Her tears didnât cease until she was inside the living room, her heart heavy with sorrow.
At that moment, Nala descended the stairs, noticing Violetaâs distressed state.
âWhatâs happened, Violeta? You seem so troubled,â Nala asked with genuine concern, swiftly joining Violeta on the sofa, her slippers whispering against the floor.
Dabbing at her eyes with a tissue, Violeta managed a sigh.
âMiss Diaz, you are here as a guest.
I apologize for presenting such a discomposed sight.
â
âNot at all, donât think such things, Mrs.
Simmons,â Nala responded, offering Violeta a tissue with a gentle gesture.
âMr.
Simmons and you have shown me nothing but kindness.
Youâve welcomed me as if I were family.
It pains me to see you this distressed.
â
Violeta found solace in Nalaâs words, responding, âMiss Diaz, your kindness is truly appreciated.
â
Having been a guest at the Simmonsâ house for some time, this was the first occasion Nala received praise from Violeta, which brought her great joy.
âMay I ask whatâs troubling you so deeply?â Nala inquired.
With a heavy sigh, Violeta shared her concerns.
âItâs Graham.
His knees were injured in the past, and heâs battled rheumatism for years.
An unexpected change in the weather often leads to a flare-up, confining him to bed.
â
The more Violeta contemplated Grahamâs condition, the more overwhelmed she became, her tears flowing freely.
Crying uncontrollably, she continued, âThis morning, I applied ointment to his knees.
They were discolored with bruises, a stark reminder of his suffering.
Moreover, enduring twenty lashes daily is unbearable.
His back is marred with wounds.
I fear for his ability to withstand this prolonged agony.
â
Nalaâs sigh carried a hint of compassion as she looked at Violeta.
She ventured cautiously, âHow do you feel about Lucindaâs treatment of Mr.
Simmons?â
âWhat choice do we have? Lucinda holds the reins of the Simmons family now.
Weâre bound to obey her.
â Violeta dabbed at her eyes, her voice respectful yet tinged with frustration.
Her face betrayed her true feelings, prompting Nala to offer a solution.
âCurrently, Mr.
Simmons is powerless.
Itâs clear he has no option but to endure Lucindaâs actions.
However, if youâre genuinely concerned for him, I might know a way to assist.
â
Violeta, puzzled, inquired, âHow?â
âIf both you and Mr.
Simmons are on board, Iâll speak to my boyfriend.
Iâm confident heâd be eager to lend a hand, helping Mr.
Simmons reclaim his position at the helm of Simmons Group.
â
Noticing Violetaâs hesitation, Nala elaborated, âOnce Mr.
Simmons regains his authority, heâll have the means to remove Lucinda from leadership of the family.
She will have no choice but to resign from her position as the master.
â
Violeta lowered her gaze, appearing to ponder Nalaâs words.
She hesitated, âIâm afraid itâs not wise.
Youâre not a Simmons, Miss Diaz.
Your involvement in our family affairs could stir unwelcome attention, potentially tarnishing your reputation.
â
With a gentle sigh, Violeta gave Nalaâs hand a reassuring pat.
âAs much as it pains me to say, youâre an outsider.
I hope you understand, Miss Diaz.
â
Nevertheless, Nala offered a faint smile.
âIâm not bothered by others, Iâve come to see Mr.
Simmons and as opinions.
Besides, you family.
Once everythingâs settled, Mr.
Simmons could formally adopt me as his sister, couldnât he?â
Violeta, a bit taken aback, mulled over Nalaâs proposition.
Keeping her emotions concealed, she kept her head bowed.