Chapter 124:

Elyse, her face etched with concern, asked, "Did your family approve of this? Or should I contact them to confirm whose decision it was for you to come here?"

Judy shook her head, replying politely, "I made this decision myself."

Jayden remained silent, merely raising an eyebrow at Elyse, clearly awaiting her decision. Seeing this, Judy had an idea. She immediately knelt before Elyse and, in her most sincere voice, said, "I only wish to atone for my family's mistakes. To do so, I don't mind being a servant in your household."

Startled by Judy's sudden action, Elyse quickly tried to help her up. "Please get up! What on earth are you doing?"

Judy, however, remained adamant, refusing to rise until her proposal was accepted.

At that moment, Jayden cleared his throat. "Well, if you're so determined to be a servant, then you may."

Surprised, Elyse looked at Jayden, questioning his decision to allow a Foster to serve in his household. Wasn't he worried about offending the Fosters?

Happy to have permission to stay, Judy smiled inwardly. Through hard work and dedication, she believed she could rekindle her connection with Jayden. She saw Elyse's luck as dwindling; Jayden was everything a perfect husband should be—handsome, well-educated, and possessing numerous other admirable qualities. Elyse's belief that she alone was worthy of him was, in Judy's opinion, delusional.

Judy inwardly mocked Elyse. Then, looking humble, she stood and said softly to Driscoll, "Jayden has agreed to my request. Could you please show me to my room? I don't mind if it's small."

She turned and walked towards a room as if she were the hostess.

Embarrassed, Driscoll looked around confusedly. Judy was now a servant, yet still a Foster. How on earth was he supposed to assign her a servant's quarters?

"Don't worry about it; you can go now," Jayden said, dismissing Driscoll with a wave of his hand.

Nodding slightly, Driscoll reluctantly followed Judy.

After Driscoll left, Elyse turned to Jayden. "Why would you allow her to stay as a servant? You know her family will be offended, right?"

Jayden pursed his lips, then replied calmly, "She's the one who insisted. I merely granted her wish. She can do some chores."

Elyse frowned, realizing his intent. "Will your grandfather accept her if you send her there?"

Jayden shrugged. "I'll just need to put in some effort. One way or another, I'll fulfill her wish."

Jayden's behavior was odd, leaving Elyse to ponder. Before she could, however, he stood and went to his study. Elyse, not bothering to stop him, sighed and returned to her room for her violin. She then went to the garden to practice before dinner.

After a short practice session, Judy, having heard the violin, approached with a tray of fruit. "You must be tired and hungry. Have some fruit to regain your strength," she said warmly, placing the tray on the table.

Elyse, unwilling to interrupt her practice, declined. "No, thank you. I'm not finished. You can have them."

Judy replied, "I'll leave them here in case you change your mind. If they aren't enough, just let me know. We have plenty more."

Elyse froze. "What do you mean by that?" she asked coldly.

Looking confused, Judy asked, "Did I say something wrong? I apologize if I did." When Elyse remained silent, Judy excused herself. "If you'll excuse me, I need to get some tea for Mr. Owen. I'll leave you to your practice."

Watching Judy leave, Elyse gritted her teeth. Judy's demeanor made it seem as though she was the hostess and Elyse the guest in her own home.

After leaving the garden, Judy went to the kitchen where Driscoll was. She took a cup of tea and said, "I'll handle this. It's my duty as a servant."

Driscoll was surprised but let her take the tea. Judy then went to Jayden's study. Knocking gently, she entered and offered him the tea. "Sorry to disturb you, Mr. Owen. I thought you might like some hot tea."

Jayden, still working, asked, "Why are you serving me tea instead of Driscoll?"

Judy replied shyly, "He's busy, and as your servant, it's my duty."

Carefully placing the tea on the table, Judy stepped back, her heart racing. Without looking up, Jayden cautioned her, "Are you sure being a servant is what you want, Miss Foster? Think carefully. Don't make impulsive decisions." ... ... ...