BuzzNovelButler Dawson maintained the sdignified composure that one might expect from an English butler of a
bygone era, even in the face of lleana’s accusations.
“Miss Ileana, if | were you, I'd pretend nothing ever happened. Don’t you see by now? I'm not the one who
refused to give you Mr. Tate’s number. Nor was | the one who let Miss Morton in. My loyalty lies with the Tate
family, with Mr. Tate, and with his sons. But you, Miss, are not among them.”
It hadn't been Dawson's decision to withhold the phone number-that was Scott's explicit order. After lleana’s
disastrous scene at the family welcdinner, her value in Scott's eyes had plummeted. No family of stature
would tolerate a daughter-in-law who lost her composure in public over sminor slight, embarrassing them
in front of their guests.
As for letting Alessia into the house-that was entirely Max's doing. Alessia’s influence at hstemmed mostly
from Max's support.
Ileana, by contrast, was simply ignored. She could command the other staff, but when it cto Dawson-the
man who managed every detail of the Tate
household-she had no leverage whatsoever.
“It’s getting late. | suggest you get srest. I'll be on my way. As for the lock, I'm afraid you'll have to manage
for tonight. I'll have someone replace it for you in the
morning.”
With that, Dawson turned and left. The door closed softly behind him, but lleana’s shrill scream pierced the quiet,
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtgrating on the nerves. Glass shattered and things crashed to the floor, but Dawson didn’t so much as glance
back. He simply descended the stairs, leaving the chaos behind.
By dawn, the storm of the night had passed.
Alessia, ever efficient, had managed to resolve Ivan’s situation before morning. The so-called “assessment” was
little more than an excuse to tailor a curriculum to lvan’s needs; even if he didn’t ace it, it wouldn't delay his
admission.
To be thorough, Alessia took the day off and personally accompanied Ivan to Berlington Elementary. To her
surprise, the principal and two teachers were waiting
at the entrance.
“Mr. Linden, it's been a while,” Alessia said, gently squeezing Ivan’s hand-a silent reassurance that seemed to
steady him.
1/2
L355
Lessie! | was starting to think you'd never call Charlie Linden, Just shy of fifty bur looking a decade younger,
greeted her with a broad, genuine smile.
“I've been briefed on the situation, so | didn’t bother with any extra staff. Just as you asked, | brought York's
homeroom teacher and the assessment supervisor.
“Thank you so much,” Alessia replied politely, keeping a touch of distance in her tone. Charlie, however, was as
warm as ever.
“Oh, don’t thank me! I'm still racking my brains over how to repay you. You're so young, so talented, and yet
never arrogant. Are you sure you won't consider my son? He's only five years older than you-not exactly
ancient! Looks and brains to match, too.”
Alessia stifled a sigh. “Mr. Linden, I'm only seventeen. | haven't even graduated high school yet.”
“Which is exactly why you should strike while the Iron’s hot! Someone as
a f q
outstanding as you, once you're in
) o 2
college, you'll have Le fines Up
J : N
fr m,hexg to Rob, ouldn't you at
least le he line?”
east let my lazy son cut the line?
“ B ) . )
If you keep this up, I'm leaving. Let's
f 8
talk about Ivan’s admissjor; ghall\
2 Almsaia Brien
e plegsia pré&tended to step away,
knowing persuasion was pointless.
“No, no, don’t go! It’s rare to have you reach out to me.” Charlie quickly caught her arm, not wanting to let her
escape.
The two teachers exchanged
glances, surprised to see their m
eee orndicet acting so
q P
ahirhate . They couldn't help but
wonder who this girl really The
content is on novelenglish.net! Read
the latest chapter there!
was.
“This is Ivan, the student you mentioned?” Charlie asked, recovering his composure in an instant. “I've
cleared his throat all the details. Let's head inside and talk in the office.” He
all business once more.
Visit our social media platform to read fascinating stories every day and connect with the community!
