That brought a smile to my lips.
Mr. Shaw rarely addresses me by name—somehow, his tone, laced with sincerity, as if a father spoke to his daughter, warmth to my heart.
I never met my father. When Mom visited his grave, she told me he died saving Mr. Raymond Collins, now my adoptive father.
Mom died of cancer, not long after my father. Treatment exhausted her body.
I was twelve then, so the Collinses adopted me out of pity.
Since then, I have helped the housemaid in the kitchen until I perfected my adoptive mom's recipes for villa guests.
"Mrs. Han, I'm here."
I announced it to the maid, who was busy at the sink, washing the vegetables and spices. She turned around and had a surprised look on her face.
"Young Miss, why are you here?"
She asked, worried, but her eyes showed relief when she saw me.
At her age, she should be retired, but Mrs. Han says she has no family and wants to serve the Collinses until her last breath.
"Mom called me to help you, Mrs. Han," I informed her. Just then, she smiled at me.
"I see. This is the list Mrs. Collins requested us to prepare."
She gave me the list of Mom's requests. I saw that every menu item was Monica's favorite food.
Now it all made sense: Chad had left me in an instant because Monica, who called earlier, had returned.
'So she is back…'
Two years ago, Monica wished to study abroad to join the Italian Theater. However, given Collins' status at the time, Monica needed a sponsor, and the Murray Corporation stepped in to back her.
With that, Mom Yolanda often boasted to her social circle that Monica was engaged to Chad. Some raise questions, but Mom is quick to come up with an excuse that they didn't announce it yet, until Monica had succeeded in her acting career.
So I wonder why Monica is home now. Could she and Chad finally announce their relationship and get engaged?
But what about me?
I was lost in thought when Mrs. Han tapped me on the back and announced, "We're done, Miss Jessie."
I was arranging the centerpiece on the table when she approached me. I nodded at her and stretched my sore arms. "Finally, then…"
After I finished arranging the table, Mrs. Han approached me with a warm smile. "I'm so glad you are here," she said. "You are such an angel, blessed by heaven to me."
Her words moved me. Honestly, I should be telling her that.
When I arrived at the Collins villa, only Raymond Collins welcomed me. However, Dad is often overseas to expand his business, so Mrs. Yolanda hates it when I call her mom—she only allows it when Dad is there. Without Mrs. Han, I'd always be a stranger here.
Don't mention it, Mrs. Han. I'm grateful for your help since the beginning. Without you, I couldn't have finished cooking.
Yolanda and Monica often travel abroad for months, so I only speak with Mrs. Han and Mr. Shaw.
Once finished, I took off my apron, washed my face, applied light makeup, and put on my glasses.
In this family, I can't wear fancy clothes that outshine Monica. When Dad takes us shopping, Mrs. Yolanda chooses old styles for me and buys the latest for Monica.
As the adopted Collins daughter, I wore whatever Mom gave me. I knew my place and never complained, even after I became Dad's secretary at Collins Group.
The night before my first day at the company, Mom knocked on my bedroom door in the maid's quarters and threw out her old clothes at me.
When the employees saw me the following day, they all laughed at my terrible fashion sense.
That's why no one believed I was a registered daughter in the Collins household. Only thanks to Dad did I finally have enough allowance to buy a pair of proper business suits.
Later, I told Mrs. Han before heading out, "I'm going back to the company… I have a dinner meeting with Dad's business partner, so don't wait for me."
When I open the door, Yolanda and Monica are shocked to see me.
"Jessica?" Monica scanned me from head to toe, her eyes narrowing with disgust at my thick brows, pale lips, and old clothes, though a hint of satisfaction flickered across her face. "I missed you, sister!" she said, voice dripping with false affection.
Suddenly, she jumped up and hugged me. But I noticed her eyes rolled when she brushed her designer clothes against mine.
However, with Chad present, she must suppress her cold attitude toward me and put on a facade of a sweet and kind sister.
"Welcome home, big sister."
If Monica can act as if we're close, I can play along too. I hugged her back, forcing a smile despite the discomfort twisting inside me. I noticed Monica's mouth twitch with poorly concealed disgust.
Monica's hug lasts only a minute. She steps away, still smiling, and moves to Chad.
"Chad is joining us for dinner. But it looks like you're about to head out, am I right, sis?"
Monica may sound harmless, but as someone who has lived with her for fifteen years, I know her words carry profound meaning.
She doesn't want me around to disgust her and Chad.
"Dad asked me to attend a crucial meeting tonight in his place," I explained.
"Yes. It was a crucial discussion. Since you didn't announce your arrival, I cannot postpone it at the eleventh hour. Mr. Edison is an important business partner. So Jessica is the best representative I could send," Dad chimed.
Since Dad had spoken up for me, Monica didn't ask any more questions, and Mom looked relieved.
"I'm leaving now, Dad, Mom, Sis…" I gave a partial bow as I said goodbye. Of course, before I left, I made sure to show Chad my respect. "Good night, Mr. Murray."
I could only breathe inside the Maybach. With two hours until my 8 p.m. meeting, I left the company to pick up the contract at Dad's office before heading to the agreed location.
When I arrived at the hotel, I approached the receptionist. "Room for one, please," I said, handing over my company ID and credit card. With time on my side, I decided to book a room to wash up and change into clean clothes.
Tonight, I will meet an Edison executive, and I need to maintain our decade-long partnership by looking presentable.
"Miss Collins, someone already made a reservation for you. Here's the keycard. Please, enjoy your stay."
I was taken aback, a mix of surprise and apprehension rising as I recognized that the keycard belonged to Chadrick.