I felt as if I were shrinking under her intense gaze. She seemed to struggle to believe what she was seeing. I hoped she wouldn’t discover that I wasn’t really Rita’s niece.
“Are you really Rita’s niece?” she asked, as if to confirm.
“Yes, ma’am. If I’m not mistaken, you must be Sir Arlo’s mother?”
“Yes, I am. Where are you going at this hour?”
“I’m just heading out to buy some gifts for my cousin’s kids,” I replied politely.
“Okay. Could you deliver this cake to my son? It’s his favorite. I have an important appointment. Make sure it doesn’t get ruined,” she said, handing me a cake and instructing the building receptionist to call a taxi for me.
We stepped out of the building together. As we exited, her driver opened the car door for her, and she got in without even saying goodbye.
She’s still as bossy as ever, I thought. Even at her age, she hasn’t changed. I guessed she was headed to see a dermatologist—she’s like my mom, who is meticulous about her appearance. Sometimes, I even join my mom at the gym or go jogging with her in the mornings.
When the taxi arrived, I got in right away. Ma’am, Ella’s driver spoke to the taxi driver and even paid the fare for me.
I quickly sent a message to my secretary, letting her know I’d be late, and I informed Big Sister Violet as well. Big Sister Violet is the manager of our family’s large hotel here in Alabama.
A few minutes later, the taxi pulled up in front of Bonde’s Company. I stepped out, feeling a pang of comparison. Truthfully, my company, which my grandfather Williams left me, is much larger. He also left other properties in my twins’ names. We even run a charity here in Alabama and back in our hometown.
“Miss, you’re not allowed inside without an appointment. Who are you here to see?” the security guard asked.
“Don’t let her in, dude. That woman might just be here to cause trouble. Can’t you see her face?” said the rude guard.
“I’m here to deliver something to my boss, so let me in,” I said, feeling insulted by the guard’s mocking laughter.
No matter what I said, they refused to believe I was Arlo’s maid because of my appearance.
They started throwing all sorts of accusations at me, even suggesting that the cake I was holding might be poisoned or enchanted with some love spell.
“If Ma’am Ella Bonde finds out that you didn’t let me in and I couldn’t deliver this cake to her son, don’t be surprised if you’re both out of a job by tomorrow,” I said, making them glance at each other nervously.
Some people are just so judgmental, basing everything on appearances.
When I saw Leo and Gilbert walking towards us, I called out to them. I noticed Gilbert whisper something to Leo. They were accompanied by a man I didn’t recognize.
“What’s going on?” Gilbert asked the two guards.
“This woman here insists on entering, Sir, but she doesn’t have an appointment. She claims she’s here to see Sir Arlo,” the rude guard replied to Gilbert.
“Let her in—she’s Arlo’s personal maid,” Gilbert said firmly.
The two guards were left speechless and begrudgingly allowed me to pass.
“Miss, please don’t report this incident to Mr. Bonde,” one of the guards pleaded.
I didn’t reply and simply followed Gilbert, who called over a woman and instructed her to escort me to Arlo’s office. I smiled at Arlo’s friends before heading inside.
As we entered the elevator, the woman accompanying me began asking when Arlo and Valerie’s exact wedding date was. I told her I didn’t know, even though I was staying at Arlo’s apartment. She was persistent, asking me all sorts of questions, clearly just fishing for gossip.
When the elevator doors opened, we stepped out, and she led me to Arlo’s office.
Another man arrived carrying a brown envelope—he looked like an investigator. I straightened up when I noticed the door to Arlo’s office slightly open. A woman came out, probably Arlo’s secretary, and seemed surprised to see me.
When the woman saw the man, she quickly ushered him inside Arlo’s office.
, she’s Sir Arlo’s maid. You take care of her,” the woman said before excusing herself.
Don’t let anyone in unless it’s important,” Arlo said, making both Miriam and me turn to him in surprise.
“Yes, Sir,” Miriam replied respectfully.
“What are you doing here?” Arlo asked me, surprised.
