Revenge Forged in Prison
Chapter 100: Do Not Forget Your Place
Deborah stepped out of the kitchen, holding a dish of chicken cacciatore. Spotting Caleb, she greeted him with a warm smile. “Caleb, there are only five dishes left to prepare. If you’re in a hurry, feel free to start with what’s already on the table. Your dad has already said that today is your call. Eat however you like. No one will say a word.”
“Okay! But Mom, why haven’t Dad and Yelena come back for dinner yet?”
Deborah’s smile grew warmer as she noticed Caleb’s concern for his family. “They’ll be back soon. Go ahead and pick something you like to eat first. You won’t have to compete with them when they return.”
Caleb nodded. “Mom, why don’t you join me? Eating alone feels a little lonely.”
Delighted by his thoughtfulness, Deborah exclaimed, “Caleb, you’re so considerate.” She then returned to the kitchen to prepare the final five dishes.
Caleb chose not to call her out for outsourcing the cooking. After all, it was a good day, and he didn’t want to spoil the atmosphere. As he reached out, about to grab a chicken leg, a voice suddenly interrupted him.
“Mr. Caleb, whenever Mr. Quixall hosted family feasts, he always allowed us servants to partake in the meal. This feast has an incredible thirteen dishes spread across several large tables. Surely you can’t eat it all on your own. Would you mind if I had a taste?” Agnes asked, a smile plastered across her face. Though her words seemed respectful, her demeanor had a way of grating on those around her.
As Caleb recalled Agnes’ history of malicious actions, a wave of anger surged within him. “Agnes, don’t forget your place. You’ve addressed me as Mr. Caleb, so you should follow my words without resistance. You’re merely a housekeeper hired by the Quixall family. No matter how many years you’ve worked here, that doesn’t change your status.”
He paused, then let out a scornful laugh. “A housekeeper, sitting at the same table as her employer? Just because my dad tolerates you doesn’t mean I will. If you’re truly hungry, you can wait until we’ve finished eating and pick at the leftovers. There’s no need for you to sit with us.”
His condescending tone hit a nerve, igniting Agnes’ fury. Unable to hold back, she retorted, “Mr. Caleb, what you’ve said isn’t quite right. Yes, I am a housekeeper hired by the Quixall family, but my experience far surpasses that of others. How could they possibly compare to me? Mr. Quixall once told me that as long as the Quixall family stands, I will always have a place here. There’s no reason for me to see myself as insignificant!”
Caleb scoffed in disdain. “When did my dad ever say that? How come I’ve never heard of it? If you’re bold enough, go ahead and call my dad here to confront me directly. Otherwise, it’s clear you’re just making things up!”
Agnes felt a wave of panic. She knew full well that George had never said those words; they were actually spoken by Jesse.
Fearing that Jesse, being younger, wouldn’t be able to stand up to Caleb’s sharp and confident demeanor, she decided to invoke George’s name instead, hoping it would intimidate Caleb. What she hadn’t anticipated was Caleb’s newfound courage, boldly daring to confront George directly. Unable to keep up her act any longer, she faltered.
Just as she was scrambling for something to say to ease the tension, George and Yelena walked in from outside. She immediately dropped to her knees, crying. “Mr. Quixall, Ms. Quixall, you have to help me!”
George had barely returned when he was immediately confronted with this situation, leaving him visibly displeased. “Agnes, what’s the matter? Stand up and tell us.”