Chapter 50: Chapter 50

"What did you graduate in?" Fathia tried to steady her breathing. In front of her sat Kenzo, looking relaxed. He wore a black collared shirt paired with knee-length shorts and casual house sandals. Choosing a seat in one of the rooms where a non-functional large TV sat in the right wing, Fathia was instructed to follow him.

As Kenzo observed them standing in front of a large portrait of an Alvin Mehram, his uncle, he didn't like it. They were strangers to him. Why bother paying so much attention to everything in this house in such detail? Walking confidently toward the murmuring pair, and sure enough, there was a visible flinch as they were surprised by Kenzo's approach.

"What are you doing?" Kenzo asked, his gaze piercing particularly at the green-haired village girl. Where was she from? A village? And her hair? Oh my God! Was she trying too hard?

"Apologies, Sir," Naomi quickly approached and lowered her head slightly. "I'm explaining the portraits."

"The purpose?" Arsan asked with a displeased expression.

"Uh ... sorry if I'm being forward," Naomi said.

Kenzo sighed. Then his eyes scanned each of the girls standing not far from the head servant. And the green-haired village girl managed to give the impression that she had no connection to Kenzo's presence here. But who was she? Just a niece of a servant, right?

"You're here until you find work, right?"

"Yes. I'm here until I find work," Jess said without shifting her gaze. Since seeing him walk in, strutting, and giving off an aura that they were nothing more than pests or parasites here, Jess had mentally raised the battle flag without needing to utter a word.

"That's good, then."

This time, Fathia took action. Opportunities like this don't come twice, right?

She never forgot to bring a small notepad and a pen that fit snugly in its holder. Since she had adopted a new name; Anne Rossaline and all the accompanying elements, including pretending to be mute, she didn't want to risk anyone recognizing her real voice. Even though her face was hard to recognize now unless the person was very close to her, it wasn't easy to identify her as Fathia Bernessa Claire.

Especially now, being here in her main house. She couldn't immediately reveal her true identity until she knew the big secret that was truly overshadowing her. One by one, she would unravel them all and hope that it wasn't too late to address them.

She quickly scribbled down a note and handed it to Kenzo, who was still looking at her oddly. Fathia truly suppressed the intense sadness she felt because of that gaze—once again—she accepted it. She also remembered she needed to use her voice when she was around certain people.

[If there's a job opening at your office, could you let me know?]

When Kenzo read the message from Fathia, he was actually quite surprised. It turned out the girl who didn't seem to talk much actually couldn't speak. Kenzo thought that maybe she avoided looking at him earlier due to shyness or simply because she was polite. Given the social strata they belonged to. Unlike the girl next to her.

Quite rude, he thought. He deliberately sneered and gave a disapproving look to Jess, the impolite girl.

"So ... You guys need jobs?"

"You guys?" Jess asked.

Fathia quickly asked for the note back politely.

"Yes, Sir."

Jess's unmistakable annoyance was apparent in her audible snort. She directed a clear displeased glare at Jess. "Your sister said, 'You guys need jobs.' And just for your information, your sister asked me for a job."

Jess let out a low groan, while Naomi stared in disbelief at the words that had just come out of Kenzo's mouth. Both of them threw questioning glances at Fathia. Fathia, on the other hand, gave a small reassuring smile. In Kenzo's eyes, she needed a job, but in the eyes of the two people in front of her, it was a different story.

"But what kind of job can I give you, Anne? Considering your... condition," Kenzo looked intently at Fathia, who didn't avert her gaze anywhere. "I don't have any information yet."

Fathia pursed her lips again. [Maybe there'll be something later, can you let me know?]

Armed with that note, Kenzo asked both Fathia and Jess to follow him. He told Naomi to prepare a cup of coffee for him and dinner as well.

"We're high school graduates, Sir," Jess replied with an evident tone of irritation. As they followed Kenzo's lead, Fathia gripped Jess's hand tightly. A sign for Jess to control her dislike for Kenzo. Even though, in truth, Fathia herself didn't like Kenzo since their first encounter as Clara earlier.

Arrogant, arrogant, and feeling like he owned everything—this was the impression Jess had of Kenzo.

"Oh," Kenzo nodded slowly. "If you're only high school graduates, maybe an Office Girl position?"

Jess almost dropped her jaw. Her mouth hung open slightly with a disbelieving look directed squarely at the man in front of her.

"I'm not trying to belittle your education. But for the administrative roles in my office, at least a Diploma is required," Kenzo explained as he saw Jess's shocked expression. It was kind of funny to explain it like this. What was she hoping for? Suddenly landing a job as a staff member? With that kind of degree? Really. That's what he thought.

Fathia quickly took out her note. She wrote quickly and handed it politely to Kenzo.

