Chapter 384

Cassandra smirked with satisfaction at Nathaniel's stunned expression. "You heard me right.

I'm the true Mrs. Grayson now - the woman every servant in this house should obey!"

Theodore had faced countless challenging situations in his decades of service, mastering the art of maintaining composure.

Yet even he couldn't suppress a sudden burst of laughter at Cassandra's outrageous claim. His amusement proved contagious, sparking chuckles among the assembled staff.

Cassandra flushed crimson under their mocking gazes. "How dare you laugh at me! I'm speaking the truth!"

Theodore quickly schooled his features back into professional neutrality. "My apologies, Miss Whitmore. Perhaps you're still suffering from jet lag? We have excellent guest rooms on the second floor if you'd like to rest."

"You—" Cassandra's hands clenched into fists, humiliation burning through her. "Ugh! I won't waste my breath explaining to ignorant servants. Just wait - you'll all regret treating me this way!"

The staff exchanged pitying glances, their expressions suggesting they doubted Cassandra's mental stability.

Furious, Cassandra whirled to face Evelyn watching calmly from the third-floor landing. If she couldn't intimidate the servants, she'd redirect her rage toward an easier target.

"Stop gawking, Evelyn! Get down here now! We've waited long enough!"

Evelyn stretched lazily before descending with deliberate slowness. "Theodore, please escort the staff out. I'll handle my... family... alone."

The butler hesitated. "Miss Whitmore, are you certain—"

He didn't trust the Whitmores' hostile demeanor or their apparent estrangement from Evelyn. The situation felt volatile.

Evelyn offered a reassuring smile. "They won't bite. At least, not hard enough to draw blood."

"Very well." Theodore bowed before ushering the staff out, though he discreetly stationed several maids nearby.

With the audience gone, Cassandra lunged forward, hand raised to strike—only for Evelyn to intercept her wrist mid-swing.

"Tsk tsk." Evelyn tutted, arching one eyebrow. "Is this how you greet family after so long? What would Nathaniel think if he saw his future bride behaving like a fishwife?"

Cassandra struggled against Evelyn's iron grip, her frustration mounting. Though she cared nothing for Evelyn's opinion, the mention of Nathaniel's potential disapproval gave her pause.

This was the Grayson estate after all. If word of her temper reached Nathaniel, it could damage their budding relationship. Better to play the demure lady—for now.

She wrenched her arm free, wiping her wrist as if contaminated. "Father's waiting in the parlor. He has questions for you, so move your lazy ass!"