Chapter 39: Chapter 39

There were fleeting minutes of silence between the three of us. The woman flashed a smile—a pretentious one.

"I didn't mean to offend her, moonpie. I was just confused why she's wearing that kind of dress when she's only your... maid."

I clenched my fist in vexation. Did she really think that abated the derogatory remark she hurled at me?

"Because I want to."

The attention was diverted to Garren when he spoke impassively. He also sounds annoyed.

"Mom, can you stop asking questions and let us sit?"

Her mother laughed. "You're as peevish as ever, my dear son." She turned to me with that similar spurious smile. "Cleo, right?"

I nodded somberly, still agitated.

"I hope you're not offended by what I said. I didn't mean to belittle you or anything."

I didn't feel any insincerity in her voice, but I repressed my emotions.

"No problem, Madam."

"Good  Anyway, let's go now. Zacharius has been waiting for the two of you."

As far as I remember, Zacharius is the name of Garren's father. I wonder if he shares the same attitude as his wife.

As we walked down the pathway, I could feel the eyes of the people staring at us curiously-and it's taking a toll on my peace of mind.

"I'm sorry for my mother's behavior. She doesn't know how to filter her words and is quite insensitive."

I almost jolted when Garren appeared beside me. Ahead of us is her mother, holding Greyson.

I shammed a smile. "Don't worry about me, sir. I'm fine."

Of course I'm not. But I have to lie. I don't want to complicate things and aggravate the situation.

As we sat on a vacant table near the stage, Vitoria left for a while and came back with a man beside her. It seems like he's Garren's father- the great Zachareus Montreal.

As I watch him, I feel like I'm looking at an older version of Garren. They look almost exactly identical. Their eyes, nose, and even the shape of their face are the same.

And most of all, both of them have this certain air of authority surrounding them. But this man's worse. I don't know if I'm just being paranoid, but his mere presence speaks danger.

"My dear son! It's been a very long time!"

Garren greeted him with a hug and tapped his back.

"I've been busy with the company, dad," he replied shortly.

Why do they sound formal even with each other?

"It's good that you're focusing on the company." His glance went to Greyson, who's sitting between us. "And is this my grandson now?! You've grown tall! Come on, what about you give Grandpa a hug?"

With a huge smile plastered on his face, Greyson stood up and rushed towards the old man.

"I miss you, grandpa."

"I miss you too, son. Your father's such a jerk for not paying us a visit for almost a year."

"Dad. Language," Garren chastised him.

The old man chuckled. "Apologies."

His eyes suddenly bore into me, and once again, I feel wrought up. His eyes, that were gleaming with delight earlier, were instantly replaced with bewilderment.

"I don't know if my eyes are just toying with me, but this is the first time that I've seen this woman."

Before I could answer, he continued.

"Perhaps she's your latest girlfriend, Garren?"

My cheeks flushed. Why is that the first thing that comes to their mind every time they see me?

"She's not my girlfriend, dad," Garren said with a sigh.

"Really? I doubt that. She's the very first woman you brought here after your wife's death-"

"Dad."

I felt shivers run down my spine when Garren called his father in a low voice. He sounds like he's giving him a warning.

The latter seems unfazed. He chuckled, as if he's oblivious to the tension.

"Fine. If this woman right here isn't your girlfriend, then who is she?"

"She's Greyson's nanny."

I was anticipating that he would bombard us with questions, but much to my surprise, Zachareus just stared at me for a couple of seconds and didn't say anything.

I don't know if I should be grateful with that... or should I be more alarmed.

"I think it's a bad idea that I dragged you here."

I looked at Garren in utter disbelief. He's only realized it now?!

"But I have to. No one will look after Greyson. Every maid here is busy serving the visitors, and you're the only one who I can trust with him," he explained.

"I understand, sir. You don't need to fret over it. This is my job anyway."

Unexpectedly, he smiled.

"Thank you, Cleo."

Garren stood up and got his son from his parents who were introducing him proudly to the guests.

"I'm glad you got me, dad. They were squishing me like a stress ball," Greyson grumbled.

I laughed at his tantrums.

"You can't blame them. You're too adorable."

His son pouted.

"Anyway, do you want something to eat?"

"Yep! I'm famished already."

"Alright." Garren looked at me. "What about you?"

"I can handle myself, sir."

I was about to stand up but he interfered.

"No, stay in your seat. I'll get the two of you foods to eat."

He left and went to the buffet table.

"Someone's being a little too caring."

I glanced at Greyson, who's grinning from ear to ear while looking at me. I shook my head and ignored his teasing.

Garren came back to our table carrying two platters. I thanked him.

"Hmmm. Make yourself full."

We began eating. Garren excused himself and walked back to his parents to entertain and greet the guests, like what he told me he would do the entire night.

More people kept on pouring in the backyard. Later on, Garren's mother stepped onto the platform at the front.

"Good evening, everyone!"

