Chapter 22: Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Maria shook her head slightly and lifted the corners of her lips. “It’s nothing.

However, the lingering sadness in her eyes remained. She spoke in a calm tone. “My mother is much better at cooking than 1 am. When she was young, she specialized in culinary arts, excelling in different types of cuisines.”

“Wow! That’s amazing! No wonder Miss Greenwood’s cooking is so delicious. I’d love to meet your mother if I get the chance,” Paige exclaimed with admiration.

Maria pursed her lips and replied, still in a subdued tone, “Maybe someday.”

Paige noticed Maria’s slightly low spirits and decided not to dwell on this topic. Glancing at the butler and Karen not far from the kitchen, she kindly warned Maria, “Miss Greenwood, you offended the butler today. Be careful. He might complain to Mr. Johnston about you.”

Maria looked at Paige and nodded. “Okay. Thank you.”

Paige didn’t linger anymore and left the kitchen.

Maria finished her breakfast, cleaned the dishes, and took her medicine.

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At that moment, the butler came to her again. “Miss Greenwood, your room is ready. Shall I take there?”

Maria nodded. “Okay.”

The butler turned around, a hint of disdain flashing in his eyes. He led Maria downstairs to a room behind the staircase. “Miss Greenwood, this is the room arranged by Mr. Johnston for you.”

Maria opened the door, and a musty smell greeted her. She waved her hand before her, and using the light from outside, she inspected the room.

It was around 100 square feet. There was a window with closed curtains and a bed taking up half of the space. The other half was used as storage for random items.

Whether it was Frank’s intention or the butler’s, it was clear they meant to make things difficult for her.

Maria did not mind. The small room, though not ideal, was still a place for her to stay.

She fetched a broom and a rag, spending over an hour cleaning every nook and cranny until it was spotless.

When Maria got ready to spend the night in the room, someone from Basil’s side came to escort her over for dinner.

She had to leave the villa and take a car to Basil’s residence.

The place where Basil lived was approximately an hour away from Johnston Court.

During the ride, Maria nervously asked the butler sent by Basil, “Is Mr. Basil only expecting me?”

“I’ve informed Mr. Frank, but he’s quite busy. It’s very likely he won’t be able to come until tomorrow. Mr. Basil asked you to come and accompany him first,” the middle–aged butler named James replied respectfully.

Maria fell silent. She suspected that Frank might be using his busy schedule as an excuse to avoid going with her to see Basil.

Thinking of Basil, Maria couldn’t help but miss him.

She didn’t understand why Basil treated her so well. Despite Frank’s insistence that she wasn’t the girl from years ago, Basil- remained adamant that Maria was.

The kindness Maria had experienced was only felt before her mother fell into a coma. Since her mother fell into a coma, it

had been a long time since anyone treated her like family.

At this thought, Maria wanted to see Basil sooner. She wanted to spend more time with the old man and care for him.

After an hour’s journey, Maria could see the silhouette of the mansion from a distance. When the car arrived, Maria eagerly got out and walked towards the main house.

She loudly called out to the wide–open main gate, “Mr. Basil, I’m here!”

Just as she was about to enter, she noticed a tall figure leaning against the entrance.

Maria froze.