Chapter 199
I had just moved into the Hilton family, and Max, respecting my wishes, set me up in a room right next to his master bedroom. It all felt surreal. It felt like I was living a dream I wasn’t ready for, standing side by side with him. The Hilton family’s polite and accommodating staff were busy making my room comfortable, asking me about my preferences to tailor everything to my liking. Meanwhile, Max had retreated to his study.
“Ms. Claire,” one of the maids approached me with a smile, “Mr. Hilton mentioned you love lilies, so he had us plant some in the greenhouse a while ago. They’ll bloom next month, but for tonight, we’ve decorated your room with roses.” I offered a small smile in return. Even the lilies got a greenhouse. Yet, I felt like a wanderer, unsure why but sure that Max wasn’t my final destination. Besides, I had harbored a sense of distrust toward almost everyone recently. “Mr. Hilton also mentioned you like drinking milk,” she added.
That was a habit from my childhood, a lifetime ago. And my tastes had changed since then.
“Nonsense. Mr. Hilton specifically said not to bring milk to Ms. Claire again. You’re so misinformed,” another voice interrupted. A woman dressed distinctly from the other staff, wearing glasses and holding a clipboard, approached us.
“Ms. Claire, I apologize. Your preference for milk is outdated information from a few months back. I haven’t updated them with this month’s briefing. It’s my mistake. Please don’t hold it against them. I’m Helen, the steward of the Hilton Mansion,” she explained.
With a nod, I agreed. Helen gave out the documents to the employees and detailed my dietary preferences. Embarrassed, I quietly went to the study as Helen briefed them.
As I was about to knock, I noticed the door was ajar.
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“Mr. Hilton, I’ve been with the Hilton family for forty years. My loyalty is unquestionable. You’re well aware that your grandfather made it clear the family head can’t marry someone of lower standing. Since you called off the engagement with the Goodwin family, the elders have as an
been restless, seeing have
opportunity for their offspring to take over, which gave Richard his chance,” a voice said from inside.
“That’s no excuse for drugging her,” Max replied in a calm yet menacing voice.
I shivered outside the door, feeling the tension.
“Mr. Hilton, Ms. Claire cannot bear your child. The Hilton family has lasted over a century, but no head of the family has ever married someone like her p>
“Enough!” Max’s angry shout was something I hadn’t heard before.
Then, I heard a commotion. Was Max physically confronting Eaton?
“Even if you beat me to death, I won’t regret my actions,” Eaton’s defiant voice continued.
Relieved, I realized it was Max’s bodyguard intervening, not Max himself. But the words stung. Why did some people look down on those of us from humble beginnings so much?
en
I was about to enter when Helen appeared behind me, gently pulling me away.
“Ms. Claire, it’s best not to go in. Mr. Hilton is quite upset. But it’s wonderful you’re here with us. The family has two factions: the
traditionalists, led by Eaton, whonet
believe in maintaining old family
alliances through marriage, and the younger generation, like myself, who advocate for love and equality. Mr. Hilton has entrusted us with your care p>
Helen’s sunny disposition was infectious, yet I couldn’t shake the feeling of being stuck in the mud, still searching for my path to the light.