Chapter Four: “Let’s Go Home.”

The time was 4:30pm when Julius and Resena pulled into the driveway of the Lanster mansion. After a successful first date, the pair was still reeling from such an exciting lunch. As Julius parked his car, Resena felt a small tinge of sadness as she was not ready to separate from Julius and go back into that house. 

"I know I've already said it, but I can't thank you enough for today. It'll truly be a day I never forget." 

Resena beamed at Julius, as she replayed moments from their lunch. Remembering the tastes of all the foods, the wine, and most of all the sweets! Luckily, she still had leftovers from everything to help her remember. 

"It was my absolute pleasure. You should get used to this because there are a lot of places I'm going to take you. You deserve to see the world and everything beautiful in it." 

Resena felt her cheeks heating up again, "Why does he always have to say such things? I never know how to react." Resena decided it was best to change the subject before she said or did something that would completely embarrass her. Julius had been so amazing to Resena from the moment she'd first met him, and although this was their first official date, this was now the second time Julius had taken her somewhere amazing. Though she did not have access to a lot of money, she wanted to do something for him for once. 

"Speaking of our next outing, do you mind if I plan the date?" 

This notion caught Julius off guard, no one had ever asked him on a date. For the few times, his parents tried to pay matchmaker and set him up on blind dates the women would always expect him to take care of everything. Julius could not help but blush at the thought of someone taking him out, it was rather…cute. 

"Why Ms. Resena are you asking me out on a date?" 

Julius couldn't help but laugh as Resena's face became hot red from embarrassment. 

"Uh…Y-Yes, I mean not that I'm asking you on a date, just I would like to plan, I mean I guess that's…" 

"Hahaha, whoa! Relax! I'm sorry, I was just teasing a bit. I'd love it if you planned our next outing." 

Sighing in relief, Resena was glad he'd let her plan their next date. She had an idea of what they would do, and she was excited about setting it up. 

"Well, I better head home." 

 Still not ready to get out of the car Resena sounded somewhat sadden. To Julius' surprise, this also saddened him. "If only her suite was ready now then our day would not have to end." The changes in Resena's suite were almost ready but still would not be ready until the end of Thursday. Julius planned on moving her first thing that Friday morning. After the conversation he'd had with Lanster, Julius decided now would be a suitable time to ask Resena what she would like to do. 

"Before you leave Resena, I wanted to talk with you about something." 

Slightly concerned and extremely curious, Resena readjusted herself back into her seat. What had Julius wanted to talk about? Whatever it was, based on his tone, it seemed serious. 

"Sure, umm, is everything okay?" Nervous, Resena waited for Julius' response. 

"Oh yes, it's nothing bad, it's just, I wanted to speak with you regarding your living arrangements." 

Huh? "My living arrangements? I don't understand." 

"I know your birthday is coming up, May 19th, correct?" 

"Yes, that's correct." 

"Well, that's about two and a half weeks from now, my estate, well…" Why was he so nervous, "Julius just spit it out!" Julius tried his best to articulate what he wanted to ask her, for some reason, the idea of asking Resena to move in with him suddenly made him full of nerves. 

"I'm sorry, I'm not being very articulate right now." 

"It's okay." 

"What I wanted to know is, well, instead of waiting until you turn eighteen, would you like to move in this Friday?" 

Julius's question caught Resena by complete surprise. Move this Friday! What had brought this on! Well, she had an idea of why he would want her to move so soon, it was no secret that living here had been less than ideal, and while they were now engaged, her aunt and cousin did not take the news very well. "Move in. Now, before I turn eighteen. Ideally, it would make sense…right?" Resena tried to wrap her head around the entire situation. While it made perfect sense that she would move, Resena did not want to be a burden. From the moment she had met Julius, it seemed he was always saving her, this would be yet one more time, she was beginning to feel like everything he'd done was more so out of pity and not out of other emotions. While the idea of finally leaving this house felt exciting, she wanted to make sure this was what he really wanted. 

"Julius, let me say everything I have to say without interruption and afterwards, if you feel any different, or if I'm wrong, just tell me. Okay?" 

Not wanting to interrupt her, Julius simply nodded in agreement. 

"From the moment I first met you, you came into my life like knight in shining armor. From taking me to the dry cleaners so that I wouldn't have to walk, to taking me to delicious restaurants, and now, asking for my hand in marriage. Something I know you only did because what you also became was a friend I could talk too and learned of my abuse."  

Resena could feel her eyes starting to water as she continued. 

"I know that the only reason you've asked for my hand in marriage was to help free me from marrying Erick Steelwater, and even though I feel guilty at that thought, I'm ashamed to admit I'm selfish enough to not care. Because the truth is, being with you has been nothing short of a fairytale, and while I am relishing the idea of leaving here, Julius, if the only reason you want me to move in with you is because you feel sorry for me, I'm afraid I have to decline. I've already accepted that is the reason we are to be married; I cannot burden you any further." 

At that moment, Resena could no longer hold back her tears, streams of water rolled down her cheeks, it pained her to tell him no, but she knew it was the right thing to do. She would not continue to be a burden; she wanted to earn the right to be his wife, and she knew that would never happen as long as he continued to do things out of pity. 

