Chapter 20
It had already been three days since Yuliana returned from the orphanage.
During that time, she had been visiting the Bas Trading Company frequently.
She was discussing the purchase of the Bendel pine bark.
Of course, Bas didn’t understand the proposal right away, but Yuliana had convinced them to invest part of the money she received for “noble living expenses.”
She had also informed them in advance in case Jared contacted her.
In the meantime, the attitude of the mansion servants toward her had changed noticeably.
Especially after rumors of the orphanage fire began spreading among the people of the city.
Of course, some still looked at her with suspicion, but thankfully, Yuliana had quickly adapted to her role as lady of the Valdormer estate.
Her experience leading the Silversel family had definitely helped.
Thanks to that, preparations for the upcoming banquet were moving smoothly, and the butler—who had been exhausted without a proper lady in charge—was now starting to smile again.
“We’re planning to do a full remodel of the garden and greenhouse like you asked, Madam.”
“Please make sure everything is finished before the banquet.”
“Of course, Madam. Oh, and the new winter uniforms for the maids and servants have also arrived.”
Because she had saved more of the banquet budget than expected, she decided to spend the extra money on improving the staff’s working conditions.
“Actually, since there’s still some budget left, why not clean and organize the unused rooms in the mansion?”
Yuliana thought about the butler’s suggestion for a moment and nodded.
“There may not be enough money to renovate everything, so I’ll make a list of rooms to start with.”
“Yes, Madam. I’ll assist you however I can.”
Seeing the butler’s enthusiasm, Yuliana smiled.
And perhaps, while cleaning the rooms, she could uncover secrets hidden within Valdormer.
Especially the truth about the person who had ordered Jared to kill her and Denian in the past.
If that person truly was Kallion, the father of her child and the master of the house…
The thought made her blood boil.
But even if he was guilty, she had to find Denian.
And this time, she would protect her child—no matter the cost.
Just as she was thinking that, a voice called out to her.
“Um… Madam…”
It was a maid in a regular uniform.
Yuliana looked at her curiously.
“What is it?”
“I know this is bold of me… but I just wanted to say thank you.”
The maid gave a deep bow, her voice trembling.
“Truly, thank you!”
Yuliana looked surprised.
“Thank you? For what?”
The maid hesitated, then answered slowly.
“Actually… I’m from the Helloica Orphanage.”
Yuliana’s eyes widened in understanding.
She knew many children from that orphanage had been sent to work in Valdormer or with its vassals, but she hadn’t expected to meet one here.
“I heard you risked your life to save the children from the fire. Those kids are like younger siblings to me. I’m really, really grateful.”
Yuliana suddenly recognized the maid’s face—it looked familiar.
This girl…
In her past life, there had been a maid who had adored Denian.
Back when even the servants had avoided Denian because of Kallion’s cold behavior, this maid had been one of the few who treated him kindly.
To think they would meet again like this.
“What’s your name?”
“It’s Kate, Madam.”
In her past life, she hadn’t even known her name—only now did she finally learn it.
Maybe this too was fate.
Just like her encounter with Jared had changed because of the orphanage, maybe this meeting with Kate was another turning point.
If Yuliana wanted to investigate the secrets of Valdormer—while surrounded by enemies—she needed loyal allies.
She couldn’t fully trust someone from the Valdormer staff, but at the very least, Kate could become her eyes and ears.
Maybe even her hands and feet.
Yuliana gave her a gentle smile.
“Kate… would you like to become my personal maid?”
Kate’s eyes widened in shock.
“Me? Really?”
“Yes.”
“But I’m just a lowly maid who cleans…”
“That doesn’t matter.”
Yuliana smiled warmly, and Kate looked at her as if enchanted.
Then Yuliana added the final push.
“You’ll be paid ten times more than you earn now.”
Kate didn’t hesitate.
“I’ll do it! I accept!”
Yuliana gave her a pleased smile, and Kate shyly smiled back.
“I’ll serve you with all my heart!”
Kate was full of determination.
***
As the butler had suggested, Yuliana started organizing the mansion’s unused rooms—while also searching for anything suspicious.
Of course, she didn’t expect Kallion to leave anything obvious lying around.
Still, she told Kate to check the guest rooms and empty rooms on the first floor, while she headed up to the third floor.
That floor had Kallion’s office—and many empty rooms.
Strangely enough, she had never been allowed on the third floor in her past life.
Maybe that’s why it seemed the most suspicious now.
Luckily, the rooms she checked at first didn’t seem unusual.
But then she reached the last room at the very end of the third floor.
She hadn’t even known such a large room existed.
She opened the huge door and stepped inside, finding a spacious bedroom.
It was decorated in an elegant and classic style, and it looked like someone had been living there.
But she knew Kallion’s room was on the second floor…
The butler had told her that none of the other rooms on the third floor were being used.
Besides, the decor here was clearly feminine—fancy dressers, a large vanity, and an elaborate dressing room.
She opened drawers to check, but found nothing suspicious.
Maybe she had been overthinking it.
Even if Kallion hated the Heister family, surely he wouldn’t hurt his own child.
At least on the surface, he always fiercely protected those he considered part of his territory.
Then she saw a photo frame lying face down on a table.
She walked over slowly and picked it up.
But before she could see who was in the picture, someone grabbed her wrist tightly.
“What are you doing here?”
Kallion.
He must have entered while the door was slightly open.
His grip on her wrist was painfully strong, and she frowned in discomfort.
“I was inspecting the rooms to be cleaned.”
“Inspecting…?”
She tried to pull her hand free, but he wouldn’t let go.
She looked up at him, and her expression froze.
His face was cold—so cold it made her shiver.
But his eyes weren’t cold… they were burning with unexplained rage.
Without another word, he grabbed her and started dragging her out of the room.
She struggled against him.
“Wait, at least let me put that down…!”
The pain in her wrist made her gasp, but Kallion didn’t care.
He yanked her out of the room harshly.
Her wrist was red and throbbing, and she was breathing hard from the pain.
“Who gave you permission to enter that room?”
His amethyst-colored eyes were glowing dangerously, unlike his usual calm expression.
Why was he so angry?
Was there really a secret hidden in that room?
“Didn’t you give me full control over the mansion?”
Her calm reply only seemed to make him angrier.
He yanked her wrist tighter and stared at her from just inches away, like he might kill her.
Their breaths were almost touching.
“Damn you, Heister.”
His eyes were bloodshot with fury as he growled.
“Did you forget what I said? Just sit quietly like a doll and do nothing.”
He spat out his next words.
“This isn’t a place for someone like you.”
Someone like me?
So, even after giving me authority, you haven’t changed at all.
Ignoring the pain, Yuliana stared him down coldly.
“So, it’s not actually an unused room, is it?”
She muttered under her breath, just loud enough for him to hear.
“If it was that important, you should’ve told me in advance.”
They were so close, the only thing they could hear was each other’s ragged breathing.
They locked eyes in silence—and between them flowed a tense energy.
It was wild, almost like two beasts ready to bite each other.
