Falling For My Accidental CEO Husband
Chapter 114: A Revelation

Chapter 114: A Revelation

The head housekeeper, Mrs Darby, was sitting alone in the exclusive servants’ dining room, quietly enjoying a simple meal of bread after a full day of hard work. Suddenly, a shadow fell over her, and she nearly jumped out of her skin. Standing before her, without so much as a sound, was the lady of the house. The shock sent scrambling to put her bread aside as she hurriedly stood and bowed low, her heart pounding in her chest.

Despite being the head housekeeper for years, she had only ever glimpsed the mistress from a distance, always receiving instructions through the assistant. Her mind raced, desperately trying to recall if she had forgotten any recent orders or neglected some important task that would warrant the lady’s personal visit. But try as she might, nothing came to mind.

Mrs. Darby, still trying to steady her breathing, cautiously asked, "Do you need something, my lady?" She made it a point to keep her voice soft and respectful, though her heart was hammering in her chest.

The older woman sent her a look before turning to look around, as she took in the kitchen cabinets. Edwna Dawn walked around randomly, without answering the housekeepter, while casually checking the well stocked kitchen cabinets. After a few minutes, she stopped and turned around," I came to check if the pantry is well stocked. I trust you’ve been keeping it in order?"

Mrs. Darby straightened, relieved that the conversation had steered into familiar territory. "Yes, my lady, the pantry is well stocked. In fact, I’d say the food for the staff is always plentiful and as good as that prepared for the rest of the household. The Dawns are very generous in that regard."

The older woman smiled faintly, though something in her eyes hinted that she wasn’t entirely present in the exchange. "That’s good to hear. You’ve always been diligent in your duties, Mrs. Darby." She gestured toward the table, where the half-eaten slice of bread sat forgotten. "Please, sit down. Eat. I don’t mean to interrupt your meal."

Mrs. Darby blinked in surprise, her hands already moving to collect the plate. "Oh no, my lady, I can eat later. I wouldn’t dream of—"

"Nonsense," the lady interrupted, her tone gentle but firm. "Sit. I’ll just look around, and you can finish your meal. It won’t take long."

The housekeeper hesitated, but the look in the lady’s eyes made it clear there would be no further argument. Reluctantly, Mrs. Darby sat down, smoothing her apron over her knees. She watched as the lady turned and walked toward the pantry shelves, her fingers lightly brushing the polished wood as she inspected the contents.

Taking the gesture as an unspoken command, Mrs. Darby hastily picked up her bread and nibbled at it, her mind racing through what might have prompted the lady’s visit. She was just about to quicken her pace, hoping to be finished before the lady turned back, when the woman’s voice, calm but laced with something sharp, cut through the quiet.

"Tell me, Mrs. Darby," she said, without turning around. "Why is it that even the servants in my house are well-fed, but my own granddaughter is not?"

Mrs. Darby froze mid-bite, the piece of bread hovering precariously in front of her mouth. The lady’s question hit her like a bucket of cold water, sending her mind into a frenzy. Suddenly, the innocent bread seemed like a rock lodged in her throat, refusing to go down.

Her eyes bulged, and she let out a startled choke, sending crumbs flying across the table. She coughed, her face turning an alarming shade of pink. "My—" she gasped, pounding her chest with a bit too much enthusiasm. "M-My lady?!"

However, after that single question, Edwina Dawn said nothing and simply stared at the woman. Feeling accused, she quickly tried to defend herself, "

"My Lady!" she blurted out, her hands wringing her apron nervously. "I fear there may have been a misunderstanding! We are extremely careful when it comes to Miss’ meals. Everything is done according to the nutritionist’s instructions! Each dish is prepared exactly as prescribed, with no exceptions." She paused, hoping her explanation would ease the tension, but Edwina’s expression didn’t soften. Mrs. Darby’s pulse quickened as she hastily continued. "If there’s been any issue, I can speak to Miss Ava myself and ensure the cook prepares her meals according to her satisfaction. I assure you—"

But before she could finish, Edwina’s frown deepened, and she narrowed her eyes, the intensity of her gaze cutting through the housekeeper’s words like a blade. "I’m not talking about Ava."

The sudden shift in tone left Mrs. Darby momentarily speechless. Her brow furrowed in confusion. Not talking about Ava? But hadn’t she just asked about her granddaughter? Mr’s mind raced to make sense of the statement. Perhaps the lady had misspoken? Surely, she meant her grandson, didn’t she? Mrs. Darby attempted to clarify, "The young master’s meals are also carefully attended to, my lady. We—"

"I am not talking about my grandson!" Edwina snapped, her voice colder now, her eyes narrowing further as she straightened her posture. There was no mistaking the threat in her tone. Mrs. Darby’s heart sank as Edwina delivered the final blow. "I’m asking you about my youngest granddaughter—Serena."

"You mean the useless servant girl?" Mrs Darby blurted out before she could think better of it. Edwina Dawn narrowed her eyes as the housekeeper covered her mouth in horror. Curse it! Why was her tongue so unruly?

"What did you call her?" Edwina Dawn asked the woman with narrowed eyes and the woman shivered, realizing something horrible... The useless girl... No... her name? What was her name? - Yes- Serena! Serena was the old lady’s granddaughter? But how was that possible? And if it was then why had Master Daniel told her to do all those things to the girl?

But even as she thought of all these questions, she knew that she her job was presently in grave danger. Thinking of this, she quickly fell to her knees, disregarding the way they banged against the wooden flooring and explained," Please excuse me, My lady! I did not know she is your granddaughter."