Chapter 62

The tense atmosphere in the Belle mansion hadn't loosened up by any means. The maids still whispered possible reasons of Charles' dramatic death in the dark corridors. What they found suspicious was Lady Belle's lack of a response. Her firstborn had just passed away, yet she remained her usual self. It almost felt as if.. she had expected 'it'.

In all their years of serving, the maids had realised how much of a potential psychopath Nathan was. Truth be told, they wouldn't have been surprised if he had choked his own brother to death. It was just who he was.

The ultimate surprising reaction was the painter's. The maids in particular never liked Thomas. They knew of his previous life and felt a servant such as him, didn't belong anywhere near their mistress Cecilia. When they perceived news of how he accompanied the obvious murderer, their eyes couldn't help but light up in satisfaction. They assumed divorce was closing in on the low life.

"What do you think will happen to the young mistress?" A juvenile maid whispered in another's ear.

"I heard Our Lady will send her away to some prison..." The slightly elder maid tried to make it less obvious that they were gossiping by dusting an already clean bookshelf.

"I thought she would receive a death sentence. She did commit murder after all.. Such a gruesome crime!"

"I don't care what happens to her. I'm more curious about Ainsworth's marriage falling apart." A smile no short of devilish fell upon her lips. "I heard lady Cecilia kicked him out of their chamber the other night..." The younger maid snickered.

"He deserves to be put in place. How can he even think of having explicit relationships when he already has our Mistress?!"

"The low should love the gutter, not the Goddess. My Mother always used to say that."

"That is enough, the both of you!" The head maid scolded, authority detectable in her soft voice. The young gossipers apologised at once and resumed their respective tasks. The head maid let out a sigh. Times were tougher now more than ever. She feared for the young mistress' fate as well.

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Nathan felt as if lightning had struck him when he opened the door. The person who stood there was the last one on earth he ever expected.

"Good morning to you", Carina had a certain vibrancy to her voice. And surprisingly, a sweet smile adorning her features. Nathan blinked twice to make sure it wasn't some unholy dream.

"Yes, good morning to you too. I wasn't really expecting.. company." Carina's smile grew wider at his words and shocked demeanor. Her plan would work perfectly.

"May I come inside? Or should a lady tire her legs standing at the door?" Nathan instantly stepped aside, muttering a "come in". He, for possibly the first time ever, looked bashful. Carina entered the chamber, pleased with herself. And of course, her mother's clever mind.

The tables were about to turn.