Chapter 135: Chapter 135

Chapter 135:

He was driven by a need to unravel the truth behind Maurice’s cryptic words.

His mother couldn’t possibly be the person Maurice depicted, yet…

He dismissed the thought. Involvement in the Diaz family’s secrets hadn’t been his original intent, but now he was compelled to dig deeper, to uncover the truth about his grandmother’s mysterious demise.

Later that evening, Harlee retreated to her room to review recent clients of Janessa Studio and check on news from the organization. Since rejoining the Sanderson family, she had momentarily stepped away from her professional commitments, focusing solely on engaging with Rhys and designing Zandra’s dresses.

By the time Harlee wrapped up everything, including the initial sketches for Zandra’s three dresses, it was already past three in the morning, and a sudden pang of hunger hit her.

After a moment’s hesitation, she decided to head to the kitchen for a snack.

As Harlee neared Kareem’s room, she paused, unsure of his current mood. Knowing she had to approach him with caution before his imminent return to military service, she tread carefully.

At that moment, Harlee caught faint whispers echoing from the stairway.

“What? Are you saying that Etta is set to take Harlee’s place as the Sanderson’s daughter because Kareem isn’t fond of Harlee?”

“What’s so surprising about that? Haven’t you noticed how he barely hides his disdain for Harlee at the dinner table? There’s nothing brotherly in his gaze.”

“Ultimately, it’s about the bonds forged in childhood.

Etta may be Callie’s daughter, but she was raised alongside the five sons of the Sanderson family. It’s only natural they would gravitate toward Etta.”

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“Exactly.

Harlee’s cold demeanor doesn’t help her case. If it were up to me, I’d choose someone warm and endearing like Etta any day.”

Harlee realized the servants were placing bets on her future against Etta’s. It appeared working for the Sanderson family afforded them enough leisure to indulge in nighttime gossip.

Deliberately, Harlee made a sound. The murmurs ceased at once.

One of the more daring servants peeked up the stairs and, seeing no one about to reprimand them, exhaled a quiet sigh of relief. They were convinced that whoever had caused the disturbance was oblivious to their chat.

The three servants exchanged knowing looks and slipped back to their quarters in silence.

After they had disappeared, Harlee descended the stairs.

“This doesn’t upset you at all?” Kareem asked.

It was only then that Harlee realized Kareem was already downstairs. She shook her head and closed the distance between them with a few measured steps.

“People will say what they wish,” she said evenly, her voice calm and dismissive.

She had grown indifferent to the whispers of the servants.

During her time with the Gill family, she had endured far worse. There, Liam had harshly dealt with those caught in idle talk.

But what had that truly accomplished? It only deepened the dislike many held for her, sparking harsher words.

Harlee had learned that gossip was a constant, an uninvited whisper that could only be ignored, not silenced. She didn’t need to let their pointless chatter get under her skin.

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