Chapter 185

Albert whipped around, locking eyes with the maid. “What did you just say p>

The maid shrank back, clearly rattled by the tension rolling off him. “I… I didn’t say anything p>

“If there’s nothing else, I’ll get back to work,” she blurted, then hurried off, practically tripping over her own feet. As she rounded the corner, she muttered under her breath, giving herself a light smack on the mouth. “Why couldn’t you just keep quiet? Almost got yourself in serious trouble p>

Albert stood there, mind spinning. He was sure he hadn’t imagined it. What did she mean by “except for Dorothea p>

He was still distracted as he got in his car and started driving. His thoughts were a mess, bouncing everywhere. Suddenly, a white sedan darted out in front of him. He barely hit the brakes in time, heart pounding at the near miss.

The other driver rolled down his window, face twisted in anger. “Are you blind or what? Watch where you’re going p>

“People like you shouldn’t be on the road p>

With a final glare, the driver sped off, tires squealing.

Albert let out a shaky breath and pulled over to the side of the road. He grabbed his phone and called Carola.

“Carola, do you remember that time, when you were little, and you got locked in the attic p>

There was a brief pause. Carola’s voice came back, a little too quick, a little too nervous. “Yeah, I think so. Why are you asking about that p>

“How long were you in there, do you remember?” His tone was casual, but he was listening closely.

“It wasn’t that long, honestly,” she replied, clearly making it up as she went. “Albert, that was ages ago. I barely even remember it p>

Albert felt something heavy settle in his chest.

How could she not remember?

He remembered every detail. That was the first time they’d met. Even now, he could still picture the way she’d looked at him, eyes wide and vulnerable. No matter how much Dorothea confused his

always found huse/Albert

to that memory. It kept him grounded.

The silence on the line stretched on. Carola twisted her fingers together, anxiety creeping in.

“Albert, are you still there?” she asked softly.

“Yeah,” he replied, his voice distant. “It’s nothing. Just popped into my head. I’m driving, so I’ll talk to you later p>

He hung up before she could say anything else. Carola stared at her phone, a sinking feeling pooling in her stomach.

She knew Albert wouldn’t ask about that for no reason.

Determined, she called in the house staff who had worked in the garden that day, questioning them one by one. Eventually, she found what she was looking for.

Her gaze sharpened as she stopped the maid who had cleaned the attic. “Polly, you’ve been with our family a long time, haven’t you p>

Polly nodded. “Almost twenty years now, Miss Carola p>

nel

“That’s a good while,” Carola said, offering a chilly little smile. “Tomorrow, I’ll have my father arrange three months of extra pay for you. Congratulations. You’re retiring early p>

Polly’s eyes went wide. “What… what do you mean p>

“My family doesn’t keep people around who can’t watch their mouths. I’m sorry, but

you won’t be coming in tomorrow. That’s all p>

If Polly hadn’t said anything, Albert

never would have brought up the attic.was better to let a few

long timers ĝo than let gossip spread through the house.

When it came to being ruthless, Carola made Elise look soft.