No Strings Attached

Katherine moved with a familiarity through the living room to the farthest cabinet, where she fetched a first-aid kit. After rummaging through it for a moment, she found the burn ointment. She quickly unscrewed the cap, squeezed some ointment onto a cotton swab, and gently applied it to Teo's burn.

Despite their shock, everyone in the room remained silent, watching her every move with quiet attention.

Once the wound was treated, Katherine's previously furrowed brows slowly relaxed. She lifted her gaze, looking at Teo with tender eyes. "It's not a severe burn. It will heal in a few days."

The servant by her side was so scared she was nearly in tears. With her head bowed, her voice trembling, she said, "I'm so sorry, sir. It's all my fault. I'm willing to accept any punishment." Katherine stood up. Her demeanor was gentle as she looked at the servant, her voice soft and devoid of anger. "It's alright, Melissa. You've been with the Hayes family for so many years. Everyone makes mistakes. Just clean up and go rest."

Her tone and attitude were that of a lady of the house, which shocked Melissa. She watched Katherine incredulously. sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ ꜰindNʘvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Why did this woman's behavior remind her so much of the previous lady of the house?

Besides, this was their first meeting. How did this woman know her name was Melissa, and how did she know she had worked for the Hayes family for many years?

Melissa stared at Katherine, about to voice her question when she heard Teo's deep voice. "This is my guest. You clean up and go rest," he said.

with such composure, her

before? What role did she play in this house back then? Why did Teo seem to know nothing about his mother's past? What piece of

scanned back and forth between his mother and Teo, searching

Rose's voice. "That must be Brodie. Come here, let me have a

sudden call didn't surprise Brodie. Since Teo already knew about his origins, the secret must have been out in the open within the Hayes family for some

and hadn't

bending slightly in a polite gesture.

him act

She took his hand and said, "I heard from Clara that you like fish, spicy crab and lamb stew. I've prepared all that for you. Please make

ton

plenty."

emotion in the face of Rose's

for your concern, Grandmother. I certainly will," he said in a

of peanut brittle, offering it to him with a loving expression. "This is your favorite peanut brittle, fresh out of the oven and still warm.