The tense atmosphere in the room was interrupted by Richard Kingsley’s arrival, entering the dining room accompanied by
Morris.
His sharp eyes noticed Victoria’s wet face and clothes, and his expression darkened. “What’s happening here?” his voice was low but carried unquestionable authority.
I looked at Victoria, waiting for her to explain herself to Richard. However, Victoria, like a child throwing a tantrum, stomped her foot, let out an angry cry, and stormed out of the dining room.
Richard turned his penetrating gaze to me. “What exactly happened here?”
After careful consideration, I organized my thoughts to express my perspective. “Victoria just compared herself to Mrs. Barrett’s pet. She seemed emotionally unstable, so I helped calm her down with some water. That scream you heard was probably her realizing how inappropriate her earlier comments were.”
I could almost feel James’s disbelief at my creative interpretation, though he remained silent. Alexander’s eyes flickered with what might have been amusement, though his expression remained neutral.
“That’s how it was,” I added with a slight shrug.
Richard looked at his sons, clearly seeking verification. “Is what Charlotte saying true?”
The brothers exchanged a look filled with unspoken communication. James rose first. “Father, I should check on Victoria.”
Alexander subsequently stood up as well, leaving the dining room without offering any explanation.
Left alone with Richard, I quickly got to my feet. “I should go find Alexander,” I said, hurriedly following my husband
before Richard could question me further.
The soft lighting in the Kingsley garden created a deceptively romantic atmosphere, though there was nothing romantic
about the distance between Alexander and me.
He sensed my presence and stopped, turning to face me with a slight frown. “Why are you following me?”
I met his eyes directly, gathering my courage. “Alexander, let’s move out. If I continue living in your family home, I’ll eventually send your sister–in–law, your brother, and possibly even your father to the hospital with high blood pressure.”
I truly couldn’t bear the thought of continuing to live in the Kingsley mansion. Everyone here made me uncomfortable.
Alexander studied me, his Adam’s apple bobbing slightly as he swallowed. “As long as you don’t put me in the hospital, feel free to annoy everyone else.” With that dismissal, he turned and walked away, evidently doubting my true ability to impact the Kingsley family atmosphere.
As he disappeared into the shadows, I heard him say, “Charlotte Cole, good luck in the Kingsley household.” His words carried an unmistakable note of schadenfreude.
Back in the dining room, I saw Richard Kingsley’s face growing increasingly serious.
“Did Victoria really say those things?” he asked a servant.
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Chapter 15
The servant respectfully nodded. ‘Yes, sir.”
Richard sighed heavily. “I had just begun to appreciate her spirit, and then she does something like this. This ‘she‘ obviously referred to me. Richard had lived with Victoria for nearly ten years and naturally viewed her as a daughter. When conflict arose, he instinctively blamed the newcomer–me.
Morris, standing nearby, offered a more balanced perspective. “While Victoria has indeed shown some hostility toward Charlotte, she usually maintains her dignity. Her behavior tonight suggests she may have been provoked or influenced by something. As for Charlotte, though her retaliation was inappropriate, Victoria’s words insulted her family name–her anger is understandable.
“I believe both ladies share responsibility, and we should investigate further before making judgments.”
After a moment of contemplation, Richard nodded thoughtfully. “Look into it. Find out where Victoria went today, who she met, what was discussed. If I discover someone is deliberately stirring up trouble, I’ll make them pay.”
Morris, the diligent butler, responded promptly to Richard Kingsley’s command: “I’ll investigate immediately, sir.”
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