Chapter 83
Chapter 83:
Maisie’s smile stiffened.
She had always assumed Helena would be easy to control. But to her surprise, the girl had a backbone.
Maisie’s eyes narrowed, and her tone dipped to ice. “Helena, did you misunderstand me somehow? Or did Alden plant that idea in your head—that I don’t deserve your respect p>
“Of course not,” said Helena, shaking her head as her wide, unassuming eyes blinked gently. “What would make you think that, Mrs. Wilson? Den hasn’t ever brought you up, not even once p>
Helena wasn’t making that up.
Alden had made it painfully clear once—aside from Frida, no one in the Wilson family held any meaning for him.
Alden already had a mother. Even if he’d never spoken to Helena about it directly, she knew better than to treat Maisie as her mother-in-law.
Maisie hadn’t expected that kind of response. The calm in Helena’s voice left her momentarily speechless.
“Den’s never been one to bother with petty things like this,” Frida said with a soft chuckle, easing the tension in the air.
As she turned to Helena, her smile grew even warmer. “Just call her Maisie. We don’t get together like this often. Let’s not get tangled up in formalities p>
And once Frida said so, there wasn’t much Maisie could do but stay quiet.
Right then, Shelley stepped into the garden, carrying Frida’s medicine. It was time for her to rest.
Maisie seized the opening. “Since Frida needs a bit of rest, why don’t you come give me a hand in the kitchen, Helena p>
Frida’s brow furrowed, and she stiffened, prepared to put Maisie firmly in her place. “You hardly ever step into the kitchen all year, and now that we finally have someone younger here, you expect her to pitch in p>
Helena caught the protective edge in Frida’s voice and felt a flicker of warmth bloom in her chest.
Even if Alden wasn’t around, Frida made her feel like she belonged—like family.
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Maisie pressed her lips together, clearly caught off guard.
To anyone watching, it was obvious—Frida adored Helena.
No wonder she trusted Helena enough to hand over that treasured heirloom necklace.
Usually, Maisie would have backed off. But with both her husband and Alden present today, she was feeling bolder than usual.
Maisie stretched a smile across her face, though her voice oozed sarcasm. “It’s only so she can see what’s being made. Every woman has got to get familiar with the kitchen while she’s still young, don’t you think? No need to stress yourself—just focus on staying healthy p>
Frida inhaled sharply, clearly ready to put Maisie in her place. But before she could say a word, Helena gently reached for her hand. “It’s fine, Frida. I’ll go with her and see what’s being cooked today p>
With calm care, Helena accepted the medicine and warm water from Shelley, then helped Frida take her pills.
She leaned down and whispered softly, “Don’t worry. Den will be here before long p>
Once she’d swallowed the pills, Frida rested a loving hand on Helena’s head, smoothing her hair in a quiet show of affection.
She wasn’t fooled, though. She understood exactly what Helena was doing. The girl wasn’t trying to win points—she just didn’t want Maisie taking liberties while her health declined.
Any lingering frustration Frida had carried over Alden’s long and stubborn search for Helena had all but melted away.
There was no doubt left in her heart. Helena’s gentle nature and honest intentions reassured her. Alden would be safe in her hands.
Trailing ahead with a sense of victory, Maisie led Helena toward the kitchen, unable to hide the smug curve on her lips.
Inside, the kitchen was bustling—steam rising, knives chopping, assistants moving quickly under the chef’s direction.
As soon as they were no longer within Frida’s view, Maisie let the facade slip.
She tilted her head, her voice dipped in false concern. “You’re a smart girl, Helena. You must see how things really work around here. Frida won’t be standing forever. Who’s going to protect you when she’s gone p>
Helena stiffened slightly but kept her silence.
Maisie’s voice remained soft, almost coaxing, but her eyes sharpened with warning. “Treat me with the respect I deserve, and maybe I’ll start treating you like one of us. And if you ever find yourself in a tough spot, don’t be shy—come to me p>
Helena burst into laughter, as though someone had just told her the most ridiculous joke she’d ever heard.
Since Maisie clearly wasn’t even pretending to be subtle, Helena decided there was no point in playing nice either.
She covered her mouth, chuckling as she said, “You’re so desperate for someone else’s son and daughter-in-law to respect you, I started wondering if Rylan is even yours p>
The color drained from Maisie’s face.
Without thinking, she grabbed a nearby plate and flung it to the floor. The sharp crash rang through the kitchen like a slap.