Julius sat in silence for a moment, he wanted to make sure before he responded to Resena, he would respond in way where she not only heard him, but believed him, because what concerned him more than anything was that Resena was under the impression he'd done all of this out of pity. That was the furthest thing from the truth. While it was true Julius originally decided to make a rush proposal in an attempt to save her from Steelwater, everything, including marriage was because he had truly developed a form of affection. It was absurd for her to think she was a burden. He would have to set the record straight. 

"Resena, I want you to look at me. Look at me and believe me because after this, I never want to hear you refer to yourself as a burden again." 

Resena became slightly concerned, the last thing she wanted to do was insult Julius, still, as he did for her, she remained silent. 

Sighing. "While it is true, my hasty proposal was the quickest resolution I could think of to get you away from Steelwater, I need you to understand EVERYTHING, including my wanting to marry you is purely out of my affections for you. I've realized that even if it had not been THAT day, eventually, I would have always asked for your hand in marriage." 

Resena's eyes grew wide! Was it possible that Julius felt the same way about her that she had him? 

"I asked you to move in with me because I want you to be near me. While it is true I am concerned about your well-being in this household for obvious reasons, I also want you to move in for me. So please, never think that I pity you, quite the contrary, I think you are one of the bravest people I know, and I never want to hear you call yourself a burden again. Okay?" 

There was a fire burning inside Resena, she could feel her chest beating loud thumps, for a while now, she had been worried that Julius only wanted to help her and that her feelings were completely one-sided. Hearing him tell her he'd also held affection for her, made her feel a way she'd never felt. Staring at the man who had changed her life so much, Resena suddenly threw her arms around Julius' neck. With tears in her eyes, Resena hugged Julius tightly. Caught briefly off guard, Julius then embraced Resena, this young woman whom he'd met by chance and change his life so much, slowly became the most important person in his life. From this point on, he knew he could never let her go. 

Gaining her composure, Resena felt an instant surge of embarrassment. What had compelled her to do that? So many emotions were running through her mind, but right now, the most important thing was giving Julius a proper answer. 

"Yes. My answer is yes, I'd love to move in this Friday." 

Julius dawned a huge smile; Resena had said yes! There were so many emotions rolling around in his chest, he would have to sort through all of these new feelings but for now, he just wanted to relish this moment. 

"I'll have your suite ready for you by the end of Thursday, I have a team working on it now. I'll be here first thing Friday morning." 

"Okay. I'll be packed and ready." 

Julius walked Resena up to the door; after handing her the sweets for the servants, he pulled out a small box. 

"Oh, I almost forgot, I got you something." 

Julius opened the small box, in it contained a pink communicator. He'd realized part of his anxiety whenever he left Resena's side was because he had no way of communicating with her. The day before, while at his office at Spencer Techware, he had one of his employees set up a communicator for Resena. 

"It's a communicator, my company specializes in them so it's state of art tech and software. I programmed my number in there so you can call me any time, and this booklet is a walkthrough on how to use it." 

Resena took the communicator and examined it. "So pretty." That was all she could think at that moment, the communicator was a light pink color, and it had a beautiful gold charm. Resena suddenly smiled, once again Julius had completely outdone himself, she would have to think of a way to thank him. Suddenly, a flashback of what the waitress Mina popped into her mind. "Make sure you pay him back." Just then, Resena suddenly wished she could call Mina and ask her exactly what she'd meant. 

"Thank you so much for this, will you call me call once you get home?" 

"Of course. Oh, and Resena…"  

As Resena was about to open the front door, she turned around to find Julius extremely close to her face. Feeling the heat off his face, Resena began to turn red. 

"Y-Yes…" 

"Have a good night. I'll call you as soon as I get home." 

Resena nodded and nervously opened the door, stumbling as she crossed the threshold. Julius chuckled a little at her clumsiness." "That's strange, for a moment I thought I was about to kiss her." Julius hurried to his car; he wanted to know what progress was made on Resena's suite. Perhaps she could move in sooner than Friday. 

Delvoy watched from the window as Resena and Julius sat in his car. "What could they possibly be talking about for this long?" Growing irritated, he could just about guess what the conversation was about. Julius had informed Delvoy earlier that day of his plans to move Resena into his home by this Friday. He could not let that happen. He'd spent over nine years keeping that brat in his home so that he could collect on that payout, and he wasn't about to lose it to Spencer. Just then, he saw Resena and Spencer getting out of the car. Delvoy quickly left the window and went into his study. He would wait for her to come into the house to have a talk with his niece. 

As Resena walked into the foyer, Carla greeted her. 

"Welcome home Lady Resena! Oh my! Let me help you with these bags!"  

Grabbing the food bags from Resena, both she and Carla made their way to the kitchen, Delvoy could see her walking by through his study window. Both girls had been chatting and laughing. 

"Oh! I have some desserts for you and the rest of the staff!" 

"Oh wow! Really? Where'd you guys go?" 

"We went to The Sun-Berry Bloom!" 

Resena had just begun to tell Carla about her beautiful day with Julius when Delvoy walked into the kitchen. 

"Resena! My darling niece. Welcome home!" 

Startled both women looked over at Delvoy. "My darling niece? Is he for real right now?" Carla looked at Delvoy with slight disgust. How dare he try and be nice to her now that she is marrying Mr. Spencer. In that moment, Carla decided she would quit once Resena moved out. She could no longer work in a household where the masters and mistresses of the house were so cruel. 

"Carla, could you please excuse us for a moment? I'd like to speak with my niece in private." 

"Yes Mr. Lanster." 

