As Carla was leaving Zayn's room for lunch, she ran into Selena, who was holding a first aid kit in her hands.
The unexpected coincidence made Selena fret. Frantically, she stepped aside to make way for Carla.
The latter took a quick glance at her, then walked past her.
Selena was so anxious that she waited until Carla had gone downstairs before she lifted her head to look at her.
An indescribable feeling of hatred and jealousy crept up on her as she gazed at Carla's back.
"Ms. Wigston, lunch is ready." Mrs. Bolistin enthusiastically invited Carla over to the dining table. Waving at her, she exclaimed, "I have prepared all of these just for you. There are hot cross bunnies as well as mac and cheese."
Scanning the sumptuous spread on the table, Carla was delighted to see her favorite food and rose tea.
"We've been looking forward to your return for two long years." Mrs. Bolistin doted on Carla like a close family member. Her gaze was warm and friendly. "I remember every single dish that you love and the tea that you like. I also remember that you enjoy sitting by the wall. Come over here, and take your seat."
"Thank you, Mrs. Bolistin." Carla was deeply touched.
I used to consider myself a stupid and incompetent coward. Now that I realize how well these senior housekeepers have been treating me, it suddenly dawns on me that my former self wasn't so bad after all.
"You're most welcome. We are family." Mrs. Bolistin placed a napkin on Carla's lap. "Randy and Josh couldn't wait any longer, so they have both eaten. I guess they are probably asleep by now. Mr. Zayn will be joining you soon."
"All right, " Carla responded briefly.
Right when she was about to dig in, Mrs. Bolistin asked carefully, "Ms. Wigston…" She faltered before adding, "Where's Mrs. Borah? Did she come back with you? How is she?"
Carla trembled upon hearing that familiar name. The silver spoon fell off her hand and landed on the plate with a crisp sound.
"What's wrong?" Mrs. Bolistin asked after noticing Carla's odd expression, "Did I say something wrong? Please don't mind me asking about Mrs. Borah. We became really good friends during her stay here. I've been missing her so much these two years. So, I just wanted to know how she's doing."
"Mrs. Borah has passed on, " lowering her head, Carla muttered.
Mrs. Bolistin froze for a while. Upon recovering her senses, she queried further, "What happened? She was perfectly fine when she left. We even made plans to return to the countryside together…"
"She was killed, " Carla interrupted her. In a quavering voice, she stated, "I'll seek revenge for her."
"How could this be?" Mrs. Bolistin was shocked to the core. As tears streamed down her face, her heart sank. "What about you, Ms. Wigston? How did you get through the two years on your own?"
Mrs. Bolistin struggled to imagine what Carla had gone through over the past few years.
The tragedy that befell Mrs. Borah must have impacted her adversely. Otherwise, she wouldn't have changed her identity and yearned to become so powerful.
"I'm okay. It's all in the past now." Carla smiled. "I'm fine. Nobody dares to bully me anymore."
"Silly child…" Mrs. Bolistin's eyes glistened.
Carla's heart skipped a beat when she heard the phrase. Instantly, she recalled how Mrs. Borah consoled her each time she was anguished. "Silly child, don't be afraid. I'll protect you, come what may."
How could anyone do such a vicious thing to a kind soul like Mrs. Borah?
While she was in deep thoughts, a bodyguard dashed toward Benard and reported, "Benard, Shelley has escaped!"
"What?" Benard commanded, "Chase after her and bring her back immediately."
"Our men are tailing her now. She took one of the cars…"
"Freda, " Carla called out.
"I'm here!" Within a blink of an eye, Freda darted into the room with two other bodyguards. She glared at Benard and scoffed, "The Giblos are such losers."
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