Kyson’s face remained stoic as he turned back to Betty, his voice icy.


    “Did you instruct Dulcie to sweep here all afternoon?”


    “Yes, Mr.


    Shaw.


    She’s one of the maids.


    It’s my role to assign their tasks…”


    “Connolly,” Kyson cut her off abruptly and turned to Connolly.


    “What’s your take on this?”


    Connolly was taken aback, his fear palpable.


    Although Betty and Reina were clueless, Connolly was familiar with Kyson’s methods.


    Kyson’s question hinted at suspicion.


    Perhaps he believed Connolly was involved in the unfolding events.


    It was a test.


    Choosing honesty, Connolly exined, “As we approached, I overheard Betty and Dulcie quarreling.


    It was Betty and Reina who deliberately stirred up trouble, aiming to provoke Dulcie.


    ”


    The color drained from Betty’s and Reina’s faces.


    Kyson, with a chuckle, adjusted the wig slung over his left shoulder to his back, his demeanor shifting to a refined poise.


    “What actions does the Shaw family’s employment contract dictate we take in such situations?”


    “The contract states that troublemakers are to be disciplined by the family rules.


    They must receive tenshes each, and then clean the yard.


    By tomorrow morning, they will be dismissed and banned from working here ever again.


    ”


    While the prospect of a whipping was bearable, the threat of dismissal terrified Betty and Reina.


    They reacted with immediate rm.


    The Shaw family was known for its generous sries and bonuses for servants, but they showed no leniency toward those they fired.


    Once dismissed, these individuals were cklisted, essentially barred from securing employment in any prestigious household.


    Moreover, even lesser affluent families, keen on currying favor with the Shaw family, might treat them harshly.


    Ultimately, they could be ostracized from Stastle entirely.


    In a desperate plea, Betty implored, “Mr.


    Shaw, you must reconsider.


    Mr.


    Wilson himself rmended me for this position because he saw me as a potential spouse for you.


    For his sake, please, forgive my actions just this once!”


    Kyson snorted dismissively and said, “He has no authority here.Còntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    You think you can look down on everyone just because an elder vouched for you? That only makes your mistake even graver.


    And you? You’re certainly not worthy of being my wife.


    You piece of shit.


    ”


    As he mentioned the idea of a future wife, his gaze drifted involuntarily toward Dulcie, who was standing quietly not far away, her head bowed in thought.


    Betty was trembling with fear.


    She dropped to her knees in front of Kyson.


    “Mr.


    Shaw, please, don’t fire me.


    Give me another chance, will you? My family just relocated to Stastle to be with me.


    I’ve just paid this month’s rent, and losing my job would put us all on the streets.


    Mr.


    Shaw, I’m begging you, have somepassion!”


    Kyson’s lips twisted into a sneer.


    “Compassion isn’t in my nature.


    ”


    His eyes returned to Dulcie, and he spoke with calcted emphasis.


    “Why don’t you plead with the person you’ve wronged? If she forgives, then perhaps I’ll reconsider.


    ”


    Betty and Reina felt a surge of reluctant relief.


    Although they resented Dulcie, calling her unkind names in private and finding the prospect of begging her demeaning, they saw no alternative.


    ““Dulcie! Please, I’m desperate.


    Losing this job means losing my ce in Stastle.


    I’ll be backed into a corner! Can’t you just forgive me this once? I never should have offended you, never should have bullied you.


    I’ll do whatever you want from now on.


    I’m truly sorry!”


    Tears streamed down their faces as they clutched the hem of Dulcie’s dress, their demeanor pitifully submissive.