[That's okay, Sir. As long as the job is halal and helps us with our studies.]

Kenzo was fixated on the words that Fathia wrote. It wasn't a matter of whether this handwriting was good or bad, but the meaning behind it. And studying at the same time? Impressive. Not without reason did he praise it. When he pursued his education, he couldn't juggle it with other jobs. His father, Alef Walker, always demanded perfection from him. Without exception. Even now, everything he did was always measured against his father's standards.

He had heard many of his fellow peers from back then who studied through scholarships, where they worked to earn extra pocket money at some point. Although he was never in the same circle as the scholarship students, rumors about that often circulated. Not for praise, but for mockery from his close friends.

Initially, Kenzo was impressed, but his social circle made him look down on it all. There was a faint smirk that appeared unconsciously on Kenzo's face.

"So, you guys are studying too? And planning to work while studying?" Kenzo asked to confirm.

"Yes, Sir," Jess replied quickly.

"I'll let you know tomorrow if there's an opening or not."

They both nodded in agreement.

"You may leave. I'm going to have dinner."

Jess muttered irritably. She tugged at Fathia a bit forcefully and moved away. As soon as they were at a safe distance, Fathia received the burst of Jess's anger.

"Are you crazy?"

"What's crazy?"

Jess rubbed her face in frustration. "Seriously, Fathia. You're so direct."

"I saw an opportunity, Jess. While Kenzo is in Group Azure. Who knows, maybe I can sneak in without being noticed." Fathia turned the key to her room. Naomi had prepared the largest guest room for them. A large-sized bed was ready for them to sleep on. The scent of vanilla, which Fathia always liked, filled the air, caressing her nose in a comforting way.

The room was already filled with the cool air from the air conditioning.

"Wow!" Jess was amazed by the sight in front of her. "Is this... your family's guest room?"

Fathia just nodded briefly. "Usually Aunt Iklima, Papa's younger sister, uses it."

"What about your room?"

The girl just gave a tight smile, making Jess imagine how luxurious the room Fathia occupied upstairs was. She immediately started exploring this room. And indeed, all the facilities that left Jess in awe were complete here. Naomi mentioned that this room was rarely opened except for occasional cleaning. "Having a room like this, I'd never want to leave, Fathia."

Fathia could only chuckle.

"No wonder you're being chased, Fathia. Your dad's wealth is no joke."

****

In the morning, Fathia helped a trembling Naomi in the kitchen. She watched her with fear and worry, especially when Fathia started slicing onions for seasoning. Occasionally, Clara Naomi would give warnings that only made Fathia burst into laughter.

"Don't worry about it. The kitchen and I are now friends," Fathia reassured her.

"Who's making friends with the kitchen?" someone said, causing Fathia's movements to freeze suddenly. Her eyes widened in surprise and she almost jumped in her place. Why did she talk so carelessly while Kenzo was in the house? How foolish of her! Fathia cursed internally.

"Why, silent now? I heard someone talking about making friends with the kitchen. You, Anne?"

Fathia turned pale. Since when did Kenzo appear in the kitchen? Did he secretly eavesdrop on her conversation with Naomi? The well-dressed man with his long-sleeved shirt, who appeared out of nowhere, was now staring at her questioningly. Oh God!

"Maybe you misheard, Sir," Jess appeared from behind. "I was talking just now. Tell Aunt Naomi that Anne is now friends with the kitchen."

Kenzo's brow furrowed. Clearly, he had heard only two voices in the kitchen, and only Naomi and Anne were busy there.

"Perhaps you're hungry, Sir? So... your focus is a bit off?"

"What did you say?"

Jess deliberately covered her mouth. "Just expressing an opinion."

"You..." Kenzo pointed at her, annoyed. His eyes shot daggers at the girl who now sported an unapologetic grin.

"I'll whip up breakfast for you, Sir," Naomi intervened, trying to defuse the tension between Kenzo and Jess that morning. She gave Jess a meaningful look, signaling her not to say too much if she didn't want to cause more trouble. Jess eventually gave in, nodding slightly.

"Forgive me, Sir," Jess apologized, trying her best to lower the tone of her voice.

Kenzo snorted and continued giving the coldest glare he could muster. Without saying much, he left the kitchen, leaving the three of them finally exhaling in relief. Meanwhile, in Kenzo's mind, he was devising a plan to give that rude girl a hard time.

"Jess," Fathia exclaimed after making sure that Kenzo had left.

"What? Did I mess up?" Jess asked casually. In her hand was a piece of toast that Naomi had made for her, and she was devouring it. "He's the annoying one, honestly."

Fathia just shook her head gently. "No drama, okay? Don't tell me you have a crush on Kenzo."

Jess choked heavily on her toast.

"ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!"