After Carla left, Delvoy moved closer to Resena so that no one could hear their conversation. 

"Resena, I'm so glad you're home. How was your date with Mr. Spencer? I trust you had a wonderful time?" 

Nervous and confused, Resena began to wonder what brought this on. In the nine years since she lived there, Delvoy Lanster had never spoken to Resena, except to insult her or remind her of how he did not want her there. 

"Umm…y-yes. It went nice. Thank you for asking." 

"That's good. I'm very glad to hear that. Aren't you glad I chose to have you marry Julius Spencer instead of Steelwater?" 

Resena became very confused, was Delvoy trying to take credit for her and Julius being engaged? She had known for quite some time the dynamics regarding his proposing and Delvoy had NOTHING to do with it. Still, Resena thought it would be best to simply agree. 

"Yes, thank you for that decision, Mr. Lanster." 

"What's with this 'Mr. Lanster.' Am I not your uncle? 

Resena had never been allowed to call Delvoy uncle, when she moved in; he told her because she was not a blood relative and just some brat he was saddled with due to marriage, he did not acknowledge her as a niece and therefore, she could not call him uncle. But tonight, he stood confused as if he did not know the reason. 

"My apologies, thank you 'Uncle'." 

"That's better! I want you to know I also spoke with your aunt and cousin as well as the entire staff! From this point on, you're to no longer be treated like a servant in this household, and your aunt and cousin are longer allowed to verbally abuse you." 

Shocked, all Resena could do was say thank you. "What was bringing all of this on?" Resena never knew about the conditions surrounding her parents' will. While she was aware that she would receive money once she turned eighteen, she'd never known about the guardian clause, the marital clause, or the amounts left. Larna did not allow the estate's attorney to speak with Resena so she was unaware of her aunt and uncle's true motives. 

"O-Oh, wow, I don't…Thank you Uncle Delvoy." 

"Well, that's what family does right? And make no mistake Resena, you are until the day you get married OUR family." 

"Okay?" 

"Now, while I appreciate Spencer courting you during your engagement, I want to remind you that everything you do reflects on the reputation of this family. I mean, no one even knows what your true last name is, so everything you do, reflects the Lansters." 

Now Resena was extremely confused. Exactly what was her uncle getting at? What reflections was he referring to too? Did he think she would do something that would bring shame to the Lanster name? 

"I don't understand… I would never do anything to embarrass the family." 

"Good! That's what I like to hear! You see Resena…" 

Suddenly, Delvoy moved in closer to Resena, she took two steps back, she wasn't sure why, but she immediately became uncomfortable as he moved closer to her. 

"Your fiancé is under the impression that you would like to move out Friday. Now I'm not sure where that confusion came from, but I'm sure as a woman with integrity, you would never make that type of decision, especially without first discussing it with your guardian. Which is me." 

Resena's eyes grew wide! Had Julius already informed Delvoy of his plans to move her this Friday, and if so, why had Delvoy cared? For years, all he would ever say was how much he could not wait for her to be gone. This was surely the most effective way. Regardless, Resena would have to set the record straight, as she had in fact agreed to move in. 

"Um, Mr.-Uncle, I have agreed to move in with Julius this Friday. He's assured me, however, that I will have my own suite. I can assure you; we will still be as honorable as possible." 

Delvoy began to panic! He knew it! Spencer must've informed her of his plans! That's why she had been in his car for so long!! Dammit! Delvoy began to think quickly, how could he convince her to stay in the home? 

"But why! Look if it's your aunt and cousin you're worried about, I assure you they have been dealt with! I don't think you should move out before your eighteenth birthday!" 

Resena stood confused, "why was this such a big deal to him?" Hoping reason would help, Resena continued to explain things further to Delvoy. Maybe if he'd understood this was what both she and Julius wanted, he would not oppose the idea. 

"No, it's not that. I…we are just ready to begin living together, my birthday is in two in half weeks." 

"Exactly! Just two weeks away! So why the sudden move!" 

Maybe it was because she really wanted to move, or maybe the idea of Julius thinking she was brave gave her the courage, whatever the reason, Resena simply could not back down from this decision. She wasn't sure why her uncle became so adamant about her staying in this house, but it no longer mattered; her decision to move had already been made. Taking a deep breath, Resena began to speak slowly. 

"Uncle, while I appreciate what you've done regarding Aunt Larna and Marsell, I'm afraid I will be still moving out this Friday. I truly believe this is for the best." 

Delvoy's mind began to race! Part of his plan to save his business was contingent on that money! Enraged, Delvoy began to shout. 

"As the head of this house I forbid it!" Above everything else, Delvoy knew Resena feared him. She could never disobey them in the past and that still had not changed, she was still just as docile…. 

"I'm sorry, but this is no longer up to you. I'm 17 years old, so I can choose where I stay if I have a betrothed, and I choose to live with my fiancé." 

Delvoy could hardly believe his ears! "Who did she think she was?! How dare she!! So, because she is engaged to Spencer, she thinks she can talk back!" Delvoy was now seething. Never had Resena disobeyed him. He wasn't about to lose control now! 

"Is that so? Well, how about I just end the engagement!" Although he had no plans of doing so, Delvoy decided to threaten Resena with the possibility of ending her engagement, "Let's see what response you have to that!" Standing smug, Delvoy thought he had finally had her, just then, Resena walked towards her uncle, the pleasantries over. 

