Chapter 20
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When Stellar returned home, Claude suddenly informed her, “Stellar, I’m entrusting the Riverside and Brighton project to you. I’ll be leaving for a while to handle some matters. Make sure to take care of yourself while I’m away.”
Stellar immediately understood. The Rivers family’s foundation was rooted in Southport, and with Claude managing countless responsibilities, he couldn’t stay here definitely. She nodded with understanding.
“Uncle, don’t worry. Focus on your work. I’ll take good care of myself and ensure the project is completed successfully,”
Her thoughtfulness only made Claude more concerned.
After a moment’s hesitation, he pulled out a sleek black card from his pocket and firmly placed it in her hand.
“Take this card. It’s got a little money on it. Use it as you need, and don’t even think about refusing. If you try, I’ll just convert it all into gifts and send them your way.”
He left no room for argument.
Stellar couldn’t help but laugh, ultimately accepting the card.
“Thank you, Uncle. I promise to use it.”
“And remember, no matter how big or small the issue, call me. Don’t try to handle it all on your own.
Stellar nodded repeatedly, laughing at his persistence but genuinely touched by his care. “I promise, Uncle.”
Claude wasn’t done. “One more thing–tomorrow, a housekeeper will arrive to help manage things. She’s very experienced and will keep everything organized. Don’t refuse her help.”
Stellar knew better than to argue and accepted the arrangement.
“Alright, Uncle, it’s late. You should get some rest.”
H
Still not entirely reassured, Claude handed her a slip of paper with a phone number on it. “One more thing–I’ve arranged for your other uncle to come and stay with you soon. In the meantime, if you run into any trouble, call this number. Don’t try to handle everything on your own, all right?”
Stellar glanced at the number, not recognizing it, but seeing the deep concern in Claude’s eyes, she agreed. “Got it. Don’t worry; Uncle!”
With that, she carefully tucked the number away.
The next morning, Stellar woke to an unusual stillness in the villa.
Claude’s room was already empty.
He must have left early, probably to avoid an emotional farewell. The thought stirred a bittersweet warmth in her chest, which she quickly pushed aside.
When she made her way downstairs to the dining room, she found a beautifully arranged breakfast on the table. The spread was both elegant and nutritious, and the aroma was simply irresistible.
Curious, she stepped outside into the garden and noticed a woman in her late forties or early fifties, dressed in a work uniform, meticulously trimming the hedges. The entire garden looked freshly pruned and exceptionally beautiful like it had been carefully curated for her arrival.
Hearing Stellar approach, the woman turned and smiled warmly. “Good morning, Miss Rivers. I’m Mary Warren,
Chapter 20
sent by Mr. Rivers to take care of you.”
“Good morning, Mary. Did you prepare the breakfast?”
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“Yes, Miss. I consulted Mr. Rivers about your preferences in advance and prepared both Western and Eastern options for you to choose from. If there’s anything you’re not satisfied with, please let me know.”
“No complaints at all.” Stellar shook her head, then gestured toward the garden. “Did you take care of the garden too? It’s stunning.
“Thank you, Miss Rivers. I specialize in horticulture, so this is my strong suit. If you have any particular flowers you’d like, just let me know, and I’ll plant and maintain them for you.”
A brief conversation revealed that Mary was polite, professional, and well–spoken–clearly someone with significant training. Stellar couldn’t help but wonder about her background.
“Where did you work before coming here?”
For a moment, Mary hesitated, then replied with a faint smile. “Miss, I worked for the Rivers family for many
years.”
Hearing this, Stellar felt reassured. She hadn’t realized how much care Claude took, even arranging for someone so skilled to look after her. His thoughtfulness was overwhelming.
