The yellow light glowed, engines revved to life, and as soon as the traffic signal turned green, the two of them shot forward on their bikes.
Just as Max had said, the Tate family’s gates were wide open. They slipped inside without a hitch, but instead of heading straight for the main house, they looped around toward the staff quarters.
“It’s the middle of the night–when you said we wereing to the Tates, you nearly gave me a heart attack,” Ste muttered,
“I figured you knew what was up when you just replied, ‘Ten minutes,” Alessia shot back.
Ste grinned, rubbing her nose. “I live for speed. Pretty loyal, huh? Admit it.”
She nudged Alessia with her elbow, and Alessia immediately nudged her back. They shared an unspoken understanding, a silentugh passing between them.
“But seriously, why aren’t we heading to the house? What are we doing out here?”
They circled to the front entrance, where Butler Dawson was already waiting for
them.
Alessia gave Ste a small nod. Ste got the message and zipped her lips, miming it with her fingers.
“Miss Morton,” Butler Dawson greeted, bowing his head slightly.
“Butler Dawson, would you show us the way?” Alessia replied, skipping the pleasantries.
He nodded and led them into the staff quarters. Ste’s curiosity was obvious, but she didn’t ask; she simply stuck close to Alessia’s side.
They followed Butler Dawson down the corridor, stopping at the very end.
“Mae Lewis is inside,” he said quietly.
“Thank you.” Alessia’s words were barely out before Butler Dawson bowed and retreated.
“I’ll wait for you out here,” Ste said, shrugging and pointing toward the hallway
corner.
Once Ste had gone, Alessia knocked on the door. There were a few soft sounds from within, then the door creaked open.
14-44
“Miss<b>…</b><b>?</b><b>” </b>Mae blinked as if she doubted her own eyes. “Miss <b>Morton</b><b>?</b><b>” </b>
“<b>Mae</b><b>. </b>It’s been a while.”
“What brings you here, especially sote?” Mae stepped aside, and Alessia finally noticed the cast on her hand.
“I heard you were hurt and wanted to check in. May Ie in?”
“Of course, of course! Sorry the room’s a bit small, and I haven’t had a chance to tidy up with this hand, so please don’t mind the mess.”
She moved aside, inviting Alessia in.
Mae had worked here for over a decade, joining the Tate estate around the same time as Butler Dawson. She didn’t have to share with the rest of the staff–her own modest studio was neatly arranged and homey, reflecting Mae’s quiet, practical
nature.
“I’m afraid all I have is water to offer,” Mae said, her cheeks coloring slightly as she poured a ss. “But the ss is clean, I promise.” Her skin was dark and weathered, and it was clear she’d been looked down on for it before. She always worried people might think she wasn’t clean enough. But her skills and work ethic had kept her at the Tate estate longer than anyone expected.
Whenever Alessia turned up her nose at dinner, Mae would work her magic to whip up simplefort food that always hit the spot–a talent that exined why the estate’s official chefs seemed toe and go so quickly.
Why bother with a fancy chef when Mae could handle it better?
“Mae, I’m not the Tate family’s little princess anymore. If you don’t mind, just call me Lessie,” Alessia said softly, taking a sip of water. She smiled, gentle and warm under themplight.
“Oh, I couldn’t possibly…” Mae fidgeted, caught between embarrassment and pride.
“Why not? From the day you joined the Tates to the day I left, you cared for me more than any staff member ever had. Now that I’m no longer the family’s heiress, there’s no need for all this formality. ‘Lessie‘ is just fine, don’t you think?”
Mae’s face was a jumble of nervousness and real affection. “You were always such a good, considerate child. Anyone would have loved you. I just did what anyone in my position should have done.”
<b>Chapter </b>178