Chapter 11

In her past life, Broderick held a powerful status, but apart from her, there had never been another woman by his side. Those who tried to throw themselves at him all ended up pretty miserably. Slowly, people stopped daring to make a move on him. Broderick had always been known for staying clean and restrained. Yet, in her previous life, Leslie had been fooled by the Green family and completely ignored him. Now that she had a second chance, there was no way she'd let him down. Anyone who had wronged him before, she'd make sure they paid for it. She just wanted to stay with Broderick, quietly and for life. If there was a next life, she'd still choose to be with him, again and again. After Broderick left, Leslie turned to Alfred. "Alfred, could you call all the staff over? I want to see them." Alfred looked at her, surprised. Meet the staff? Was she planning to take charge? But since Broderick had already instructed that Leslie would be in charge of everything at home when he wasn't around, Alfred simply nodded. "Yes, Miss Leslie." He gave the order right away. Whether they were tending to the garden, cleaning inside the house, or busy in the kitchen, every staff member dropped what they were doing. Everyone knew Broderick had gone out today to bring Leslie home. Some had even seen her arrive early in the morning. There had always been talk about how Leslie was spoiled and out of control, causing plenty of drama outside. Their dear Mr. Ackerley settling for a woman like her? Honestly, it felt like a bit of a letdown. "Seriously, Leslie just can't help herself." "Exactly. And now we're being summoned while we've still got chores to do." "What's her deal? Trying to throw her weight around?" "Ha! She's just a pretty face. She thinks she can run things? Wasn't she the one who tried to off herself by slitting her wrists half a month ago because she didn't want to get married?" "Too bad she didn't succeed." Grumbling and complaining, they headed toward the main house, all with annoyed expressions. Some among them gave subtle warnings-"enough talking." After all, Broderick picked her up himself. That had to mean something. Maybe she had a special place in his heart. Some of them had worked at Starcrest Manor for two or three years and had never seen Broderick bring a woman home. Leslie was the first. Leslie, whose hearing was incredibly sharp, had caught every whisper. Among these staff, some were actually planted spies from Broderick's relatives, while others were snuck in later by Samuel. They were there to help Leslie gather info on Broderick's company and track his every move. Leslie gestured to Alfred. "Alfred, my legs are tired. Could I trouble you for a chair? Thanks." Her tone was light and her smile sweet-no one could really say no. Alfred asked a staff member to bring over a chair for her. Leslie sat down on a white wicker chair, looking comfy and relaxed. With one hand resting on her cheek and her body leaning back, she looked effortlessly charming. By the time the staff arrived, this was what they saw-a stunning beauty with a laid-back vibe. They couldn't look away, men and women alike. Enchanting. Some had thought Broderick's looks were unmatched, but Leslie? She was on a whole other level. No wonder the third Miss Green had a reputation for being eye candy-it was clearly deserved. She really was beautiful. Right now, still young, she had that fresh, soft look. In a few years, she'd probably grow into a total head-turner. But so what if she was pretty? Word was she got into college by paying her way in. She'd already skipped classes for months. Failed almost all her courses. Just getting a diploma might be a struggle. Someone like that... could she really fit the role of Mrs. Ackerley? Was she even worthy of Broderick?