Chapter 6

A sharp scream rang out from Rowena. "That's so scary!" Alison's expression shifted instantly, her concern spilling out. "What are you standing around for? Get Rowena out of here! What if she's traumatized?" At her words, Benedict quickly stepped forward, covering Rowena's eyes as he gently led her away. "It's okay. Don't be scared. My mom's just teaching her a lesson. It has nothing to do with you," he murmured. It wasn't until the last drop of water had emptied from the kettle that the housekeeper finally released Minerva's hands. The mug fell from her blistered fingers, shattering on the floor. Alison didn't even glance her way. She rose and walked out as if nothing had happened. Minerva looked down at her scalded, red hands and gave a bitter smile. By the time she had treated her burns and made her way to the dining room, Benedict, Rowena, and Alison were already seated, enjoying dinner. Alison, ever the attentive hostess, was filling Rowena's plate and urging her to eat more. Rowena nodded shyly, smiling sweetly. Alison gazed at her with fondness, then sighed. "If only you were my daughter-in-law. That would be perfect." The air shifted the moment those words were said. Finally, Benedict spoke, his voice low. "Mom, Minerva is still here." Alison didn't care. She shot Minerva an irritated glance and waved dismissively. If Benedict's affection for Rowena was hidden just beneath the surface, Alison's was the opposite—blatant and proud. She had never made it a secret that she liked Rowena and had always wanted her as her daughter-in-law. If Benedict hadn't insisted on marrying Minerva back then, Alison would have gotten her wish long ago. For a brief second, Minerva wanted to say it out loud that Rowena was her daughter-in-law now, but before she could speak, Alison snapped coldly, "What are you standing there for? Hurry up and serve the dishes." Yes, serving food was another "rule" Alison had created specifically for Minerva. At every meal, Minerva had to stand by the table, peeling shrimp and picking out fish bones for them. By the time she was allowed to eat, only scraps remained. Minerva glanced at Rowena, who was watching her with smug satisfaction, and suddenly said, "Why don't we have Rowena learn this too?" After all, the one marrying into the Robertson family in this life was Rowena. The smile on Rowena's face froze. "She'll never need to learn things like that," Benedict replied flatly, placing a peeled shrimp onto Rowena's plate. Minerva lowered her gaze, hiding the irony in her eyes. "Benedict, you're wrong. In seven days, she'll be your bride," she thought. … After dinner, Rowena kept glancing at her phone. Benedict leaned in, concerned. "What's wrong?" "I almost forgot that I have a concert to get to. If I leave now, will Mrs. Robertson be upset?" "It's fine. I'll go with you," Benedict said gently. Then, he stood up and said aloud, "Mom, there's an urgent matter at work I need to handle. I'm heading out." Alison didn't question it. She waved him off without a second thought. Benedict gave Rowena a quick look, and she rose immediately, politely bidding Alison goodbye. In no time, the two of them disappeared from view. Minerva, having seen it all, couldn't help but feel a deep, bitter sense of irony. She had spent a lifetime with Benedict, and in all that time, he had been devoted only to his work. She had never known he liked concerts. She hadn't expected him to lie to his mother just to take someone else to one either. At this rate, he'd probably handle future in-law drama with ease. Once Benedict left, Minerva had no reason to stay either. She didn't look at Alison. She simply turned and walked out, ignoring the crash of a cup smashing to the floor behind her. Alison didn't like her, so, of course, she wouldn't offer her a ride back. And Benedict? He wasn't coming back for her. The mansion sat deep inside a private estate. Cabs couldn't get in, so Minerva had to walk. It took her three full hours to get home. Her heels were torn, and her feet were covered in blisters. She applied ointment to her injuries before going to sleep.