Grahamâs expression changed as he gazed at her striking face.
He stated seriously, âMiss Diaz, these are the Simmonsâ private matters.
As Lucindaâs guest, observe decorum and comport yourself accordingly.
Remember your role here.
â
Nala hesitated briefly, pondering his words.
She persisted, âI understand Iâm an outsider.
Itâs not my place to interfere.
But I canât stand by while she mistreats you.
Mr.
Simmons, my partner is Danilo Brewer, a noble in Zephyria.
The AN Group stands among the worldâs top enterprises.
We can Lend our aid.
â
Grahamâs fury surged, his voice gravelly.
âNala, this is our familyâs ancestral sanctuary.
Depart and return not.
â
Nala, discontent brewing, approached him, murmuring in his ear, their exchange privy to them alone.
Grahamâs fists clenched at her words.
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Nala acknowledged his response, her tone remaining soft.
âMr.
Simmons, youâll regret it.
â
She rose and smoothed her gown, casting a few glances at Graham before elegantly pivoting to depart the temple.
The door opened with a loud bang.
Lucinda teased, âMiss Diaz, youâre here.
Why donât you talk more? Please let me hear what you have to say.
Why are you leaving? You seem to be carrying a heavy burden.
â
Lucinda strolled in step by step while fiddling with her phone.
Nala grinned tastefully and graciously.
âGood afternoon, Miss Simmons.
I heard that Mr.
Simmons was punished to study scripture in the ancestral temple for a few days, so I came here to have a look.
â
âNow that youâve seen it, what do you want to say?â Lucinda asked with a smile.
âAre you treating Mr.
Simmons too harshly? Iâm not sure what irreparable error he committed to warrant your harsh treatment of him.
â
Nala confessed, âI couldnât bear it any longer, hence my suggestion to Mr.
Simmons.
If he buckles under the strain, he can seek our assistance.
Danilo and I are willing to help him.
â
Lucinda sneered, âAnd what standing do you have to assist him? You are a mere guest.
Iâm the head of the Simmons family.
Iâm the one who arranged your stay here.
You ought to be grateful.
â
Lucinda advanced, questioning, âAre you assisting him as a friend? But this must be your first encounter.
What basis is there for such unconditional aid? Could it be due to family relations? Is it akin to feeling pity for a brother, like a sister might?â
Meeting Lucindaâs piercing gaze, Nala smiled softly, averting her eyes.
âIt would be an honor to be related to you and Mr.
Simmons.
Upon meeting you, I felt an inexplicable familiarity, akin to siblings.
â
Kneeling before the tea table, Graham sighed deeply, his eyes slowly closing as he focused on transcribing the scriptures, his attention detached from their conversation.
Nala pressed on, âItâs unfortunate Iâm not blessed with such luck.
Iâm an only child.
My parents passed away during my college years.
With no one else to lean on, Iâve had to fend for myself.
â
Upon their initial encounter, Lucinda took an instant dislike to Nala.
Every word uttered by Nala seemed to carry a weighty significance in Lucindaâs perception.
âMiss Diaz, itâs best you refrain from roaming.
Peace Mountain is vast, and with the recent heat, despite regular insect repellent spraying by our servants, encounters with snakes, insects, and ants are inevitable.
Were you to suffer a bite, Mr.
Brewer might hold me accountable.
â Lucinda then affectionately patted Nalaâs shoulder.
âStay put for now.
If youâre set on going out, give me notice.
Iâll dispatch two guards for your protection.
â
It was a subtle form of confinement, ensuring Nala remained under surveillance within the bounds of Peace Mountain.