"Come now, Rebecca, let us cease our dispute and find solace in a cup of tea. There is no need to provoke our master's anger for naught."
"Hmph."
Rebecca smirked at Matthew's conciliatory words, yet her disdain was not directed towards him as an individual. Unlike Rebecca, he was not someone hailing from the Hertzent, the ancestral home of the Roses, but rather an employee of the Vanderbilts. Matthew possessed the ability to perceive the situation objectively and offer fitting counsel accordingly. His skills as a butler were commendable, and having spent considerable time together, Rebecca held a sense of camaraderie with him.
However, Matthew was a person of clear boundaries, and he did not exhibit the same unwavering loyalty to Rose as Rebecca did. He was aware of his affiliation with the Vanderbilts and did not overstep the boundaries set before him. He would not tolerate others crossing that line either. A justifiable neutrality. It ultimately signified Matthew's composed nature. Despite feeling somewhat disheartened, Rebecca found solace in knowing that he was someone who would not betray their cooperation.
"By the way, how is Madam feeling?"
Observing Rebecca's despondent demeanor, Matthew redirected the conversation with a query.
"I cannot say for certain. She either sleeps with her eyes closed or remains in a state of shock."
"I shall go attend to her. I will ascend to the second floor."
"Very well."
Though she spoke thus, Rebecca made no effort to conceal her gratitude. It was her duty to monitor the situation of the newlywed couple and provide an account of the mansion's condition and its interiors. Considering the uncomfortable situation that had transpired moments ago, she was hesitant, but Matthew's intervention was a relief.
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"Thank you for your assistance."
Rebecca addressed Matthew with a noticeably relaxed tone. As she turned to walk towards Rose's room, Matthew bobbed his head in appreciation.
The once tranquil house now trembled with uncertainty. Matthew could not fathom the impact that Cain and Laila would have on this mansion and its inhabitants.
***"What, what did you say?"
Laila, standing in front of the couch, addressed Emily.
"Um, um. Uh, ah..."
Emily vigorously gestured and made eye movements to convey her intentions. However, Laila, who had never encountered such a situation before, couldn't understand what it meant.
"I, I'm sorry, Emily. I don't really know what you're saying."
Laila became despondent, wiping her palms against her forehead as she spoke. She was more upset about the frustration of not being able to communicate than her inability to grasp Emily's condition. Seeing Emily try so hard to communicate only made Laila feel even more apologetic.
It was a moment when the two women struggled to understand each other's hearts.
"I'm asking whether we should unpack the luggage now or later."
Cain interjected as he walked in through the open door, speaking on behalf of Emily.
"Is that true?"
Laila glanced at Cain for confirmation and then looked at Emily. With a quick nod from Emily, as if to acknowledge the veracity of his words, Laila joyfully clasped her hands together and addressed Emily.
"We'll unpack the luggage later. Thank you."
As Laila replied, Emily finally smiled and nodded. She politely bowed her head and quickly left the room.
Relieved, Laila sank onto the couch as if collapsing. Beads of sweat dotted her forehead. Until they arrived at Heavenly Hill by carriage, she had been excited, but as soon as she set foot in this place, she was overwhelmed by a bewildering experience.
"I'm sorry. I should have told you about Emily in advance, but I didn't think of it."
"No, it's not your fault. I was just startled for no reason, like a fool."
Laila responded, her feet itching, to Cain's apology. It would have been nice if he had informed her beforehand, but he had no obligation to explain the temperament and condition of an employee. The atmosphere didn't lend itself to such a conversation. Therefore, there was no need for Cain to apologize. All that mattered now was getting along well with Emily.