"Mr. Lanster, if you feel you need to call off the engagement to force me to stay here, that's fine. If you like, I can call Julius now so that we can all discuss this matter as it also pertains to him." 

Delvoy stood shocked! Who was this girl! This certainly was not the same Resena he'd known for the past nine years! Exactly what had transpired between her and Spencer that gave her such courage!! Delvoy no longer knew what to say, if she called Spencer, surely, he would be upset about his threatening to end the engagement, and it's no telling what he would do as retaliation. Delvoy was already on the brink of losing so much, he couldn't afford to lose everything! Suddenly, he decided to take a more guilty approach. Threw a cracked voice, Delvoy began to speak. 

"Resena, I'm not sure what has happened to you, but I don't understand all this disrespect. For over nine years I have allowed you to be in my home, I've fed you, clothed you, and taken care of you. All I asked is that you stay with your family until your birthday. Are we not worth that? The people who raised you?" 

"No way she can turn down that performance." But Resena was not moved, for the parts Delvoy left out was the abuse and humiliation she'd endured all those years behind their "generosity." Growing irritated, Resena had a fire burning inside of her! She was not going to back down! Julius was worth her fighting for! Her happiness was worth it! With fire in her eyes, Resena looked directly at her uncle. 

"While I appreciate, you're taking me in, I will not change my decision. This Friday, I will no longer live here, I thank you for everything you've done as I'm sure my husband-to-be will make sure you're rewarded, have a great night uncle. There are pastries on the counter from the Sun-Berry Bloom." 

And just like that, Resena walked past her uncle and to her room. There would be no need to have further a discussion, she'd had enough of that conversation. Delvoy stood in the kitchen bewildered, "what had just happened?" but more importantly "what did this mean?" Without an answer to his thoughts, all he could do was stand there. 

As Resena made her way to her bedroom, she suddenly felt proud. This had been the first time she had ever stood up for herself against anybody and now she had just stood her ground against her uncle! She was sure Julius would be proud of her! Pulling out her communicator, she'd decided to call Julius and tell him what had just transpired. 

Julius had just arrived home eager to call Resena, he quickly called Bellman his head servant into the grand room. 

"Good evening, Master Spencer, I trust you had a great day with your new fiancé?" 

"Thank you, Bellman, as a matter of fact I did. Here, these are for you and the staff." Julius handed Bellman the three boxes of treats he'd purchased from the Sun-Berry. 

"Many thanks sir as I'm sure the staff will truly enjoy this. Will you be needing my services for the remainder of the evening? 

"No, I'm good for the night. Thank you, Bellman." 

"Sir." Bellman bowed his head to Julius and made his way to the kitchen, just then, Julius' communicator began to ring, it was Resena. Eager to hear her voice, he quickly answered. 

"Resena! Hey! I was just about-…" Julius was suddenly cut off by Resena, she'd sounded like she was in a panic. 

"Julius you're never going to believe what just happened! My uncle and I, well he… he's completely lost it!" 

"Whoa!! Resena, slow down, now tell me what happened?" 

Julius sat and listened as Resena filled him in on the events that transpired after he dropped her off. He could hardly believe his ears! Lanster had really tried to force her to stay! Julius had Raymon working overtime on the Lansters trying to retrieve as much information as possible. Something was definitely off! Lanster was too stuck on Resena staying in that home until she turned eighteen. Whatever the case, Lanster had certainly overplayed his hand this time. Trying to force Resena to stay in that house by threatening to call off the engagement infuriated him! And while he was proud of Resena for standing up for herself, he knew her time at the Lansters' estate had just come to an end. There was no telling what he may do behind her being disobedient, and while Julius hadn't learned what their overall secrets were, thanks to Raymon, he had a close second for a trump card in case Delvoy had ever tried anything against Resena. That time had now come. Julius had learned the truth behind Lanster's software company! 

"Resena, pack you a suitcase, I'm coming to get you." 

Without reservation, Resena quickly responded. 

"Okay. I'll do so now." 

After Julius hung up with Resena, he called Bellman back into the grand room, the suite wasn't quite finished, but Resena could sleep in one of the guest quarters until they were. Bellman arrived back in the grand room quickly; it appeared he and the staff were enjoying the treats, Julius felt guilty about having to disturb him. 

"Yes sir, how can I be of assistance?" 

"I'm sorry for having to bother you, but I'm bringing Resena to the estate tonight. I need one of our guest suites prepared for her." 

Bellman stood shocked, he'd known his mater's new fiancé would be moving onto the estate on Friday, so what caused the sudden change? Without hesitation, Julius began to fill him in on what had just transpired. 

"So, you see, I can't leave her there! It's no telling what they may do to her!" 

"No further explanation is needed sir. I'll get the suite on the east villa prepared. Go and retrieve your fiancé, and might I suggest you take Edwin with you." 

Edwin was Julius' lead security, he'd supervised Julius' personal security team and whenever Julius felt additional protection was needed, it was Edwin who would accompany him personally. Though he wasn't sure he would need it, there was no harm in being on the safe side. Delvoy was clearly beginning to crash, whatever he was in fear of losing should Resena move out prior to being eighteen, he had clearly begun to take desperate measures to secure her stay. 

"I agree, could you call him to the grand room for me, I need to make a quick call to Raymon." 

"Right away sir!" 

