Chapter 26: Chapter 26

Flora secretly felt relieved that Maxwell Smith did not forcefully occupy her last night. Getting out of bed, she walked into the bathroom, took a shower, changed into clean clothes, and headed towards the door. As she descended the stairs, she happened to run into Mrs. Smith, Joshua, Oliver, and Robin having breakfast.

Flora felt extremely uncomfortable standing there. As a maid, she lived in the luxurious rooms on the second floor with the family, which made her feel out of place. But Nancy hadn't arranged a separate room for her, and Maxwell intended for her to stay in that freezing room, so she had no choice but to continue living on the second floor!

Joshua looked at the still beautiful Flora with a mocking smirk, no longer the infatuated gaze from over a month ago. He sneered, "Miss White, did you sleep well last night?"

Flora knew he was mocking her and had no intention of answering. She greeted them lightly, "Good morning, young masters. Good morning, madam."

Mrs. Smith, seeing her lively and energetic, had all concerns about her possible death last night vanished. She looked at Flora coldly and said, "Out of the entire Smith Family estate, you are the latest to get up. Quite the audacity for a maid like you!"

"I'm sorry, I overslept," Flora lowered her head, trying hard to appear more submissive, even though she was reluctant. Sometimes, one had to lower their head under someone else's roof.

"Do you think that's an excuse?" Mrs. Smith raged.

Flora stood frozen in place, afraid to lift her head and look at the anger that covered Mrs. Smith's face. Neither entering the stairs nor staying put, she didn't know what to do for a moment.

Finally, Oliver, who had been silent all this time, spoke up, "Aunt, let it go this time. Let her go and do her work! Don't let the appetite be affected because of a maid."

Flora looked up gratefully at the gentle-faced Oliver. In this critical moment, it seemed that only he could come to her rescue. And it wasn't the first time either. How could she not be moved to encounter such a person in adversity? She wanted to tell him loudly that if she found the necklace, she would give it to him first!

But Maxwell! Even if he killed her, she would never give it to him! Seeing that Mrs. Smith didn't say anything else, Flora gave a grateful glance at Oliver and hurriedly left.

After she left, Mrs. Smith looked at Oliver and sighed softly, "Oliver, you should learn from your older brother's courage, to clearly differentiate between love and hate and not be deceived by appearances. This Flora, just like her parents, is utterly ruthless and doesn't deserve any sympathy!"

"Aunt, I understand," Oliver answered with a smile.

Did he sympathize with her? Was he deceived by her outward appearance? Only he knew the answer in his heart. The mocking tilt of his lips was the best explanation!

"Why do you all dislike Flora so much? She's a lot of fun!" Robin interjected curiously. He loved playing with Flora the most, and among all the housemaids, she was the best at playing!

"Children don't understand. Just eat your meal, my dear," Mrs. Smith affectionately patted his head and smiled. The feuds between adults didn't need to be made known to him. It was good to keep his innocent heart pure and untouched!

Robin obediently said, "Oh," feeling ignored, he lowered his head and continued eating his breakfast.

As dusk approached, Flora sorted the clothes into a basket, ready to be delivered to the masters.

Nancy suddenly called out to her, saying, "Big Young Master said that from now on, Young Master Joshua's life will be taken care of by you. Hurry up, and if you are smart, you better not make Young Master Joshua angry, or there will be consequences!"

Flora's hands, which were folding the clothes, froze in mid-air. She was dumbfounded! Maxwell! Wasn't he done yet? Wasn't he satisfied until he drove her to death? Taking care of Joshua's life? Clearly, it was asking her to be humiliated!

"I understand," Flora replied expressionlessly, suppressing her anger, and walked towards the main house with the basket of clothes. Deliberately delaying, she reluctantly made her way to Joshua's bedroom when it was already late. She knocked lightly on the door, trying to face him with a calm demeanor.

"Come in!"

She heard Joshua's impatient voice.

Flora pushed open the door and walked in. Joshua, sitting in a wheelchair, was scrutinizing her with a malicious gaze. Flora felt her scalp tingling from his gaze but forced herself to remain calm.

"I've arranged your clothes in the wardrobe, Young Master Joshua," she said.

"Whatever, as long as you think it's convenient for yourself to get them," Joshua sneered.

Flora trembled slightly, his words couldn't be any clearer—she would be taking care of his life from now on!

Flora turned around and glanced at Joshua, only to find that he had already moved the wheelchair next to the liquor cabinet and started pouring himself wine.

Hurriedly, Flora walked over and snatched the glass from his hand, saying, "Madam told you that drinking is not good for your wound!"

"Do you still care about my wound?"

With a loud bang, the bottle was smashed to the ground along with Joshua's furious roar. Flora was stunned, and the red wine splattered all over her! Joshua's temper had reached such an extreme level!

She cared about his wound, hoping that he would recover soon! Only when he was better, back to normal, could her guilt be alleviated.

Flora squatted down and silently began to pick up the broken glass on the floor.

Joshua couldn't stand her silence and her composure. He reached out and grabbed her hair, pulling her towards him. With such force, Flora's fingers were instantly cut by the sharp glass, and blood dripped down!

Ignoring her injured hand, Joshua stared at her slightly raised face and coldly said, "Listen carefully, Flora. I want to take a shower. Right now!"