Chapter 21: Chapter 21

Chapter 21

The butler looked at Maria’s expression and felt a sudden chill in his heart.

However, considering the situation, if he changed his stance now, it would genuinely make this his mistake. “Miss Greenwood, Karen is straightforward and didn’t mean any harm with her comments. I hope you won’t mind.”

“In that case, I might as well visit Mr. Basil and have him send a new batch of servants here,” Maria said.

This statement not only unsettled Karen but also made the butler’s expression extremely unpleasant.

They only thought of how Frank did not like Maria, and thus, there was no need to respect Maria much.

They had forgotten the fact that Frank’s grandfather, Basil Johnston, still liked Maria. If Maria complained to Basil, the servants might face consequences.

The butler now seemed somewhat regretful. He shot a glare at Karen, whom he just defended. His tone, when speaking to Maria, was no longer as casual as before. “Miss Greenwood, you don’t need to trouble Mr. Basil with this trivial matter. I can

handle it.”

Maria wore a faint smile at the corner of her lips. She understood the reason for the butler’s sudden change. Bringing up Basil altered the butler’s attitude, showing how they feared authority but had no qualms about bullying the weak.

She faced the butler. Her voice was loud and clear as she uttered slowly, “No trouble at all. It’s just a simple matter.”

A single sentence was all it took to replace them.

The butler’s face changed instantly. He turned to Karen and berated, “Mind your words in the future. If you can’t speak properly, keep your mouth shut! Half your salary this month is deducted. Take it as a warning!”

Karen’s face looked unsightly, but she lowered her head helplessly, listening to the butler’s rebuke. Deep down, she harbored intense hatred toward Maria.

After scolding Karen, the butler turned to Maria with a simpering smile and inquired, “Miss Greenwood, are you satisfied with this?”

Maria’s intention was only to make the butler discipline his subordinates, not to have him deduct their pay.

She also worked and understood the difficulty of working for a living. Sighing, she said, “You’ve already reprimanded them. There’s no need to deduct their salary.”

The butler nodded immediately and agreed. “Alright, no deductions.” Then, he turned to Karen and reprimanded her further, “Miss Greenwood kindly pleaded for you. Be more mindful of your words. Consider it a lesson. Pay attention next

time.”

“I understand.” Karen pouted, unwilling to look at Maria.

Maria paid her no mind. She glanced at the leftovers on the table that Frank had eaten and looked away, saying, “Go ahead and clean these up. I’ll go cook.”

“Alright. Clean everything up.” The butler gestured to Karen and Paige. The two immediately went to clean the table.

As Maria turned to walk into the kitchen, she let out a deep sigh when she was out of their sight.

Putting on a strong front just now was exhausting, but the result seemed satisfactory.

Now, it was time to see what there was to eat.

As Maria prepared her breakfast in the kitchen, Karen and Paige had already finished cleaning up. Paige disposed of the garbage in the kitchen bin.

Seeing Maria preparing her meal, Paige hesitated for a moment before approaching.

Maria greeted her with a smile. “You came at the right time. I’m about to make grilled steak. You can watch if

“Sure,” Paige responded, standing to one side.

Maria dutifully taught Paige how to make grilled steak and, in the end, made a portion for Paige to taste.

After tasting it, Paige gave her a thumbs–up in admiration. “Miss Greenwood, you’re a superb cook.”

Maria smiled faintly. She looked at the plate of grilled steak, her smile fading.

Paige looked at her. “Did I say something wrong?”