Bellman pulled out his communicator and switched over to the intercom option, first he requested Edwin to meet with Julius in the grand room, next, he'd order a number of staff members to the East Villa suite. As Bellman began to prepare, Julius called Raymon. 

"Yo! What's going on?" 

"Hey, it's me, I need to know if you've been able to find anything out regarding Resena turning eighteen?" 

"Not yet, BUT I'm meeting with the Blackwells' Power of Attorney May 18th. I have a feeling it has something to do with the will that was left for Resena. The attorney seems willing to speak with me. Why what's up?" 

Julius quickly updated Raymon on everything that happened between him and Delvoy and then Resena and Delvoy. 

"I see. Wow! Yeah, there is definitely something going on. Even when she was engaged to Steelwater, he'd made an agreement that she would stay there until then." 

"Speaking of Steelwater, has he been informed about the ending of their engagement? I'd thought he would come and speak with me; I heard he could be arrogantly prideful." 

"No, it looks like Lanster hasn't told him yet, maybe he's trying to figure out how to tell him without it blowing up in his face and because you two have not made your engagement public, it's managed to slip through the grapevine walls of gossip." 

"Hmm. That's fine, I deal with Steelwater myself." 

Just then, Edwin walked into the grand room, Julius held up his index finger to indicate for Edwin to give him a moment to wrap things up with Raymon. 

"So, you're on your way to Lanter's?" 

"Yeah, I'm not going to let her stay there knowing he's possibly plotting." 

"Understood. Do you still have the information I gave you regarding his company?" 

"Indeed, I do. I plan on using it as my leverage in case he tries to call off the engagement." 

"Good! Let me know how everything goes, and I'll keep you updated on what I learn in a few weeks." 

"Thanks Raymon. Talk with you soon." 

As soon as Julius hung up his communicator, Edwin began to speak, he had been listening in on the conversation Julius had with Raymon, so he knew some of what was going on. 

"Did you need me to accompany you to the Lanster Estate." 

"Yes, we're going to pick up my fiancé, she's no longer going to live there." 

"No problem, sir. Is there a possibility the scene may be hostile?" 

Edwin was ex-military; he had become one of the most decorated officers in the imperial army. After serving for 10 years, he'd decided to retire and begin personal security. Julius hired him the moment he took over Spencer Techware. He knew Edwin would be the best person to serve as his bodyguard. 

"Honestly, I don't know, probably not, but I'd like to be safe rather than sorry." 

"I agree sir. Shall we retrieve Ms. Resena." 

"Lets. You drive. I have some documents I need to look over on the way." 

Julius tossed his keys over to Edwin as they left the mansion. He would soon be there to save Resena. 

"I'm coming Resena, just hang on." 

Resena began packing her clothes, she'd been given a large trunk when her new clothes were delivered. Packing in haste she soon heard a knock on the door. 

"W-Who is it?" Concerned whether it may be her uncle or worse, her aunt, Resena hesitated to open the door. 

"It's me Ms. Resena, Carla." 

Carla had been in the breakfast room during the entire exchange between Resena and Delvoy, she'd heard the entire thing. 

"May I come in?" 

"Oh! Yes! I'm sorry!"  

Resena rushed over to unlock her door, as Carla walked in, Resena noticed she had a concerned look on her face. 

"Ms. Resena…are you okay?!" 

Carla spat out the words in a panic. She'd heard all the ridiculous things Delvoy said to her. She instantly felt disgusted when he tried to paint the picture of a dutiful uncle. Knowing it would cost her job, Carla decided to go back into the kitchen to defend Resena, however, when she walked up to the door, she could overhear Resena defending herself against him. Standing with her ear to the door, Carla continued to listen, giving quiet shouts of support. 

"Oh my gosh!! Way to go Ms. Resena! You tell him!" 

After Resena left the kitchen, Carla waited a few minutes and decided to go in. "He hasn't left the kitchen yet. What's he doing? I have to see for myself!" Delvoy was still standing in the same spot he'd been in when Resena left. As she began to walk past him, Carla could see his angered face. Delvoy was seething; practically foaming at the mouth. He kept chanting to himself over and over. 

"She won't get away with this! She won't get away with this!!!!!" 

Just then, Delvoy spotted Carla staring at him. 

"What the hell do you want!" 

Delvoy barked at Carla, causing her to shriek. Staring at him in fear, Carla began to think of a quick reason to give for her to come into the kitchen. 

"My apologies sir. I just came in for a drink of water." 

"Fine, get your water and get out!" 

"Yes sir!" 

As Carla began to leave once grabbing a bottle of water, Delvoy suddenly stopped her. 

"You…you're Carla, right?" 

The question caught Carla off guard, why had he asked for her name? 

"Well!!" 

"U-Ughh, y-yes sir." 

Carla held her head down, maybe coming into the kitchen was a bad idea after all. Just then, Delvoy lifted her chin up with his finger. 

"Yes. You're the one responsible for making my niece look beautiful today, are you not?" 

Huh?! "Um, I helped Ms. Resena with her makeup and outfit yes." 

"No…you did more than that. My niece doesn't know anything about fashion and makeup." 

Where was he going with this? Carla suddenly became angry with herself. "I should have just gone to my room." 

"I just helped her put things to…" 

Delvoy suddenly cut her off. 

"You did an excellent job. Resena looked exceptional." 

!!!! 

