Chapter 715
At first, Aurora used to explain to her classmates that Arnold was their family’s butler. But eventually, she realized people only saw it as her showing off. They thought she was just being flashy, trying to impress. After that, she toned everything down. She even asked Arnold to dress more modestly. If people didn’t want to see her doing well, then she’d learn to keep it hidden. That, too, was a kind of skill. Sometimes, when others resented someone’s success, the smartest thing to do was to dim the light – stay quiet, stay unnoticed – until the time was right.
And when that day finally came, strike with precision. Only then could the score be truly settled. But if she revealed her strength too soon, before she was ready, they would crush her before she ever had the chance to rise. By the time Arnold arrived, young Aurora had already composed herself. She didn’t say much, just asked him to take the items and leave. She had no intention of staying any longer – there was no point. She had plenty of awards at home anyway.
As for Tessa… Aurora couldn’t help but wonder what kind of drama she had pulled this time. On the way back, she casually asked, “Mr. Arnold, how’s my sister doing?”
Arnold glanced at her delicate face, unsure how to respond. He’d never really liked Tessa. There was something about her – some kind of haughty air that rubbed him the wrong way, as if she looked down on all the household staff the same way she looked at strangers.
Though Tessa always appeared gentle on the surface, deep down, she clearly looked down on them. Arnold knew it wasn’t just his imagination – it was the truth. Take what happened the other day, for example. A housemaid accidentally broke something in Tessa’s room. The poor woman apologized over and over, practically bowing until her back nearly touched the floor. But the more she begged, the wider Tessa’s smile became, unnervingly so. The maid, unaware of the danger, kept apologizing, still thinking she might be forgiven. Tessa gently placed her hand on the maid’s shoulder. The woman brightened, thinking Tessa had let it go. She even spoke up nervously, “Miss Tessa, thank you for your forgiveness. I’m truly sorry. Please, tell me how much it costs, I’ll pay for it.”
But before she could finish her sentence, Tessa suddenly slapped her across the face. Her expression twisted, the sweet smile now something cold and terrifying. “So you think breaking my things can be solved with just a few apologies?”
The maid nearly collapsed to the ground, trembling. But Tessa didn’t stop. She crouched down beside her, lowered her voice, and whispered, “I don’t ever want to see you in the Walton house again. If you know what’s good for you, leave quickly!”
The maid didn’t dare hesitate. She nodded frantically, preparing to flee. But just as she turned, Tessa grabbed her by the hair. The sudden jolt made the woman flinch in terror. “Miss… what did I do wrong?” she asked, voice shaking, her heart pounding with fear, unsure what mistake she had made this time.