Chapter 381

The two maids exchanged glances.

"Does she think she can waltz in here making demands just because she's Evelyn's sister?" one whispered.

They'd been trained never to show displeasure to guests, so they maintained polite expressions while leading the Whitmores inside.

Cassandra had visited the estate grounds before with Evelyn, but never stepped foot in the main house. Her eyes darted around greedily, taking in every detail.

When they reached the inner courtyard, her face twisted in distaste.

Crossing her arms like she owned the place, she sneered at the landscaping. "This place isn't terrible, but this outdated Victorian decor has to go. We'll need a complete renovation after I move in."

She pointed dramatically at the ancient pine tree. "That eyesore blocks all the sunlight. Chop it down immediately. And these marble tiles? Replace them with championship-grade turf - and plant my signature roses, of course. Only royal European gardens suit my celebrity status."

Victoria nodded eagerly. "Absolutely, darling. Such a waste of space otherwise."

The maids barely concealed their shock. Every plant in this courtyard was priceless - especially the century-old pine that predated Nathaniel's birth. And those "rustic" potted orchids? Mr. Grayson's prized collection worth more than diamonds.

Bowen - no, Theodore - waited in the grand hall with practiced patience. His smile remained perfectly polite as the Whitmores entered.

"Mr. Whitmore, Mrs. Blackwood, Miss Whitmore, welcome. Madam will join you shortly."

Cassandra smirked. "Oh, you're that fossil who spoke through the intercom."

Theodore's smile faltered for half a second before professionalism won out. "Theodore Whitmore, head butler. At your service."

She looked him up and down with disdain. "We'll need to replace you too. Far too ancient."

His eyebrows twitched. Never in his decades of service had anyone been so brazenly rude.

Before he could finish offering refreshments, the Whitmores barged past him into the living room, sprawling on the antique sofas like they owned them.

Theodore exhaled slowly. In all his years serving the Graysons, he'd never witnessed such appalling manners - not even from visiting royalty.

'Well,' he thought dryly, 'there's a first time for everything.'