"T-Thank you sir…" 

"You did too a good job. Because of you, Julius Spencer now wants my niece to move in before she turns eighteen." 

"What!! Sir I…" 

"You're fired!" 

Carla could hardly believe her ears. He was blaming her! All the years of abuse and humiliation Resena suffered at the hands of this entire wretched family and he was blaming her for why she wanted to leave! 

"You heard what I said! You're fired! Go and pack your things and leave my estate at once!!!" 

Stunned by what had just happened, Carla quickly left the kitchen. Sure, she'd planned on quitting, but that was only after Resena left, she wasn't prepared to leave that evening. Yes, this had been a bad idea indeed. Delvoy wanted to blame someone, and Carla was an easy target. 

"Yes. I'm good. Better than good! Thank you for asking!" 

Just then Resena noticed Carla's face. "Was she crying? Why?" 

"Umm, Carla, forgive me for asking, but have you been crying?" 

Carla looked directly at Resena; she had indeed been crying. Suddenly, her eyes began to swell. 

"Oh Ms. Resena!! He's an absolute monster!!!" 

Shocked and confused, Resena directed Carla over to a chair so that she could sit down. After composing herself, Carla began to explain what happened after she left. 

Resena could hardly believe it! Delvoy had blamed Carla! Of all the ridiculous things! Resena found herself feeling instantly guilty. Because of Carla's kindness to her, it had cost her job. Rather than sad, Resena realized for the first time she felt a surge of anger! Her uncle had gone too far! There was no need to drag Carla into this! She would have to find a way to make things right for her. 

Just then, Resena's communicator began to buzz, it was Julius! 

"Eh hello! Yes!" 

"Hey, we're pulling into the estate now. Are you packed?" 

"(We??). Um, yes! I'm ready!" 

"Good! I'll see you soon." 

After Resena's call ended, she suddenly got an idea! 

"Carla!" 

"Yes ma'am?" 

"Do you have a lot of things here?" 

Confused by the question, Carla wasn't sure what made Resena ask her that. Did she plan on offering her a ride to her hometown? That was out of the question, Carla was from a small village that was over an hour away from the city of Conland. No way would she make Ms. Resena go out of her way. It was still relatively early; she would be able to catch a bus. 

"Oh ma'am, that's okay you don't have to give me a ride." 

"Ride? Oh no, I'm not offering you a ride! Listen, Julius is on his way here to pick me up! I told him was transpired this evening, so he doesn't think it's safe for me to stay." 

"Ms. Resena that's wonderful!" 

"I want you to come with me!" 

!!!!! Whaaat!!! 

Carla wasn't sure she'd heard her right, did Ms. Resena just say she wanted her to come with her?? 

"Ms. Resena, I don't understand what you're asking. Do you wish for me to move in with you at the Spencer Estate?" 

Grabbing Carla's hands, Resena had a huge smile on her face. 

"That's exactly what I'm asking! I was hoping you could be my lady's maid?" 

"Oh wow! I mean, I'd love to, but do you think Mr. Spencer would be okay with that? I'm sure he's already got a staff?" 

Resena hadn't thought of that! Would Julius object to Carla's coming? She'd decided in haste without even discussing it with him! Resena began to panic, just then, she'd thought of Julius and how sincere he had always been. All Resena had to do was explain how important Carla was to her, she was sure he'd understand. 

"Not to worry Carla, my fiancé is a kind and gentle soul, once I explain to him how much you mean to me, there's no way he would say no." 

Tears began to fill Carla's eyes! She'd wondered what she would do for employment once she had quit, and then Delvoy went and fired her! "On second thought, it's a good thing I walked into that kitchen after all." 

As Carla ran to her room to gather her things, Resena began to make her way to the staircase, she'd packed as much as she could, but she would need help with that trunk. She gathered the smaller bags to place at the door. As Resena began walking down the stairs, she heard the doorbell ring. Was it Julius? Had he finally arrived? She could see Diana making her way to the front door when suddenly, Delvoy came charging behind her. Resena suddenly paused on the steps. Without giving her a chance to confirm, he began to bark at her. 

"Who is it!!!" 

"I'm not sure sir; I haven't had a chance to open the door." 

"Well then open it!!" 

Delvoy's anger began to poison the entire house, Resena felt a tinge of guilt, all of this was because she'd chosen to move out before turning eighteen and although she didn't quite understand why this was so important and she didn't want to stay, she was beginning to wonder if leaving was the right choice. "I don't' want anyone else to suffer because of me. Maybe I should stay." As Resena began to reconsider her choice, the door swung open, and Julius walked through. Behind him was a taller and larger gentleman that Resena had never seen before. "I wonder who that is." As both men walked in, Delvoy stopped in his tracks. 

"Spencer!! W-What are you doing here!?" 

"I'm here for Resena." 

Gasp!! "What!! I thought you said she wasn't going to move in until Friday!! Why are you here tonight?!" 

Delvoy stood in utter disbelief, what was going on?! Why had Spencer decided to move her in tonight! Just then, as Delvoy turned in confusion, he saw Resena standing on the staircase. She had several bags in her hands, "What is the meaning of this! Could she have called him to tell him what happened in the kitchen?? How! She doesn't even have a…" Suddenly it became clear to Delvoy just how he'd learned what happened this evening between him and Resena and why he was now here. "Of course he gave her a communicator, his company literally makes them!!!" Delvoy could feel his mouth getting dry and his throat tightening up. Everything was starting to fall apart. 

