Chapter: 1020

To come across Rita after all these years in this place was a shock so profound that it eclipsed even Elliana's wildest dreams.

As Elliana's joy peaked, questions popped into her mind. Why was her mother inside the Thompson estate, of all places? And why dressed as a servant?

Instinct screamed at Elliana to launch herself into her mother's arms, to close the yawning years with one tight embrace. Every part of her strained toward that impulse. But she couldn't. Not now. Not here. This was the Thompson family's turf, and she was under the disguise of a man. One careless move could doom them both. No, she would have to bury the instinct, hold steady, and wait.

Elliana forced calm over herself like armor, smothering the chaos roaring inside. Her expression cooled into polite neutrality. When she finally spoke, her tone was warm and casual. "Bexley, I was hoping you could help me with something. I'm not familiar with the smart devices in my room. Would you mind coming upstairs to show me how they work?"

"Of course. It would be my pleasure," Rita answered smoothly, every inch the obedient attendant.