Chapter 125:

Judy's urgency was palpable. "I'm genuinely serious," she asserted, patting her chest earnestly. "I want to serve your family to atone for the harm done. Let me comfort you, Mr. Owen, on Joanna's behalf."

Raising an eyebrow, Jayden replied with detachment, "Keep your sympathy to yourself. I don't need comforting."

Despite his dismissal, Judy calmly served him a cup of hot tea. Her refined manners and willingness to serve spoke volumes about her upbringing and the Foster family's effective training.

As she prepared to leave, Jayden stopped her. "Wait. If you're truly keen to work, sign this contract to avoid complications."

Judy beamed. "I'd love to! How long will you need my services?"

"One week," Jayden answered.

"A month, minimum!" Judy exclaimed.

Giving her a meaningful look, Jayden paused. "Are you certain?"

"Of course! If you're satisfied, I'd happily stay longer," she affirmed, her cheeks flushing.

Chuckling, Jayden conceded, "A month then." He printed a new contract and presented it to her with a smile. "Take a look. Sign if it's acceptable."

Judy quickly scanned and signed it. "Done," she announced, handing it back.

Jayden accepted it, gently reminding her, "You didn't read it carefully. No regrets after signing."

"No regrets. Serving you is my decision," Judy replied, hinting at deeper feelings. She longed to declare her affection but restrained herself; he was still a stranger to her emotions. She would reveal her feelings gradually.

"Leave. I'm going to read," Jayden stated, putting away the contract.

"Enjoy your reading, Mr. Owen. I won't disturb you," Judy said, exiting the study.

Elyse entered from the garden, noticing Judy leaving, her face flushed. Elyse narrowed her eyes, curious.

"Judy, were you in the study?" Elyse asked casually.

"Yes, Mr. Owen needed my assistance," Judy replied, her cheeks still flushed, her demeanor shy.

Elyse pressed further. "What did he need help with?"

Judy put a finger to her lips. "It's a secret between Mr. Owen and me. Please respect our privacy."

Stunned, Elyse watched as Judy quickly changed the subject. "I'm going to the kitchen to see what the chef is preparing. I'm not sure if he'll make Mr. Owen's favorite dishes today."

Elyse was taken aback. A secret? A twinge of jealousy arose, sensing provocation. Had Jayden not noticed?

Approaching the study, Elyse knocked. Jayden admitted her. She was about to speak when she saw a contract on the desk—signed by Judy.

Reading it, her jealousy flared. "Is the secret that you're keeping her on as your maid?" she asked, displeased.

Jayden had mentioned sending Judy to his grandfather's as a maid. Why was she lingering? Maybe he never intended to send her away. Had he deceived her?

Jayden, focused on his computer, didn't notice Elyse's distress. "Judy orchestrated her role as a servant, and I merely facilitated her request. There's no secret."

Elyse interpreted this differently. Had Judy's approach influenced him?

Considering Jayden's aversion to Joanna, Elyse wondered why he showed such apparent tenderness towards Judy.

Sadness overcame Elyse. "Jayden, when you decided to bring her in, did you think about the impact on me? Do you appreciate her, and are you pursuing something with her?"

This question seemed to resonate with Jayden. Looking up and seeing Elyse's tears, he was taken aback. "Why are you crying?" he asked, puzzled.

...