Samuel locked his gaze on Maya, his eyes sharp as he spoke, "I intended to entrust you with the responsibilities of this house, including the servants, but..." He paused, closely observing every move Maya made, "It seems you have sinister plans for me. I think it's best if you don't have access to control the servants.""What sinister plans do I have? I just asked the servants to fetch some clothes from the wardrobe," Maya replied calmly."Is that all it is? Why did the servant kneel, then? Maya, you're hiding something, aren't you?" Samuel continued scrutinizing her with suspicion; he didn't believe Maya's explanation."Why are you always so suspicious of me? Do you think I'm only capable of wrongdoing? I don't even care whether you believe me or not. It would help if you didn't give me responsibilities in this house," Maya responded indifferently. She didn't want to argue with this man.Maya shifted her gaze back to the servant. "I hope you'll keep quiet about our argument that you
"Little Master Stelio, I apologize for my actions. I know I shouldn't have been so rough. There was no need to involve Young Master in this matter," the head butler conceded.Stelio's expression remained serious. "Uncle Head Butler, why are you apologizing to me? This isn't mine; you should go to Mom, admit your actions, and apologize to her.""Why? Isn't it customary for the one at fault to apologize directly to the person? That's what I've been taught. Head Butler, hasn't anyone taught you this? Or don't you know that a little kid like me understands it?" Stelio subtly taunted, but his gaze remained sharp.The head butler fell silent and felt uncomfortable under Stelio's piercing gaze. He felt mocked by the young Master who seemed so astute."Very well. I will apologize to Madam directly," the head butler said after a moment of reflection on his actions.Stelio smiled with satisfaction. Finally, he could triumph over the butler who had ill intentions toward his mother. "You can take
"Young Master, it seems that the influence of the Young Madam is too strong on the Little Master. What if the Young Lady were to take advantage of it? Do you know what the Young Madam did in the past when--"Samuel immediately angrily cut him off, "Head Butler, you talk too much. Am I spoiling you so you can speak freely?""Forgive me, Young Master.""CEO Ren, you'd better catch up with your son. You know what the Little Master can do to get what he wants. As for this job, you can do it tomorrow." Assistant Jung stood up from his seat.The man offered another advice, "It's better to resolve your issues. If you act selfishly, they might leave you! I take my leave."Assistant Jung quickly left before Samuel could express his anger. As he headed towards the exit, he saw the Little Master being blocked by the servants."Little Master, what are you doing?""Uncle Jung? I want to go out and find someone who can unlock the door, but these annoying servants won't move from the door," Stelio s
"You don't need to know about it!" Maya spoke curtly, not wanting to lose something valuable again just because someone knew its existence."Why doesn't Mama trust me yet? I can keep a secret well."Maya didn't respond; instead, she turned away from Stelio. "It's late now, goodnight."Maya Lin abruptly ended their conversation. Stelio stared at his mother's cold back. Their relationship had only recently become closer, but now he felt unhappy. "Mama, are you angry? I'm sorry for asking something I shouldn't have."His small hand slowly hugged her waist. "Mama, don't be mad at me. I'll do anything as punishment.""I'm not angry, go to sleep!" Maya still didn't show tenderness. Her heart was currently conflicted with her rational thoughts.Although she didn't like being hugged by this child, Maya allowed it this time, giving the child a chance to get what he wanted.Maya slowly released the child's hand from her waist as she felt the regular breaths behind her. She stared closely at the
Stelio exclaimed loudly, "I know Papa just wants to blame Mama, even without knowing the problem!"Samuel gently called his son, "Stelio!"But Stelio ignored him and continued his rant, "I told you I was crying, not because of Mama. Why is Dad pushing Mama to apologize?"Samuel remained silent, not interrupting his son.Maya secretly smiled, watching Samuel's stern face as he received a scolding from their own child. Samuel glanced at Maya with a look that seemed to ask, 'Are you so happy?' Yet, Maya pretended not to understand the meaning behind that look.Stelio offered help to Maya. "Mama, if Papa pressures you again, just tell me. I'll always be on your side." Maya looked at her son with mixed emotions but didn't say anything.Maya averted her face, pretending not to see the meaning behind that gaze."Mama, what's wrong?"Maya blinked. "Nothing." Her response was rather cold.Stelio served Maya some meat. "Mom, you should eat some meat too.""Thank you," Maya said awkwardly. "But
"Mrs. Maya Lin, what's wrong? Is there something wrong with the song your son chose?" the teacher who had welcomed Maya earlier asked.Maya Lin snapped out of it. "I apologize for interrupting the event. Please continue," Maya tried to maintain her smile.Stelio looked towards his mother, but Maya didn't look at him. Stelio continued his piano performance, ending it with enthusiastic applause."He's truly amazing; this is the first time I've heard such a beautiful sound!""The song is so touching and deep; it reminds me of memories with my own child.""His parents must be so proud!"Maya could hear the compliments from the crowd. She was the only one who couldn't enjoy this touching song. Her gaze was cold, her hands clenched tightly. There was no happiness in sight."He really wants to have everything my son has!" Maya seethed inwardly.The nanny noticed the unusual expression of the Young Master's wife, but she dared not ask. Who dared to confront a woman radiating such gloom?Maya
Samuel maintained a blank expression. "It wasn't me who took it."Maya furrowed her brows, responding with a short and indifferent reply.Samuel displayed indifference as if eager to leave. "Is there anything else? I still have work to do.""If it wasn't you, then who?" Maya gave him a disbelieving look. "Oh, was it Mathilda?" she asked, seeking confirmation.Before Samuel could respond, Maya jumped to her own conclusion. "I had a feeling it was her. Mathilda probably recorded the song and claimed it as her own.""No wonder the child said that," Maya continued, following the child's words. She spoke with certainty, "I'm sure you were fooled by her as well, right? That's why you told the illegitimate child that the song was made by his mom for him. You didn't believe it was the song you criticized and destroyed, did you? Mathilda is quite the deceiver."Samuel didn't deny it, but he also didn't express agreement. His face remained indifferent. "Are you done talking now? Will you change
"Mama!"Maya barely had a chance to say what she wanted when Little Mr. Stelio arrived. He rushed straight towards Maya.Samuel cautioned his son with concern, "Stelio, be careful. Don't let yourself fall."The young boy was too excited, unable to hear his father's words. To "Mama, you and I made a successful snack. Does that mean you're not mad at me anymore?""Um." Maya gave a brief response. She was still annoyed with the boy for constantly reminding her of that flawlessly performed song."Mama, please forgive me. I promise I won't sing the song you made without permission again. I've also introspected.""Good." Stelio then handed over a book. "This is all made by you, right, Mama? I've been using it for practice. I won't do it again."Maya opened the pages of the book. Her face darkened, making Stelio turn pale. "Mama, did I make the mistake again?" Stelio asked nervously."Stelio, it's already hard enough. Get a knife to cut it," Samuel redirected Stelio's attention.The boy wal