I had no idea she despised me this much.
Joel's smile faded. His voice carried a note of reproach.
"Mom, if it weren't for Mary, I might not have made it back alive."
Years ago, I'd gone hiking in the mountains and stumbled upon Joel after he'd fallen off a cliff.
I rushed him to the hospital, only to be told he had severe head trauma and might lose some of his memories.
He couldn't even remember his phone password. When I tried to take him to the police station to file a report, he clung to me and refused to let go.
In the end, I had no choice but to let him stay.
I kept my head down. Old Mrs. Gilbert swayed, so dizzy with rage she nearly collapsed.
"You're talking back to me for that woman? Do you want Kay's child to be born a bastard?!"
Kay's cheeks flushed. She hurried to soothe the old woman.
"Please don't upset yourself. It's a good thing that Joel values loyalty. I really don't mind."
The servants kept their heads bowed, not daring to witness their masters' drama.
I looked up at Joel's flustered expression, then thought of the photos Kay sent me daily—like clockwork—of them in bed together.