Chapter 136:

Judy was incensed by Driscoll's audacity. The old butler was giving her orders as if he were her boss. "Who does he think he is?" she fumed. Jayden, the man she was supposed to be serving, never treated her this way. Why was this old butler dictating her work?

Observing Judy's reluctance, Driscoll met her gaze with a steely stare. "Miss Foster," he said coldly, "if you don't want to do this, you're free to return home. We have no room for servants who don't pull their weight."

Stung by his criticism, Judy's shoulders tensed. "I can do it," she retorted. "When did I ever refuse?" She snatched the broom, her grip tight.

Judy had never done anything so menial. Treated like a princess since birth, she was utterly unfamiliar with work. Yet, here she was, sweeping the floor, her heart far from the task.

Driscoll watched Judy's ineffective sweeping with mounting frustration, his brows knitting into a disapproving scowl. His patience finally snapped. "If you can't clean the floor properly," he declared firmly, "you won't be eating lunch."

Stung by the threat, Judy's ire flared. "What do you mean? The floor is perfectly clean!"

Driscoll's anger simmered. "Miss Foster," he spat, "you should return to your gilded cage. Clearly, you're not suited to being a servant."

Seething, Judy swallowed her pride and swept with exaggerated care.

Seeing Judy relent, Driscoll exhaled. Straightening, he addressed her with a slightly gentler tone. "I have other duties. I expect this floor spotless by my return. Don't even think about slacking off."

Judy nodded, her eyes fixed on the floor as Driscoll left. Once he was gone, her compliance vanished. She discarded the broom and began exploring, her curiosity piqued by a locked door.

Just as she pondered its secrets, a vigilant maid with a duster interrupted her.

"Hey, what are you doing here?" the maid asked.

Quickly composing herself, Judy replied, "Nothing. I'm just finishing up sweeping." She gestured toward the broom.

Her curiosity overpowering propriety, she slipped away and headed for Jayden's room. The door opened easily, granting her access to his private sanctuary. She boldly entered, then climbed onto Jayden's bed.

As she enjoyed the moment, a menacing roar shattered the silence.

"Miss Foster, where are you?" Driscoll boomed.

Judy escaped before he arrived, feigning innocent bewilderment. "What's wrong, Driscoll? How can I help?"

His rage was palpable. "Follow me. Mr. Owen wishes to speak with you."

Judy inquired about the reason, but Driscoll remained impassive, marching towards the study. She followed, unease mounting. In the study, she found the maid.

The maid pointed at Judy, exclaiming, "It's her! She was trying to get into Mr. Owen's collection room! She looked at the lock!"

The maid believed Judy was a new servant, and she’d never seen one so brazen.

Jayden, upon hearing this, stated, "Judy, I've had my doubts about your motives. But now it's clear you wanted to steal from me, isn't that right?"

Judy's shock and indignation were evident. "No! You're wrong. That maid is mistaken!"

Jayden turned to the maid. "Thank you for your service. You've earned a bonus. I'll handle this. You may go."

The maid curtsied and left.

Jayden looked at Judy. "You should have been working, not wandering. If you didn't plan on stealing, why were you in my room?" ...