Chapter 20

Chapter 20:

Rachael, a woman in her forties with a perfectly tailored uniform and an air of strict efficiency, shot Julia a sharp look.

She waved her phone dismissively. “Don’t talk nonsense. Miss Rosie Harper just called—she’s still dining at Flavor Restaurant with Miss Harper. They won’t be back for at least two more hours. So whoever’s outside right now isn’t Miss Harper p>

Julia hesitated. “But if that’s not her, why does she keep ringing the bell?” she asked.

Rachael scoffed, crossing her arms. “Look at her clothes. She’s dressed worse than we are. Even though Miss Harper hasn’t been living with the Harper family for years, she wouldn’t be that poorly dressed. That person is clearly a beggar. Keep the gate shut, and don’t let her in p>

Rachael glanced down at her phone, the recent call log with Rosie still on display. Rosie’s instructions had been clear—leave Brenna outside. Let her stand in the heat, waiting, while the rest of the household ignored her.

As the Harper family’s housekeeper, Rachael oversaw everything from daily maintenance to staff management. Though just a servant here, she held more influence than most realized. After all, she had been with the Harper family for over twenty years, long enough to earn their trust. A single word from her could determine whether a maid kept her job or was sent packing. And no one in this house wanted to be sent packing.

The maids at the Harper estate were paid generously. They had comfortable accommodations, freshly prepared meals, seasonal uniforms, and long holiday breaks. The work was light, and the salary was better than most could ever dream of.

Coming from ordinary backgrounds, none of the servants here wanted to lose their jobs.

As a result, everyone sought to stay in Rachael’s good graces. Her word was final, and even if they had doubts, they seldom dared to challenge her authority.

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Rachael turned to the servants behind her, her tone sharp. “What are you all standing around for? Get back to work p>

At once, they scattered and busied themselves with their duties.

Julia lingered, hesitating, before speaking up. “Whenever guests arrive, we always greet them at the gate right away. Today is the day Ms. Harper returns home—wouldn’t it be improper to ignore her like this? And if that really is Ms. Harper out there, and Mrs. Harper finds out we left her waiting, won’t there be trouble p>

Rachael’s eyes narrowed. “Mind your own business. Look at what she’s wearing. Even we’re dressed better than that. Do you really think someone like her could be Miss Harper? Besides, the Harper family doesn’t just let anyone in p>

Worried that the person outside might actually be Brenna, Julia pressed further, saying, “It’s scorching out there. Shouldn’t we at least check whether that woman is Ms. Harper or not? I will go. If it’s not her, I can ask why she’s here p>

Before Rachael could reply, Julia started toward the door. Annoyed, Rachael grabbed her by the arm to stop her. “Fine. I’ll go check. You go upstairs and clean the room we prepared for Ms. Harper. Make sure it’s spotless p>

Julia hesitated but obeyed, heading toward the staircase.

Only then did Rachael make her way to the entrance.

The sun was fiery, making the marble pavement gleam under the sunlight. Brenna stood by the gate, unmoving, her skin glowing with sweat. Rachael opened the door. Though Brenna’s clothes were casual, Rachael could not help but notice her resemblance to Giselle Harper, her mother.