"Spencer, I thought we agreed on this Friday! What is the meaning of this!" 

"Lanster, are you really going to stand there and pretend as if you don't know what's going on?" 

Delvoy stood in silence, if she hadn't told him, he most certainly was not going to volunteer that information. 

Sigh. "How disappointing, I had expected better of you Lanster. I spoke to Resena shortly after you accosted her in your kitchen. I no longer feel secure with my fiancé staying here, so it's best if she leaves tonight." 

Delvoy began to get angry. Who did Spencer think he was to charge into his home and make demands! While it was true he was the son of a duke, Delvoy had his pride. 

"Look Spencer, I don't know what that girl has told you…" 

"That GIRL is my fiancé Lanster, and I will not allow you to further disrespect her!" 

Julius was beginning to lose his patience. All the things he'd learned about the Lansters and the abuse Resena endured over the years, yet he continued to hold his tongue to maintain peace. But all of that was over, Lanster had gone too far, no longer would Julius stay quiet. Just then, the servants began to make their way to the foyer to see what the commotion was about. Word was already making its way around the mansion about what was transpiring. 

"Listen Spencer, I know you think you run everything, but you do not run this household! You will not disrespect me in my own home!" 

"Disrespect? Disrespect!? Do you want to talk about disrespect? Disrespect is constantly being put down by your uncle from the time you were nine to now for no other reason than her not being blood related. Disrespect is you allowing your wretched wife and daughter to abuse her mentally, emotionally, and physically because she had unresolved issues with her sister and thought it fair to take it out on a child! But the worse of it all, marrying her off to a despicable human like Steelwater knowing what he does to women!" 

Julius was now seething! All the things he'd wanted to say to Delvoy from the beginning started flooding out. 

"Look, I didn't come here to argue with you Lanster, I'm only here for my fiancé. So, allow us to retrieve her and her things, and we'll be out of your way. I'm prepared to pay her dowry now so that you can finally be rid of her. That is after all what you wanted correct?" 

Just then, Delvoy became confused. What dowry? The agreement was that Lanster and Spencer go into business together. He'd promised him expansion into the western continent. 

"What do you mean you're prepared to pay." 

Now Julius was confused, had he really thought they would still go into business together after what he learned and how he'd behaved. 

"Lanster you surely didn't think we would still go into business after this?" 

!!! "What!! That was what you promised!" 

"I also warned you…I told you I took my fiancé just as serious, you chose not to heed my warnings, so here we are." 

Just then, Julius pulled a checkbook out the breast pocket of his jacket. He then reached over to Edwin for a pen. After writing the contents on the check, he then ripped it out of the book and handed it to Delvoy. 

Delvoy looked down at the check written to him, the amount was twenty million pounds, more than triple the usual dowry rate, however, not nearly enough to fix his current business woes. Delvoy began to fume!! This wasn't supposed to go like this! If he had known, it would turn into all of this he would have just kept that brat with Steelwater! At least he would have had a business deal!! That's it! Steelwater! Delvoy hadn't informed Erick about the change if fiancés. His plan was to wait until it was made public in case something went wrong. Well, something had in fact went wrong, and whereas he would have loved to get into business with Spencer as it would have most certainly solved his financial problems and more, if it meant he would have to be controlled by Spencer, he couldn't do it. "There's no way I'm going to allow that little brat to have this much control! I'll break off the engagement and send her back to Steelwater! HA! I might even tell him to punish her for me! That'll show her for disobeying me!" It was time to put Spencer in his place, a rarity for sure. Handing him back the check, Delvoy began to speak. 

"You know Spencer, I had thought the combining of our families would be a great thing not only for business but for society. It's clear however that you have no respect for who is head of this household. I am Resena's guardian! Me! And I am the one who choses what she gets to do with her life until she is no longer under my guardianship. Therefore, it brings me no pleasure to inform you I will be ending this engagement and maintaining my original arrangements with the Steelwaters. Now you and your friend, please leave." 

Resena's heart began to fall, she'd been on the steps the entire time during her uncle and fiancé's exchange, and now he has just called off their engagement! Resena could feel her knees begin to get weak, the servants all gasp at what they had just heard. It was all over! Not only was he ending her engagement to Julius, but he was sending her back to Erick Steelwater!! Resena could feel her eyes begin to water, if she'd known it was going to turn into all of this, she would have just stayed until her birthday! It wasn't worth all of this! That's it! Maybe if she agrees to stay, her uncle will allow her to stay with Julius. Resena dropped her bags and ran down the steps. Locking eyes with Julius, he simply smiled at her. Why was he smiling? Had he not understood what was going on? Just then, Julius walked closer to Delvoy. 

"Lanster, I must give you credit. You're right, I am used to getting my way. Very seldom am I ever really challenged, for that I thank you. Turns out you're not the spineless weasel I thought you were. Resena will not be marrying Steelwater, but she is leaving here tonight. Edwin, that's my fiancé at the bottom of the stairs. Please grab those bags behind her." 

"Yes sir." 

As Edwin walked past Delvoy he began to protest. 

"Now wait a minute, Spencer!!..." 

"Before you finish your sentence Lanster you're going to want to listen to what I have to say." 

Delvoy turned his attention back to Julius. Completely confused, he'd wondered why Spencer was standing so smug. Walking over to Delvoy, Julius handed him some documents, as Delvoy began to read, his face turned white. 

