Really?" Andrelise leans in slightly, her voice lowering, making it feel intimate yet dangerous. "If Charlotte were the mastermind, wouldn't you expect more organization? Maybe a list of accounts? Yet all you found were those ledgers, conveniently tucked away."
Hannah's eyes dart around, her mind racing to keep her story straight. "I was just doing my duty, my lady! I didn't know what I'd find!" she stutters, visibly shaken.
Andrelise nods, her smile predatory. "I appreciate your vigilance, Hannah. But I find it hard to believe that a simple maid like Charlotte could orchestrate such a complex scheme."
A silence hangs in the air as Hannah absorbs this. She fidgets with her apron, clearly torn between retreating and salvaging her story.
"Well, it's not like Charlotte is completely oblivious," Hannah blurts, searching for a defense. "She might not get ledgers, but she's clever in her own way. She even asked about some of the estate's finances once—though she wouldn't know what they meant!"
Her laugh sounds forced, and Andrelise's gaze sharpens, but her smile remains.
"Really?" Andrelise asks, still calm. "So Charlotte asked about finances? That's curious. What did she want to know?"
Hannah pales. Realizing she's said too much, she backtracks. "Oh, just minor things, really. She wouldn't understand, as I said." Her brittle laugh does nothing to mask her unease. "Just the curiosity of a maid. People talk around her, and she picks things up."
The realization of her mistake washes over her, and her expression hardens as she tries to retract her words. But it's too late.
Andrelise doesn't miss a beat. "Curious indeed," she murmurs, leaning in slightly, her gaze piercing. "So, you're saying Charlotte had enough knowledge to ask specific questions about finances, yet she's both too clever to avoid suspicion and too uninformed to handle the details?"
"Quite a delicate balance, wouldn't you say?"
Just then, Hannah's eyes widen, her defenses crumbling under the pressure.
——
ANDRELISE
Bingo. I've got her right where I want her.
Thinking back to just a few minutes ago, when I stumbled upon Hannah's plan it still fills me with rage.
I'm tapping my pen against the desk, waiting for Charlotte to return with the cinnamon. When she takes too long, my irritation grows, and I decide to check on her.
As I step into the corridor, I spot a group of maids whispering nervously. "Where's Charlotte?" I demand.
They exchange glances, unsure whether to speak, but finally, one maid steps forward. "Hannah found your jewels and ledgers in Charlotte's things. They say there's evidence of embezzlement, and she's taken her to the Marquis's study."
That sly snake!
I rush back to my room, grab the real evidence—the ledgers that reveal the truth—and hide them in my dress before heading to my father's study.
I'll admit, part of me considered letting Hannah off with just a warning, perhaps giving her a bit of dignity as she leaves quietly. Even with my personal vendetta against her, I thought she might learn a lesson and move on. But then she crossed the line—blaming Charlotte and twisting every detail to paint her as a criminal.
That was the final straw. I refuse to let her ruin an innocent life to save her own.
"I-I didn't mean—" Hannah stammers, struggling to regain her footing. "I was just doing my job, my lady! I swear, I found the ledgers by accident."
"By accident?" I echo, raising an eyebrow. "Or were you looking for them? You've had far too many chances to access the accounts. It's hard to believe a lowly maid like Charlotte could orchestrate such a scheme without your involvement."
"No, my lady, I—"
"Remember when my ruby ring went missing? The one I found tucked away in the corner of my jewelry box? I distinctly recall seeing you with it a few months back, Hannah. You were quite proud of your 'find.' Care to explain how that ties into your story?"
Hannah pales, the color draining from her face. "That was just a misunderstanding! I thought it was lost!" she insists, her voice rising in pitch, betraying her growing anxiety.
"Misunderstanding, or an opportunity to help yourself?" I press on. "You're the one who seems to know where all the valuable items have gone, aren't you? You've been feeding Charlotte false information while pocketing the valuables yourself."
Her jaw tightens as she tries to counter my claims. "No, I'm not—"
I cut her off, raising my hand. "It's almost poetic how the truth reveals itself in the light. You claimed you found those ledgers and jewels in Charlotte's things, but you're clearly the one who's been embezzling funds and pilfering treasures from this estate."
The atmosphere thickens with tension. Hannah's eyes dart around the room, panic flickering across her features. "You can't prove anything!"
"Oh, but I can," I reply, letting the weight of the evidence hang in the air. "I can prove not only your deception but also how you've turned this estate's finances into your personal playground. It's all here—every little detail."
She stumbles backward, her mind racing as I step closer, confident and unwavering. As I pull out the real evidence. "You see, Hannah, all those little discrepancies you thought were hidden? They're laid bare for anyone willing to look. And guess what? I've already looked. I've seen enough to know the truth."
I hand the ledgers to my father, who is still seated, his expression a mix of anger and disbelief. "These belong to the estate, and they tell a story that points directly at Hannah."
"No! This isn't happening!" Hannah cries, her composure shattering, replaced by wild panic. "You're lying! You've framed me!"
Before I can respond, she lunges toward a nearby candlestick, fingers grasping it with frenzied determination. The room freezes, all eyes on her as time seems to slow. In a matter of seconds, she hurls the object in my direction.
