Chapter 390:
Neither Harold’s nor Belinda’s expressions changed.
At that moment, Norma intervened, saying, “Harold, dismissing her now might lead others to suspect wrongdoing on our part, which could further damage Belinda’s image. Let’s cut her pay for six months as a warning to her and the other maids.”
Harold looked at Norma, catching the signal in her glance. His eyes briefly flickered as he understood her intent. Composing himself, he addressed the maid sternly. “You will forfeit six months’ wages. Let this be your last warning. Repeat this, and there will be no leniency!”
“I understand! Such a mistake won’t occur again! Thank you for your forgiveness, Mr. and Mrs. Clark. Thank you, Belinda,” the maid responded hastily, her voice filled with gratitude.
For someone employed at the prestigious Clark family’s estate, losing half a year’s salary was a harsh penalty. Yet, it was a sacrifice she could accept to maintain her position here.
“Alright, you can leave now,” Harold said, dismissing her with a wave of his hand, clearly impatient.
“Yes, sir.” The maid left swiftly.
Harold then turned to Belinda. He was about to speak when Belinda said, “Harold, Norma, I’m quite exhausted. I think I’ll head up to rest now.”
Harold held her gaze, wanting to say something. But eventually, he just nodded and replied, “Very well, go and rest now.”
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Belinda flashed a quick smile at Harold. “Happy birthday, Harold.”
“Thank you,” Harold responded with a smile, though inwardly, he felt a sense of resignation. With these developments, Harold could sense the direction things were heading, diminishing any real joy in his celebrations.
Belinda stood up and made her way out of the living room, heading to the upper floor.
Harold’s face grew stern as soon as Belinda left. He faced Norma, his voice tinged with suspicion. “Do you think there is something wrong with that maid?”
Norma gave a subtle nod. “Yes, something doesn’t sit right. I think we should keep a watch on her without drawing attention.”
Harold chose to remain silent after hearing that.
Meanwhile, Belinda was in her room, changing from her evening attire into something more comfortable. She then settled on the sofa, her mind on whether Lucas would return in the evening. Not long after, the sound of the door opening echoed in the room. Belinda’s gaze snapped to the door.
Lucas was at the door.
Their eyes locked, sharing a silent exchange of complex emotions.
Lucas then entered the room, shutting the door gently behind him. He walked towards Belinda with determined steps and broke the silence with a direct question. “Why did you push Verena?”
Belinda couldn’t suppress a laugh, though it was tinged with bitterness and self-derision. She looked at Lucas, her lips parting as she chose to respond with a question of her own instead of an explanation. “So… you still believe what Verena said, don’t you?”
“I saw you reach out your hand,” Lucas said calmly, his deep voice adding weight to his words as he looked at Belinda.
Belinda’s voice rose sharply in response. “You think just because you saw my hand move, I was the one who pushed Verena?”