The crowd was silenced.

"It is a pleasure to see each and everyone of you in this gathering. I want to send everyone my deepest appreciation for lending us your precious time tonight."

Everyone clapped their hands.

"For decades, the Montreal has been leading the business world. From our forefathers, we continued the success of our clan. But, of course, we must not overlook the contribution of our business partners, who also graced our party tonight."

Once again, applause erupted from the crowd.

"However, the success of our family is not the reason why we are gathered here. Last week, my daughter, finally arrived home!"

The curtains opened, and Claudette, wearing a blue above the knee dress, walked in the middle of the stage. She kissed her mother in the cheeks and got the microphone.

"Good evening, everyone. I actually told mom to not host a party like this just for my arrival, but you know her, she's the most stubborn person to ever exist."

We laughed at her remark.

"Nonetheless, I'm glad that you guys are here, celebrating my journey. You see, four years ago, I decided to leave Ireland to pursue my passion. I took the risk and played with my cards."

She smiled while looking at us.

"And I'm beyond proud to say that I succeeded in my goals. It's my pleasure to announce that I'm now the chief editor of Ruby Gazette, one of the biggest publishing companies in the entire world!"

A smile crept between my lips. I feel so proud of her despite the fact that we've only known each other for a very short time.

My eyes landed on Garren. I found him standing beside Xavier. They're smiling while looking at their sister on stage. Pride is carved on their faces.

Claudette accepted the glass of champagne from her mother and raised it.

"Toast to my success!"

Everyone raised their wineglasses, and so I did. She concluded her speech with a thank you message for her parents before the party resumed.

"Cleo!

I turned my back when I heard someone call my name. I smiled widely when I saw Claudette running towards us.

I was caught off-guard when she hugged me tightly.

"Oh my god! I miss you so much! " She shrieked in high spirits.

I laughed and hugged her back. "I miss you too, Claud."

"What about me, aunt? Didn't you miss me?"

The two of us laughed when Greyson whined adorably.

"Of course I do miss my most adorable nephew." She then peppered his cheeks with kisses which made him giggle.

"As much as I want to have more chitchat with you, I have to talk to the other guests," she said and stood up.

I nodded. "Sure. Congratulations on your success, by the way."

Her lips curled into a cordial smile. "Thank you, Cleo! Let's talk about the things I've got to experience abroad next time. I have a lot to tell you."

I beamed. "I'll look forward to that."

"Enjoy the party!"

She gave Greyson one last peck in the cheek before she sprinted towards her friends on the other table.

The party ensued. All I can say about their family gathering is that- it's boring. Maybe it's because I don't fit in with them so I find their escapades very insipid.

But since the foods are scrumptious, I still enjoyed the night.

"Cleo, I'm tired and dozy." Greyson yawned.

"Do you want to sleep now?"

Hw nodded his head. I looked for his father in the swarm of people and saw him talking to the guests.

If I walk towards him and tell him that his son is sleepy, I'll just bother him.

Fortunately, I saw Xavier walking towards our direction, so I called him.

"Yes, Cleo? Do you need anything?"

"Greyson wants to sleep. I want to tell Sir Garren, but he's busy. Perhaps he can sleep in one of the rooms here?" I reluctantly asked.

He chuckled. "Of course he can, silly. I'll call Aunt Helen to accompany you."

I smiled and thanked him. Xavier left and came back after a while with a woman behind him.

"Can you please guide Cleo to the guest room? My nephew wants to sleep."

The maid smiled and beckoned us to come with her. I carried Greyson in my arms, whose eyes were already half closed. The maid, whom Xavier called Aunt Helen, walks ahead of us.

I was in awe the moment I stepped inside the palatial house. It seems so spotless that even dust would be ashamed to be here.

After walking for a few minutes, we finally reached the second floor and stopped in front of a brown door.

I carefully laid Greyson on the bed and put a blanket over his body that Aunt Helen took out from the closet.

We talked for a bit more before she excused herself and went out. I, on the other hand, stayed in the room for a couple of hours looking after Greyson.

When I got bored, I decided to climb downstairs. I came across the other maids. They were giving me curious stares, which I ignored and instead wished them a beautiful evening.

When I looked through the glass walls, I saw that the party is still taking place. The amount of visitors and guests hadn't subsided yet.

I didn't want to go there alone, so I thought of heading back upstairs, but then I saw an open backdoor.

I won't be in jail if I go there, right?

I followed my instinct and walked through the open door, then a porch greeted me. I didn't close the door so they would know that someone is here.

A shiver ran down my spine as the night breeze kissed my skin. I filled my lungs with the fresh scent of air.

I sat on the wooden chair and let my eyes feast on the greenery in front of me which make the atmosphere serene.

This is a much better. It's more quiet and peaceful.

I'm having the time of my life when I suddenly heard a creak from behind. I turned around and was surprised to see a man.

Great. I thought I could finally have my peace and solitude.