But Charlotte, brave and unwavering, leaps into the fray, placing herself between me and the candlestick. The object strikes Charlotte with a sickening thud, and she crumples to the floor, a crimson mark blooming on her head. "Charlotte!" I scream.
In the chaos, the guards spring into action, grabbing Hannah as she thrashes violently, her screams echoing off the walls like a caged animal desperate for freedom.
"You can't take me! I'm innocent!" she screeches, her voice filled with a manic edge as they drag her away, her wild eyes locked on mine, filled with rage and crazed desperation.
Innocent people don't act like this. And thank goodness this is all happening in front of my father—now she won't survive this.
"Alll of you out. Except you"
——
THIRD PERSON POV
The marquis leans back in his chair, a formidable figure cloaked in authority. After kicking everyone out and instructing the butler to investigate Hannah more thoroughly, he watches as the man leaves, the door closing softly behind him. Once they are alone, he dismisses the rest of the room with a flick of his wrist, his expression stern.
"You," he says, his tone leaving no room for argument. She steps forward, her heart steady despite the weight of the moment.
"What made you suspect the housekeeper?" he begins, his piercing gaze searching her face for any sign of uncertainty. Andrelise feels the pressure, but she knows this is her chance to prove her maturity.
"Father," she replies, her voice calm, "I've noticed some discrepancies in the accounts. Although I've never been interested in household finances before, the recent irregularities caught my attention." Her words flow gracefully.
The marquis nods slowly, his face remaining impassive as he continues, "And how did you come to this conclusion? You've never shown much interest in financial matters."
She meets his gaze unflinchingly. "That's true, but the unrest among the staff was evident. I overheard whispers suggesting mismanagement. I felt it was my responsibility to protect our estate—and you, Father." Each answer is carefully crafted to depict her as the dutiful daughter.
His brow furrows, clearly wanting to test her. "Andwhat may you suggest for a punishment."
Andrelise leans slightly forward, her mind racing with possibilities. "I believe it's essential to set an example, Father. A punishment that not only prevents Hannah from finding work again but also serves as a warning to anyone considering betrayal." She knows he appreciates a strong response.
The marquis raises an eyebrow, intrigued by her suggestion. "A public shaming, then?"
She nods slowly, sensing she has struck a chord. "Yes. It would protect our reputation and ensure that no one dares to act against us in the future."
He seems to ponder her words, and for a fleeting moment, a flicker of respect crosses his expression. "You've become quite sensible during your probation," he remarks, almost begrudgingly.
"Thank you, Father," she replies, a hint of triumph coloring her voice.
He regards her thoughtfully, an acknowledgment flickering in his expression, though he remains silent. After a beat, he nods, granting her unspoken approval.
"Very well," he finally says, dismissing her with a slight wave of his hand.
As she turns to leave, a victorious smile blooms on her face. She has not only gotten ride of her first problem but also positioned herself as a capable and meaningful figure in James Castiglivon's eyes
——-
CHARLOTTE
The lady is at her drawer again, sifting through its contents with a furrowed brow. I can see her frustration even from a distance, the tightness around her eyes telling me everything I need to know.
"Charlotte, how could be so reckless? Throwing yourself in like that?" she asks, her voice steady but cutting. "It's the second time Hannah has hurt you because of me."
I want to reassure her, to say it's not her fault, but the words stick in my throat. I stand there, tears pricking my cheeks, my mind a whirlwind of the pain of the earlier event. Her frustration feels like a distant echo, even though I know it's directed at me.
Suddenly, she's right in front of me, worry written all over her face. "Are you okay? Is it painful?" Her genuine concern pulls me back to the moment. I feel a confusing mix of comfort and shame wash over me.
"I...I wasn't scared at first," I manage to say, my voice shaking as memories rush back. "Not when Hannah accused me, not when she present the evidence, not even when the Marquis looked at me. But then you walked in, and..." My voice trails off, fear rising up again. "I was terrified that you have believed her." I choke out
Tears spill down my cheeks as I let my deepest fears escape. "I thought you might hate me... throw me away," I wipe my tears just as the poured more.
The mere idea of her doubting me feels like a weight on my chest.
Without a second thought, she pulls me into her arms. It's a quiet comfort, and I melt into it, allowing all my emotions to pour out. I bury my face in her shoulder, feeling her warmth and stability envelop me like a protective blanket. I cry, letting go of all the fear and sadness I've been holding inside.
In this moment, I realize how rare this kind of care is for me.
No one has ever treated me like this before. The lady, even after only knowing me for a short while, has completely changed my life.
For the first time, I feel like I have a purpose—a reason to be here—and it's all because of her. Ever since I came to the estate to work nine years old, I have ways being on my own with no one to protect me or even care for me. But now I have Lady Andrelise, and altho she considers me a mere maid to me she is more than that.
She is my master.
And I'd do anything for her—good, bad, kind, or cruel—without a second thought no matter how hard or scary it is.
I just wish she could see that she's not to blame for this situation. I want to stand by her side no matter what because...
She's made me feel human again.