"You see Lanster, before I go into business with anybody, I make it my duty to learn everything about them. Well, I learned a great deal about you and Lanster Software. Turns out, you've been selling faulty software to the east regions of the southern continent. Which caused a bunch of businesses to file civil lawsuits against you. Your company just lost its license causing you to no longer be able to sell here. That's the main reason you want to move west. Unlike the other continents, the west doesn't require a background clearance to obtain a software license. Isn't that correct?" 

Delvoy stood in complete shock! How, how had he found out. Delvoy had paid a person on the inside that worked for imperial capital's licensing authentication department to alter his information to show he still had his license. He'd figured at the very least Spencer would verify that. The person who helped him assured him that if Spencer did not try and make any publications using his license, he would be in the clear. His original plan was to use the money he would receive from Resena to purchase the publishing license which cost ten billion pounds and set up shop before Spencer had a chance to find out. He would have later given him his new licensing information. But now, all of it had been in vain. Not only had Spencer found out the truth, but he was also talking Resena away. Everything had truly fallen apart. 

"Look Lanster, I don't care about what you're doing, in all honesty if you stay down this road of dirty business dealings, it would only be a matter of time before the west ended up doing the same thing as the south. That being said, I'm sure you still want a shot to be able to play your scheme out, well, I assure you if I go to the press with this, there won't be ONE place on this planet that you will be able to license from. As I'm sure you already know, Spencer Techware is global, so we have business dealings throughout the entire world. I'd like to be able to move on without having to ruin you, but that depends entirely on you." 

Delvoy could feel his knees begin to weaken as he tried to think of a way out of this. But there wasn't, there was absolutely no way out of this. Spencer was right, the minute he went public it would send a mass suspension across the globe. He would be completely banned. Delvoy looked over to the right, he saw Resena slowly walking down the steps along with Edwin bags in tow. Behind her was also Carla, the maid he'd fired earlier. As Edwin began to walk towards the entrance, Delvoy slowly moved to the side. What choice did he have? At least this way he could still have a chance at saving his company, who knows, maybe he could marry Marsell off to someone that also had connections, though they would be subpar compared to Spencer. Turning back to Julius, Delvoy spoke in a low and humiliating tone. 

"May I still have her dowry?" 

Without wanting to cause him any further embarrassment, Julius simply handed him the check. Just then, Resena walked past him and up to Julius. Smiling down at her, Julius took her hand into his. 

"Are you ready to leave?" 

Smiling. "Yes. Oh wait! I still have a trunk upstairs." 

"I see. The bags my bodyguard Edwin carried; do you have clothes in them?" 

"I do, though not a lot." 

"That's not a problem; I'll send a moving team tomorrow to retrieve the rest of your things." 

Smiling. "Okay. Oh! One more thing!" 

Julius looked at Resena puzzled. Just then, Carla walked up. 

"Julius, this Carla. She was the one who'd help me this morning. I wanted to know if I could bring her with me as my lady's maid. I know it's sudden and I should have talked with you first…" 

"That'll be absolutely fine." 

Smiling a huge smile, Resena swung her arms around Julius' neck and hugged him tightly. After so many years of living in pain and despair, Resena finally knew what love…. Was that it? Love? Was love the emotion she had been feeling. While it was too soon to tell, whatever feeling this was, she would hold on to it forever. Turning to her friend, she smiled at Carla. 

"Carla, I would like to introduce you to my fiancé, Julius." 

"It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Spencer, thank you so much for taking care of Ms. Resena." 

"It's been my pleasure, thank you as well. I'm glad she will have someone like you on her team." 

Suddenly feeling shy, Carla simply bowed her head. Grabbing her suitcase, she turned and looked at the servants in the open room, Carla smiled at them, bowed head and headed towards the door. As Carla walked out, Edwin came back into the home, looking down at her, he asked if she would be traveling with them. After answering, Edwin then took Carla's bags and looked over to Julius. 

"Resena, go ahead and follow Carla and Edwin to my car, I'll be behind you shortly." 

Without a word, Resena turned to walk away, just then, she turned back around and looked at the servants who were now in complete shock. Walking over to Diana, Resena gave her a hug. 

"Thank you, Ms. Diana, I always felt loved by you. I know your hands were tied." 

Diana looked down at Resena, suddenly her eyes began to swell. While it was true, she had been forced not to help, she'd wished she were braver like Ella. Without saying a word, she simply nodded. Resena then thanked the other servants and made her way to the door. She never spoke or looked at her uncle, who to ashamed to look her way, stood looking in the opposite direction. And that was it. Resena was finally gone. 

"I'll have a service come to the home tomorrow at noon to retrieve the rest of Resena's things. Have a good evening Mr. Lanster, I wish you well." 

Delvoy never answered, he also never looked his way, he simply stood in the same spot looking in the opposite direction. Julius then turned around and left the manner. As the door closed behind him, a feather could possibly be heard in the dead air of silence. Resena had left, and with her went any real chance of him saving his business. 

As Julius made his way to the car, he could see Resena smiling at him in the back passenger seat. Finally, she was free of this wretched house and life, finally she could dawn that smile for days to come. Julius could not help but feel heroic, Resena could now live a life she had always deserved. 

"Alight everyone, let's go home." 

Resena could not help but feel a surge of excitement, for once she could not wait to head home… "Yes, let's go home."