Chapter 401

The tension in the air was palpable as Vivian Hartley exited the vehicle without another word. Her manicured fingers curled around the door handle with deliberate precision. "Hand it over," she demanded, her voice cutting through the silence like a blade.

Gwendolyn Pierce's eyes darted nervously, her retreating steps betraying her guilt. "Mrs. Hartley, it's just some expired seafood. Really not worth your attention."

Adrian Blackwood emerged soundlessly from the car, his towering frame casting a shadow over the scene. His presence alone made the atmosphere suffocating.

Vivian's lips pressed into a thin line. "The Blackwood estate has never served substandard ingredients. Leave the bag here. I'll have our supplier explain this disgrace personally."

Gwendolyn's shoulders hunched defensively. "It wasn't from your kitchen. I... I bought it myself. It was cheaper." She attempted to sidestep them, but Ethan Caldwell moved with panther-like grace, blocking her escape route.

Ethan's voice turned razor sharp. "You were explicitly told during orientation - no outside food without authorization. Every ingredient in this house is specially sourced."

In one fluid motion, he seized the plastic bag from her trembling hands. His expert fingers examined the contents before passing it to Vivian and Adrian. "Not seafood," he announced. "Health supplements."

Vivian's brow furrowed as she recognized the packaging. She glanced at Adrian. "Isn't this your mother's special formulation?"

Adrian's gaze turned glacial as it locked onto Gwendolyn. "Start talking."

When the housekeeper remained silent, Ethan delivered the final blow. "If you prefer, we can involve the authorities. Do you know the market value of these supplements? Enough for felony charges."

The color drained from Gwendolyn's face.

She collapsed to the pavement, her performance beginning. "Please, Mrs. Hartley!" Fake tears streaked her cheeks. "My son just got engaged! I only wanted to help his fiancée's health. There was so much... I thought no one would miss a little."

Vivian's expression hardened. "After all these years working here, you resort to theft? I've always allowed staff to take leftovers. Why steal what you could have asked for?"

Gwendolyn's wails grew louder, though her eyes remained dry. "I was weak! I couldn't resist!"

Vivian made a sharp cutting motion with her hand. "Enough. This ends now." She turned to Ethan. "Calculate her severance and arrange transport. She leaves Seabreeze Villa immediately."

Gwendolyn's desperate gaze flew to Adrian. "Mr. Blackwood! I've served your family for decades! I'll forfeit my entire month's salary to repay this!"

The housekeeper position at the Blackwood estate paid better than most corporate jobs, with benefits most servants could only dream of. More importantly, it had been her steady source of income to cover her son's gambling debts and their extravagant lifestyle. Losing this position meant financial ruin.

Her mind raced for another angle, another performance that might save her. But the cold finality in Vivian's eyes told her the show was over.